The Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000

Summary of the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000
Key Provisions
1. Formation of Uttaranchal State: - Effective From: Appointed Day (9th November, 2000)
Territories Comprising Uttaranchal: Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttar Kashi, Chamoli, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, Champawat, Rudraprayag, and Hardwar districts
Consequence: These territories ceased to be part of Uttar Pradesh
2. Modified Uttar Pradesh: - Composition: The remaining territories of the existing State of Uttar Pradesh after the separation of Uttaranchal
3. Constitutional Amendment: - Amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution:
Uttar Pradesh Entry: Modified to exclude the territories of Uttaranchal
New Entry for Uttaranchal (as State 27): Added to the list of States
4. Saving Powers: - State Governments' Power: Not affected regarding altering district names, areas, or boundaries post the appointed day
5. Definitions and Miscellaneous
• Appointed Day: Defined as the day notified by the Central Government (9th November, 2000)
• Successor States: Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal
• Transferred Territory: Territories transferred from Uttar Pradesh to Uttaranchal

Legislative Summary:

The Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000

Act Title - The Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000

Act Number /Year - 29 of 2000

Act ID (India Code) - 200029

Presidential Assent Date -August 25, 2000

Enforcement Date - November 9, 2000

Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Home Affairs

Precedent & Historical Rationale

Fulfillment of Regional Aspirations and Statehood Demands:

By the late 20th century, the hill districts of northern Uttar Pradesh experienced long-standing movements and popular agitations demanding a separate state due to distinct geographical conditions, unique cultural identities, and perceived economic underdevelopment.

Prior to this enactment, the undivided State of Uttar Pradesh administered the hilly region, but the administrative distance and unique developmental needs of the populace necessitated structural division to satisfy regional aspirations.

Creation of the State of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal):

The legislative intent centered on carving out the hill districts of Uttar Pradesh to form the new State of Uttarakhand (initially designated as Uttaranchal), creating a comprehensive framework for the allocation of legislative seats, division of assets and liabilities, and establishment of separate judicial and administrative institutions.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

Formulation:

Drafted and introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to give statutory effect to the creation of a new hill state, outline boundaries, and provide transitional administrative and financial arrangements.

Parliamentary Passage:

Introduced and passed by both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) in August 2000.

Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on August 25, 2000.

Enforcement: Enforced on November 9, 2000.

Source: India Code (Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India).