Part VIII: The Union Territories
Article 242: Omission of Coorg
Original Article:
Article 242 originally addressed the administration of Coorg as a distinct region. It was omitted following the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, when Coorg was merged into the state of Mysore (now Karnataka).
Amendments:
- Omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.
Amendment Explanation:
Article 242 was omitted to reflect the administrative reorganization of states. Coorg, which was previously a distinct administrative unit, was integrated into Mysore (now Karnataka) for linguistic and administrative unity.
Explanations:
The omission of Article 242 represents the shift towards reorganizing India’s states based on linguistic and cultural identity, streamlining governance and reducing administrative fragmentation.
Historical Significance:
Coorg’s inclusion in Mysore was a significant move towards integrating smaller administrative units into larger states, fostering regional cohesion and governance efficiency.
Debates and Deliberations:
- Shri H.V. Kamath: Supported the reorganization for linguistic coherence.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Highlighted the need for fewer administrative units for stronger governance.
Real-Life Examples:
- Integration of Coorg: Facilitated streamlined governance within Karnataka.
- Reduction of Smaller Units: Improved administrative efficiency post-1956 reorganization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
It was omitted after Coorg’s integration into Mysore as part of the 1956 state reorganization.
Coorg was a distinct administrative region with special recognition in the Constitution.
Coorg became part of Mysore (now Karnataka), aligning its administration with the state.
References:
- The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956
- Reorganization of States Report, 1956