When was the U.P. Re-organisation Act signed by the President of India for the formation of the State of Uttarakhand?

The correct answer is 28th August, 2000

Key Points

• The Uttar Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2000 was signed by the President of India on 28 August 2000, paving the way for the creation of the state of Uttarakhand.
• This Act led to the bifurcation of Uttar Pradesh and the establishment of Uttarakhand (initially named Uttaranchal) as India’s 27th state.
• The Act was aimed at addressing the long-standing demand for a separate state by the people of the hill regions of Uttar Pradesh.
• Uttarakhand was officially formed on 9th November 2000 after the Act came into effect.
• The state was renamed Uttarakhand from Uttaranchal in 2007 to reflect the cultural and historical identity of the region.

Additional Information

• Uttar Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2000:
  • It was passed by the Parliament of India to reorganize the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Act specified the territorial boundaries and administrative structure of the new state.
  • It also included provisions for the distribution of resources, liabilities, and assets between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Demand for Uttarakhand:
  • The demand for a separate state arose due to differences in geography, culture, and economic challenges faced by the hill regions of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The movement for statehood gained momentum in the 1990s, with protests and agitations by various organizations and the local population.
• Formation of Uttarakhand:
  • Uttarakhand was formed with 13 districts carved out of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The state capital was established at Dehradun, with Nainital serving as the judicial capital.
• Renaming to Uttarakhand:
  • The name "Uttarakhand" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Uttara" (North) and "Khand" (Land/Region), meaning "Northern Land."
  • The renaming in 2007 was intended to honor the state's cultural and historical heritage.