🏛️ Polity
President Murmu leads Haryana's 60th formation day celebrations in Kurukshetra
In 60 seconds: President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state-level Haryana Day celebrations at Kurukshetra University on Sunday, as the state marks 60 years since it was carved out of Punjab in 1966. She will open an exhibition on six decades of progress and the Haryana Vision 2047 roadmap. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will join the event, where about 2,000 people are expected.
Why it matters
Haryana's story shows how Parliament can redraw India's map under Article 3. Sixty years on, the state is a key farm, industry and sports hub.
Explain it simply
When a big joint family splits, the younger brother sets up his own house but still shares the courtyard. Haryana and Punjab still share Chandigarh as their capital.
The 3-minute read
What happened
The main function is at Kurukshetra University. The exhibition covers the Green Revolution, sports, industry, education, healthcare, women's empowerment and cultural heritage. The President will also pray at the Maa Bhadrakali Temple and attend a festival marking the centenary of the sacrifice of freedom fighter Swami Shraddhanand.
Background
Haryana was formed on 1 November 1966 when the Hindi-speaking areas of the old Punjab state were separated under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Several other states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, also mark their formation day on 1 November.
How it works
Under Article 3, Parliament can form a new state, change boundaries or rename a state by a simple law. The President first refers the bill to the affected state legislature for its views, but Parliament is not bound by them.
What's next
The exhibition also lays out Haryana Vision 2047, the state's long-term development goals for the coming decades.
What it means for you
State formation days are a favourite for state PSC and UPSC prelims. Link each one to its reorganisation Act and year.
Key numbers
- 60: Years since Haryana was formed
- 1966: Year of the Punjab Reorganisation Act
- 2,000: People expected at the Kurukshetra event
Both sides
- Haryana government: The anniversary is a chance to show six decades of growth in farming, sport and industry, and to set goals up to 2047.
- Observers: Old questions from 1966, such as a separate capital and river water sharing with Punjab, are still not fully settled.
Key terms explained
- Haryana Day
- The state's formation day, observed every year on 1 November.
- Haryana Vision 2047
- The state's long-term development roadmap, timed to India's 100th year of independence in 2047.
The story so far
- Apr 1966: A boundary commission under Justice J.C. Shah is set up to split Punjab and mark out Haryana's districts. The Centre appointed a commission headed by Justice J.C. Shah to decide which areas of old Punjab would go to the new Hindi-speaking state. Its report formed the basis of the reorganisation law.
- 1 Nov 1966: Haryana is formed out of Punjab under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Parliament used its power under Article 3 to pass the Punjab Reorganisation Act. Haryana came into being on 1 November 1966, and Chandigarh became a Union Territory serving as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
- Today: President Murmu attends Haryana's 60th formation day in Kurukshetra
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- Haryana was formed on 1 November 1966 under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
- Article 3 lets Parliament form new states and alter boundaries by a simple majority law.
- Chandigarh is a Union Territory and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
- Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh also mark formation day on 1 November.
Likely exam question: Explain the procedure under Article 3 for creating new states. Has linguistic reorganisation strengthened or strained Indian federalism?