Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966 Complete Act: How One Law Redesigned Northern India
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, wasn’t just about splitting one state — it completely reshaped the political map of northern India. The Act, passed by Parliament on 18 September 1966, came into effect on 1 November 1966, carving out new boundaries, transferring power, and redistributing land, resources, institutions, and responsibilities.
Here’s a full, clear breakdown of the Act — what it said, what it did, and how it changed everything from governance to identity in the region.
The Most Immediate Outcome: Haryana Was Carved Out of Punjab
The most direct and visible result of the Act was the creation of Haryana as a separate state. Until 1966, Haryana didn’t exist on the map — it was part of the larger Punjab state.
The reason behind this division? Demands from the Hindi-speaking population of the region, who felt culturally and linguistically distinct from the Punjabi-speaking majority. The central government agreed, and the Act gave legal form to that division.
Haryana was carved out with its own legislature, executive, and judiciary — fully separate from Punjab.
Chandigarh Became a Shared Capital — But Not Belonging to Either
Perhaps the most unusual part of the reorganisation was what happened to Chandigarh. The city wasn’t given to either Punjab or Haryana. Instead, it was turned into a Union Territory, governed directly by the Centre, while also serving as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana.
This dual arrangement — still in place today — was meant to be temporary. But no permanent solution has been agreed on in the decades since. The issue of who should “own” Chandigarh remains politically sensitive.
Himachal Pradesh Gained Major Territory from Punjab
Another key outcome: parts of the hilly region of Punjab were merged into Himachal Pradesh. These included districts like Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Simla. At the time, Himachal was still a Union Territory. With this expansion, it took a big step toward becoming a full-fledged state (which it officially became in 1971).
The Act Broke Up Institutions and Split Assets Between the States
The Act didn’t just draw borders — it had to divide everything inside those borders, including:
- Government departments
- Public sector undertakings
- Irrigation projects and power generation infrastructure
- Employees, pension funds, and records
To manage this, the central government formed advisory committees and placed many matters under temporary central control until proper state-level systems were put in place.
One example: the Bhakra Nangal Project, a major irrigation and power scheme, was put under the control of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) — which is still jointly managed by Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan today.
Language and Culture Were Central to the Division
The split wasn’t just about land. The key driving factor behind the Act was language.
Punjabi-speaking regions stayed in Punjab. Hindi-speaking areas became Haryana. This language-based separation was in line with the larger national trend — starting with the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 — of drawing state boundaries based on linguistic identity.
This language-based line also shaped:
- Education policy
- Recruitment in public service
- Signage, media, and communication in state institutions
Administrative Details Handled in the Act
The Act went into exacting detail to ensure clarity in the transition. Some key provisions included:
- Section 3–4: Formation of the new state of Haryana, including legislative assembly size and administrative setup.
- Section 6–11: Status and administration of Chandigarh as a Union Territory.
- Section 72 onwards: Distribution of assets, liabilities, and staff between Punjab and Haryana.
- Schedules: Maps, institutional allocations, and service division details.
The Lasting Impact of the Punjab Reorganisation Act
This single Act changed the map, power structure, and political landscape of North India. Its effects are still playing out today:
- The Chandigarh dispute continues — both Punjab and Haryana claim full rights over it.
- Water sharing from the Ravi and Beas rivers remains a major conflict point between Punjab and Haryana.
- Administrative overlaps still exist in departments shared between the states or under central boards.
The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, didn’t just create two states. It created decades of negotiations, realignments, and political tension, alongside creating distinct, functioning state identities.
