The Pranab Mukherjee Committee, officially known as the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Telangana, was constituted by the Indian government in 2013 to address the contentious issue of the formation of a separate Telangana state from the existing state of Andhra Pradesh. The committee was named after Pranab Mukherjee, who was then the Finance Minister of India and later became the President of India. Here’s an overview of the committee’s formation, objectives, findings, and its significance in the context of Telangana statehood:

1. Background and Context

  • Demand for Telangana: The demand for a separate Telangana state had been a long-standing issue, with roots tracing back to the linguistic reorganization of states in India. The movement gained renewed momentum in the late 2000s, leading to widespread protests and political agitation.
  • 2009 Announcement: In December 2009, the then Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram announced that the process for the formation of a separate Telangana state would begin. However, the announcement led to protests and unrest in the Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra regions, creating a volatile political atmosphere.

2. Formation of the Committee

  • Constitution of the GoM: In 2013, to address the concerns and facilitate the process of bifurcation, the Government of India constituted the Group of Ministers (GoM) under the chairmanship of Pranab Mukherjee. The committee included several other central ministers and was tasked with resolving various contentious issues related to the formation of Telangana.

3. Objectives

The primary objectives of the Pranab Mukherjee Committee were:

  • Addressing Concerns of Stakeholders: The committee aimed to gather opinions and address the concerns of various stakeholders, including political leaders, employees, students, and civil society organizations from both Telangana and the residual Andhra Pradesh.
  • Formulating Recommendations: The committee was tasked with formulating recommendations on issues related to the bifurcation, including governance, resource allocation, and the welfare of people in both regions.

4. Key Findings and Recommendations

  • Formation of Telangana: The GoM unanimously recommended the formation of Telangana as a separate state, recognizing the long-standing aspirations of the people of the region.
  • Governance Structure: The committee suggested a detailed governance structure for both the new Telangana state and the residual Andhra Pradesh to ensure smooth administrative functioning post-bifurcation.
  • Resource Allocation: Recommendations were made regarding the sharing of assets and resources between the two states, including water resources, revenue, and public services.
  • Special Provisions: The committee also recommended special provisions for the development of Telangana to address historical injustices and ensure equitable development.

5. Political Implications

  • Legitimization of Demand: The findings and recommendations of the Pranab Mukherjee Committee played a crucial role in legitimizing the demand for a separate Telangana state within the national political discourse.
  • Public Support: The committee’s work garnered significant public support, as it was seen as an acknowledgment of the grievances and aspirations of the Telangana people.

6. Impact on Telangana Statehood

  • Parliamentary Approval: The recommendations of the GoM laid the groundwork for the legislative process that ultimately led to the introduction of the Telangana Bill in the Parliament.
  • Formation of Telangana: The legislative process culminated in the passage of the Telangana Bill by the Indian Parliament on February 18, 2014, leading to the official formation of Telangana as a separate state on June 2, 2014.

Conclusion

The Pranab Mukherjee Committee was instrumental in facilitating the process of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana. By addressing the concerns of various stakeholders and providing a structured approach to governance and resource allocation, the committee played a crucial role in legitimizing the aspirations of the Telangana movement. The successful formation of Telangana marked a significant milestone in India’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of addressing regional aspirations and historical grievances.