The Andhra State Act, 1953 was a landmark legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament on September 14, 1953, which led to the formation of the State of Andhra by carving out territories from the erstwhile State of Madras. This Act was a significant milestone in India's post-independence reorganization of states, driven by linguistic and administrative considerations. Below is a detailed explanation and historical context of the Act:
First Linguistic State:
Andhra became the first state in India formed on a linguistic basis, setting a precedent for the States Reorganization Act, 1956.
Administrative Reorganization:
The Act meticulously addressed governance, judiciary, finance, and public services to ensure smooth transition.
Precursor to Further Reorganization:
The success of Andhra's formation encouraged demands for other linguistic states, leading to the creation of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra in 1956.
Temporary Capital:
Andhra initially functioned with Kurnool as its capital until Hyderabad became the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 after the merger of Telangana.
The Andhra State Act, 1953, was a transformative legislation that addressed regional aspirations while ensuring administrative continuity. It laid the foundation for India’s federal structure based on linguistic and cultural identities, influencing future state reorganizations. The Act’s detailed provisions on governance, finance, and judiciary exemplify the careful planning behind India’s democratic decentralization.