North-Eastern Areas Act: Understanding the Year of Passage

The question asks for the specific year in which the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act was passed into law.

About the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act

The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act is a significant piece of legislation in India's administrative history. It was enacted to reorganise the boundaries and administrative structure of the states and union territories in the North-Eastern region of India.

The Year of Enactment

This important Act was passed in the year 1971. The legislation came into effect on January 21, 1972, leading to major changes in the political map of North East India.

Analysis of Options

Let's look at the options provided:

• 1952: This year precedes the major reorganisation of the North-Eastern region.
• 1963: While significant events occurred in this period, this was not the year the Act was passed.
• 1971: This is the correct year the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act was enacted.
• 1989: This year is much later than the reorganisation event in question.

Significance of the 1971 Act

The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, was a landmark legislative measure. It resulted in:

• The elevation of Manipur and Tripura to full statehood.
• The formation of Meghalaya as a state (previously a sub-state within Assam).
• The creation of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh as Union Territories.

This Act fundamentally reshaped the governance and political landscape of the North-Eastern part of India.