The States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was set up by the Government of India in 1953 to examine and recommend how to reorganise the boundaries of India’s states. The commission was headed by Fazl Ali, with K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru as its other members.
The commission’s main task was to consider demands for states based on linguistic and cultural identity, balanced with administrative convenience and national unity. It travelled extensively across the country, held public hearings, received thousands of memoranda, and met with leaders, organisations, and the general public to understand their views and grievances.
After thorough study and consultations, the commission submitted its report in 1955. It recommended the reorganisation of state boundaries largely on linguistic lines, but with care to maintain India’s unity and administrative efficiency. The report proposed the formation of 14 states and 6 union territories.
The recommendations of the SRC were accepted by the government, leading to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. This act implemented the new boundaries, creating states that better reflected linguistic and cultural identities. The work of the commission was crucial in resolving demands for linguistic states peacefully and laid the foundation for a more stable and cohesive federal structure in India.
