1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement Andhra Pradesh Commission

The 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement and Andhra Pradesh Commission: A Brief Overview

The 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement and Andhra Pradesh Commission hold significant historical and political importance in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This article aims to provide readers with a brief overview of these two significant events.

Background

Prior to India`s independence in 1947, the country was divided into various princely states, which were later merged to form independent states. Andhra Pradesh was one such state, which was formed by merging the Telugu-speaking areas of the Madras Presidency with the state of Hyderabad.

However, soon after its formation, Andhra Pradesh faced various issues concerning public administration, language, and cultural identity. The primary concern was that Telugu-speaking areas were under-represented in the state`s public administration, leading to widespread protests by Telugu-speaking people.

The 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement

To address the concerns of Telugu-speaking people, the 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement was signed between the leaders of the Telugu-speaking regions and the leaders of the rest of Andhra Pradesh. The agreement stated that Telugu-speaking people would be given equal representation in public administration.

Additionally, the agreement also stated that the capital of Andhra Pradesh would be located in a Telugu-speaking area, and the educational institutions and universities would be set up in Telugu-speaking regions.

The Andhra Pradesh Commission

In 1969, the Andhra Pradesh Commission was formed to look into the grievances of Telugu-speaking people and recommend measures to address them. The commission found that the implementation of the 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement had been inadequate, and Telugu-speaking people continued to face discrimination.

Based on the commission`s recommendations, the Indian government passed the Andhra Pradesh Official Language Act in 1973, which made Telugu the official language of the state. The act also ensured that all official communication, including orders, notifications, and announcements, would be made in Telugu.

Conclusion

The 1956 Gentlemen`s Agreement and Andhra Pradesh Commission played a significant role in addressing the concerns of Telugu-speaking people in Andhra Pradesh. While the agreement provided equal representation and resources, the commission highlighted the need for further measures to ensure that discrimination against Telugu-speaking people was eliminated. Today, Telugu-speaking people enjoy equal opportunities and representation in Andhra Pradesh, thanks to these significant events.