Question

What was the task of the States Reorganisation Commission? What was its most salient recommendation?

Answer 1

The States Reorganisation Commission was formed in 1953 to recommend the reorganisation of states in response to growing linguistic pressures within the country.
The commission which was headed by the former chief justice of the Supreme Court Fazal Ali, made the following recommendations.

a. The Commission recommended reorganisation of states on linguistic and cultural basis.

b. On the basis of the report passed by the Commission in 1956, 14 states and 6 union territories were created.

c. It also recommended the creation of states on linguistic basis and adequately safeguarding the interest of linguistic minorities.

d. The Commission also recommended the creation of All India Services for proper administration.

e. The Commission also emphasised on the importance of studying and encouraging Indian languages other than Hindi.