About Port Blair now Sri Vijaya Puram: UPSC Current Affairs

PORT BLAIR RENAMED

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Context:

The Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair has been renamed as 'Sri Vijaya Puram'.

Historical Background

Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor and officer in the Bombay Marines.
- - He played a crucial role in mapping the Andaman Islands in the late 18th century.
The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram emphasises the city's historical ties to the Chola Empire, mainly Emperor Rajendra I.
- - In the 11th century, Rajendra I of the Chola Dynasty led a famous naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire (based in modern Indonesia).
  - The Andaman Islands were mentioned as Ma-Nakkavaram in Chola records.

About Port Blair

●Port Blair (officially known as Sri Vijaya Puram) is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory in the Bay of Bengal.

●India’s first integrated tri-command of the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy is based in Port Blair.

●The city includes the historic Cellular Jail (also known as Kala Pani) and nearby tiny islands such as Corbyn's Cove, Wandoor, Ross Island, and Viper Island.

●Port Blair served as the Azad Hind government's headquarters from 1943 to 1944, under Subhas Chandra Bose.

●It has a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen classification Am), with consistent average temperatures and abundant yearly precipitation.

About Renaming of Cities

The renaming of cities began in 1947, following the end of the British imperial period.
Renaming of states and territories has also occurred.
- - Travancore-Cochin was renamed Kerala in 1956.
  - The Union Territory of Pondicherry was renamed Puducherry in 2006.
  - Orissa was renamed Odisha in 2011.
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution authorises Parliament to establish new states, modify the boundaries of existing states, and change their names.
- - The procedure can be launched by either Parliament or the State Legislature.
The Union Government has the final authority to approve the renaming.

Process of Renaming a State
Step	Description
Initiation of the Proposal	●By State Legislature The State Legislature can propose renaming or boundary changes. A resolution must be passed with a simple majority. ●By Parliament Parliament can propose changes in response to petitions or political demands. Initiation can come from the central government or MPs.
Preparation of the Bill	●A Bill is drafted by the Ministry of Home Affairs or the relevant State Ministry to include proposed changes.
Introduction and Discussion	●The Bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. ●If it involves a state, the bill is sent to the State Legislative Assembly, which reviews it and provides feedback.
D. Approval Process	●Approval by Parliament The bill was passed by both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Must be passed by a simple majority in both houses. ●Presidential Assent The Bill is sent to the President for assent. Once approved by the President, the Bill becomes law.
Implementation	●An official notification is issued to announce the name change or boundary alteration. ●Legal documents, maps, records, and signage are updated.

Process of Renaming a Place (City, Street, or Landmark)

1. Proposal for renaming is made by local governing bodies such as Municipalities or Corporations.

The proposal is forwarded to the State Government.
The State Government assesses the proposal’s relevance.

2. The State Government drafts a bill detailing the new name and reasons for the change.

Includes public consultations or surveys to gauge support.

3. The bill is introduced, debated, and voted in the State Legislature.

If passed, it is sent to the central government for further action if necessary.
If the renaming has significant implications or involves major public institutions, it may require Parliamentary approval.

4. Once approved by the Union government, an official notification is issued by the State Government or central authorities.

Changes are updated in official records, maps, and public signage.

Must Read Articles:

RENAMING OF CITIES

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the Renaming of a city:

1. It requires the approval of the state legislature.

2. It can be challenged in the Supreme Court.

3. It is a purely administrative matter.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) All three

D) None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

●Renaming a city requires municipal governments to propose the change, as well as approval from the State Government.

●The proposal must be approved by the State Legislature because it impacts administrative borders and governance at the state level.

●If passed, it is forwarded to the Union Government for further action.

Statement 2 is correct:

●Renaming can be challenged at the Supreme Court based on procedural flaws, constitutional violations, or other legal issues.

●The Supreme Court can hear such petitions if the petitioners present a sound legal argument.

Statement 3 is incorrect:

●Renaming is more than just an administrative issue; it also involves legal, political, and public factors.