Justice Jagan Mohan Reddy Committee Report, 1953

<<2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The Justice Jagan Mohan Reddy Committee Report of 1953 stands as a pivotal document in the history of the Telangana movement in India. Commissioned in the wake of the 1952 Mulki Agitation, the report aimed to investigate the causes and consequences of the unrest that had gripped the region.

Background of the Mulki Agitation

The Mulki Agitation of 1952 was a socio-political movement centered on the issue of "Mulki Rules." These rules, established during the Nizam's rule in Hyderabad State, granted preferential treatment to "Mulkis" or native residents in matters of Education and employment. After the integration of Hyderabad State into India in 1948, the Mulki Rules continued, creating resentment among non-Mulki residents who felt discriminated against. The agitation escalated with protests, demonstrations, and violence, prompting the government to appoint the Justice Jagan Mohan Reddy Committee to investigate the matter.

The Committee's Mandate

The committee, headed by Justice Pingali Jaganmohan Reddy, was tasked with examining the following:

The circumstances that led to the Mulki Agitation.

The validity and applicability of the Mulki Rules in the changed political landscape.

The impact of the agitation on public order and administration.

The Committee's Findings

The committee, after extensive investigation, made several crucial findings:

Historical Context: The report delved into the historical background of the Mulki Rules, their evolution under the Nizam's rule, and their implications for different sections of the Population.

Grievances: The report acknowledged the grievances of both Mulkis and non-Mulkis. While Mulkis feared losing their privileges, non-Mulkis resented the perceived discrimination in education and employment opportunities.

Economic Disparities: The committee observed that the Mulki Rules had contributed to economic disparities between Mulkis and non-Mulkis, with the former enjoying preferential treatment in government jobs and educational institutions.

Social Tensions: The agitation had led to social tensions and a breakdown of communal harmony in some areas.

Government Response: The report was critical of the government's handling of the situation, pointing out delays in addressing grievances and a lack of effective Communication.

Recommendations

Based on its findings, the committee made several recommendations:

Review of Mulki Rules: The committee recommended a comprehensive review of the Mulki Rules to ensure fairness and Equity for all residents of Hyderabad State.

Gradual Phase-Out: It suggested a gradual phasing out of the Mulki Rules, with a timeline to ensure a smooth transition and avoid sudden disruptions.

Affirmative Action: The report proposed affirmative action programs to address the educational and economic backwardness of non-Mulki residents.

Promoting Integration: The committee emphasized the need for measures to promote integration and social harmony between Mulkis and non-Mulkis.

Good Governance: It called for better governance, transparency, and responsiveness to public grievances to prevent future unrest.

Impact and Legacy

The Justice Jagan Mohan Reddy Committee Report had a significant impact on the course of events in Hyderabad State:

Public Discourse: The report fueled public discourse on the Mulki issue, bringing it to the forefront of political and social discussions.

Policy Changes: The government initiated a review of the Mulki Rules, leading to their eventual abolition.

Social Reforms: The report's recommendations on affirmative action and social integration paved the way for policies aimed at reducing disparities and promoting harmony.

Telangana Movement: The report played a crucial role in shaping the Telangana movement, which sought separate statehood for the Telangana region within Hyderabad State. It highlighted the regional disparities and the need for equitable development.

The Justice Jagan Mohan Reddy Committee Report of 1953 remains a valuable historical document that sheds Light on a critical period in the history of Telangana. It provides insights into the socio-political dynamics of the time, the grievances of different communities, and the government's response to a major agitation. The report's findings and recommendations had a lasting impact on the region, contributing to the abolition of the Mulki Rules, the emergence of the Telangana movement, and the eventual formation of the state of Telangana in 2014.