RENAMING OF STATES

 

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered: West Bengal to Bangla, Procedure for renaming the state, constitutional provisions

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News Flash

Several demands have been made over the years to change the name of West Bengal.

The first such demand can be traced back to 1999. At that time, “Bangla” and “Paschim Bangla” were considered, but the parties concerned could not reach a consensus.

 

Background

• The British first partitioned Bengal in 1905.
• When Indian gained Independence, but as two countries, the eastern side became East Pakistan while the remaining became part of India as West Bengal.
• East Pakistan, however, was short-lived and became Bangladesh in 1971 breaking away from Pakistan

 

Why renaming West Bengal?

• It is more or less about chronology.
• The state’s name “West Bengal” starts with the letter “W”, which pushes the state to number 30 in the state roll call.
• Major implication is that during official meetings where all states are present, by the time West Bengal gets a turn to speak, either the hall was half-empty or the audience was fast asleep.
• Changing the name to “Bangla”, would give it precedence, pushing it to spot number four.

 

Constitutional Provision

• The renaming of a state requires Parliamentary approval under Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution.
• A bill for renaming a state may be introduced in the Parliament on the recommendation of the President.
• Before the introduction of the bill, the President shall send the bill to the respective state assembly for expressing their views.
• The views of the state assembly are not binding, neither on the President nor on the Parliament.
• On the expiry of the period, the bill will be sent to the Parliament for deliberation.
• The bill in order to take the force of law must be passed by a simple majority.
• The bill is sent for approval to the President.
• After the approval of the said bill, the bill becomes a law and the name of the state stands modified.

 

Important Info

The first state to be renamed in independent India was East Punjab, which became Punjab in 1950.

 

Source: Indian Express

 

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