Maharashtra Day 2018: How the financial hub of India came into existence – statehood chronology
As the world celebrates International Labour Day, in India, May 1st also marks Maharashtra Day or Maharashtra Diwas.
This is the day when the state of Maharashtra came into existence. It was on this day in 1960 when the state was formed on linguistic grounds.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have also extended their greetings to the people on this occasion.
‘On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come,’ the President said on Twitter.
The state chief minister also wished people on the occasion of ‘Labour Day’.
Significance, History and Formation of State of Maharashtra
It was in the year 1960 when the state of Bombay was divided to create two news states namely Maharashtra and Gujarat. It was under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 that the boundaries of the state were defined.
The core issue was linguistic as there was too much of difference between those who spoke Marathi, Gujarati and Konkani languages.
The demand for separate state for Marathi-speaking people began in 1940 itself. Samyukta Mahasabha Organisation was formed in present day Mumbai for the statehood movement.
However, the struggle took a backseat due to Quit India Movement and World War II.
It took more than two decades with many commissions advocating for separate state. In the year 1956, then Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru announced Bombay as Union territory for five years. Later, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution for bilingual state of Bombay. In March, 1960 the Lok Sabha proposes the state resolution. A month later the resolution on state of Bombay is approved by the Lower House. On May 1st, 1960, the state of Maharashtra came into existence with Bombay as its capital.
From speeches to colourful parades, Maharashtra celebrates this day with lot of enthusiasm. Most schools, colleges, offices remain closed on this day under the jurisdiction of the State and Central Government. Maharashtra Din is commemorated with a parade at Shivaji Park, Dadar, where the Governor of Maharashtra makes a speech. On this day, the state government and private sector launch new projects and schemes. Liquor sales to Indians are prohibited on Maharashtra Diwas across the state.
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