Q. In the context of independent India, which of the following were formerly constituted as union territories before becoming a State?
1. Assam
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Manipur
4. Arunachal Pradesh
5. Meghalaya
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Exp) Option b is the correct answer
Option b is correct. Himachal Pradesh, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were the states that were previously constituted as union territories. Other union territories which were gradually elevated to statehood were Tripura, Mizoram and Goa. During the British Rule, these areas were constituted as ‘scheduled districts’ in 1874. Later, they came to be known as ‘chief commissioners’ provinces’. After independence, they were placed in the category of Part ‘C’ States and Part ‘D’ Territories. In 1956, they were constituted as the ‘union territories’ by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act (1956) and the States Reorganisation Act (1956). Gradually, these union territories were given statehood. Assam and Meghalaya were not union territories.
In December, 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state of Himachal Pradesh came into being on 25th January, 1971. In January, 1972, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Arunachal Pradesh had also been a union territory from 1972. In 1987, Arunachal Pradesh was elevated to statehood and became 24th state of India.
