White Paper on Indian States (1950)/Part 5/Centrally Merged States/Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
116. A number of Rulers and the Chiefs of the East Punjab Hill States signed on 8th March, 1948, Agreements (Appendix XXVII) ceding to the Dominion Government full and exclusive authority, jurisdiction and powers for and in relation to the governance of their States. Other Rulers signed similar agreements on subsequent dates. Having regard to the wishes of the Rulers and the people of the Hill States that the territories of these States should be consolidated into one unit and the desirability of making available to these areas man-power and wealth-power resources of a large administrative unit, the Government of India integrated these States into a Centrally administered unit known as 'Himachal Pradesh'. The new Province, which comprises the territories of 21 Hill States, has an area of 10,600 square miles with a population of about 935,000 and a revenue of about Rs. 8.5 millions. It was inaugurated on 15th April, 1948.
APPENDIX XXVII
FORM OF AGREEMENT SIGNED BY HIMACHAL PRADESH RULERS
Agreement made this day of March, 1949 between the Governor-General of India and of
Whereas the of is desirous in the best interest of the said State and its people that the Government of India should take over as early as possible the administration of the said State and integrate its territories with the territories of other East Punjab Hill States so as to consolidate these territories in one administrative Unit;
And whereas it is the intention of the Government of India to unite and integrate the territories of the East Punjab Hill States in one Centrally administered Unit and to provide, as soon as practicable and subject to the provisions of the Constitution of India, for its administration through & Lieutenant-Governor, with an Advisory Council consisting of three Rulers of the East Punjab Hill State and a local Legislature with such constitution, functions and powers as the Government of India may from time to time specify;
It is hereby agreed as follows:—
Article 1
The of hereby cedes to the Dominion Government full and exclusive authority, jurisdiction and powers for and in relation to the governance of the State and agrees to transfer the administration of the State to the Dominion Government on the day of March 1948 (hereinafter referred to as "the said day")).
As from the said day the Dominion Government will be competent to exercise the said powers, authority and jurisdiction in such manner and through such agency as it may think fit.
Article 2
The shall with effect from the said day be entitled to receive from the revenues of the State annually for his privy purse the sum of rupees free of taxes. This amount is intended to cover all the expenses of the Ruler and his family, including expenses on account of his personal staff, maintenance of his residences, marriages and other ceremonies, etc., and will neither be increased nor reduced for any reason whatsoever.
The said sum may be drawn by the Raja in four equal instalments in advance at the beginning of each quarter by presenting bills at the State Treasury or at such other Treasury as may be specified by the Dominion Government.
Article 3
The shall be entitled to the full ownership, use and enjoyment of all private properties (distinct from State properties) belonging to him on the date of this agreement.
The will furnish to the Dominion Government before the 25th day of April 1948 an inventory of all the immovable property, securities and cash balances held by him as such private property.
If any dispute arises as to whether any item of property is the private property of the Raja or State property, it shall be referred to such officer with judicial experience as the Dominion Government may nominate and the decision of that officer shall be final and binding on both parties.
Article 4
The shall be entitled to all personal privileges enjoyed by them whether within or outside the territories of the State, immediately before the 15th day of August 1947.
Article 5
The Dominion Government guarantees the succession, according to law and custom, to the gadi of the State and to the personal rights, privileges, dignities and titles.
In confirmation whereof Mr. Vapal Pangunni Menon, Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of States, has appended his signature on behalf and with the authority of the Governor-General of India and of of has appended his signature on behalf of himself, his heirs and successors.
Dated March 194 .
Secretary to the Government of India,
Ministry of States.