Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization

Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization of the States :

1. Gandhiji, in 1948, had argued for the reorganization of provinces on a linguistic basis
2. The Constituent Assembly recommended it to be incorporated in the Constitution of India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2024

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct answer is D) Neither 1 nor 2.

Both statements are incorrect regarding the historical facts surrounding the linguistic reorganization of states in India. Gandhiji’s stance in 1948, particularly after Partition, was marked by caution regarding linguistic reorganization of states, despite the Congress party’s earlier commitment to the principle for its own organizational structure. The Constituent Assembly also did not recommend incorporating linguistic reorganization into the Constitution as a mandate.

1. While the Indian National Congress, influenced by Gandhiji, had adopted the principle of linguistic provinces for its own administrative divisions much earlier (e.g., 1920), the stance of national leaders, including Nehru, Patel, and likely reflecting Gandhi’s concerns, immediately after independence (1947-48) was cautious due to the challenges of integrating princely states and dealing with the aftermath of Partition. The Dhar Commission (1948) and the JVP Committee (1948-49) both initially recommended against immediate linguistic reorganization on grounds of national unity and administrative efficiency. Therefore, stating that Gandhiji “argued for” it in 1948 as a policy for state reorganization is not accurate in the context of the prevailing official attitude and his own likely reservations post-Partition.
2. The Constituent Assembly debated the issue but did not include a specific recommendation for linguistic reorganization as a constitutional principle. The Constitution of India, as adopted in 1950, did not mandate states reorganization on linguistic lines. The authority for reorganizing states was vested in the Parliament (Article 3). The actual comprehensive linguistic reorganization of states was largely carried out based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) formed in 1953, leading to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-