Who headed the committee of Government of India which recommended the transfer of more subjects to the Territorial Council in 1962?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
The committee was headed by Ashok K. Sen (the then Union Law Minister). This committee was formed to review the working of the Territorial Councils in Union Territories. Based on the Ashok Sen Committee Report (1962), most of the subjects were transferred to the Territorial Council, effectively paving the way for the restoration of the Legislative Assembly in Himachal Pradesh.
📚 Additional Info: Restoration of Democracy in HP
1. The Era of Territorial Council (1956-1963)
- Under the States Reorganization Act, 1956, Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory.
- The Legislative Assembly was abolished and replaced by a Territorial Council with limited powers.
- This was a period of political unrest as leaders like Dr. Y.S. Parmar demanded a full-fledged democratic setup.
2. The Ashok Sen Committee (1962)
- Chairman: Ashok Kumar Sen (Union Law Minister).
- Purpose: To examine the demand for a democratic setup in Union Territories (HP, Manipur, Tripura, etc.).
- Recommendations: It recommended transferring more departments to the Territorial Council to make it more effective, essentially turning it into a “quasi-legislature.”
3. Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
- Based on the committee’s findings, Parliament passed this Act.
- Outcome: The Territorial Council was converted into a Legislative Assembly on 1st July 1963.
- Dr. Y.S. Parmar became the Chief Minister again.