Formation of Haryana (1966)

Overview

The formation of Haryana as a separate state on 1 November 1966 is one of the most important topics in Haryana General Knowledge for HTET. This event marked the culmination of a long movement by Hindi-speaking people of erstwhile Punjab for a distinct state based on linguistic identity. Understanding the political background, key personalities, commissions involved, and the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 is essential.

Questions frequently appear on dates, key leaders of the movement, recommendations of the Shah Commission, and the administrative arrangements made during the reorganisation. Students must remember the specific territorial divisions, the arrangement for Chandigarh as a shared capital, and the notable figures who championed the cause of a separate Haryana.

Key Concepts

• **Linguistic basis of demand**: The demand for Haryana arose from the desire of Hindi-speaking people in the Punjab region to have a separate state, distinct from Punjabi-speaking areas where the Punjabi Suba movement sought a Punjabi-majority state.

• **Punjabi Suba Movement**: Led primarily by the Akali Dal, this movement demanded a Punjabi-speaking state. Its success indirectly led to the creation of Haryana as the Hindi-speaking areas were carved out.

• **States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55)**: This commission under Fazal Ali rejected the demand for a separate Punjabi Suba, but the issue remained alive, eventually leading to further reorganisation in 1966.

• **Shah Commission (1966)**: Headed by Justice J.C. Shah, this commission was appointed to recommend the boundaries of the new states. It determined which areas would go to Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

• **Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966**: The Act of Parliament that legally created Haryana, reorganised Punjab, and transferred certain hill areas to Himachal Pradesh. It came into effect on 1 November 1966.

• **Chandigarh as Union Territory**: Since Chandigarh was the capital of undivided Punjab and fell on the border, it was made a Union Territory to serve as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

• **First Chief Minister**: Bhagwat Dayal Sharma became the first Chief Minister of Haryana, and Dharma Vira served as the first Governor.

Key Facts

| Fact | Detail | |------|--------| | Date of formation | 1 November 1966 (celebrated as Haryana Day) | | Legal basis | Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 (Act No. 31 of 1966) | | Commission for boundaries | Shah Commission (Justice J.C. Shah) | | First Chief Minister | Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma | | First Governor | Dharma Vira | | Capital | Chandigarh (shared with Punjab as Union Territory) | | Districts at formation | 7 districts (Ambala, Rohtak, Gurgaon, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Hisar, Jind) | | Areas transferred to HP | Kangra, Kulu, Lahaul-Spiti, Shimla hills, Nalagarh, Una | | Leader of Haryana movement | Ch. Devi Lal, Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma among others |