Discuss the recommendations of the O’Donnell Committee (1931) and the White Paper of 1933 regarding Odisha's boundaries.

Boundary Formation of Odisha: O'Donnell Committee and White Paper (1933)

Introduction

The creation of Odisha as a separate province was a complex administrative task involving the delicate demarcation of linguistic boundaries. Following the Round Table Conferences, the British government appointed the O’Donnell Committee (1931) to examine the proposed borders. Its findings, followed by the White Paper of 1933, formed the constitutional basis for the territorial extent of modern Odisha, though not without significant geopolitical controversies.

The O’Donnell Committee (1931)

Headed by Samuel O’Donnell, the committee was tasked with identifying the Odia-speaking tracts to be separated from Bihar-Orissa, the Central Provinces, and the Madras Presidency.

  • Positive Recommendations: The committee recommended the inclusion of Angul, Sambalpur, the Khariar Zamindari, and the major portion of the Ganjam district (including Berhampur).
  • The "Excluded" Regions: In a blow to Odia sentiments, the committee excluded the Jeypore Agency and Parlakhemundi based on the objections of the Madras Government and perceived financial deficits.
  • Data on Area: The committee initially proposed a province covering approximately 33,000 square miles with a population of 8.27 million.

The White Paper of 1933

The White Paper issued by the British Government on March 17, 1933, outlined the formal proposal for the new provincial constitution.

  • Initial Setback: The White Paper initially reduced the area to 21,545 square miles, further excluding Parlakhemundi and Jeypore. This led to massive protests by the Utkal Sammilani.
  • Diplomatic Intervention: Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati led a delegation to London to present a Memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
  • Final Revisions: Under pressure, the British government compromised. The Joint Select Committee finally agreed to include Jeypore and a significant part of Parlakhemundi, eventually expanding the province to nearly 32,000 square miles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the O’Donnell Committee provided the primary geographic framework, while the White Paper of 1933 served as the legislative bridge to the Government of India Act, 1935. Despite the exclusion of certain Odia tracts like Singhbhum and Midnapore, these documents successfully translated the Odia Movement’s dream into a political reality, ensuring that Odisha emerged as a distinct administrative entity in 1936.