Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram mark Statehood Day; both became states on 20 February 1987
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrated their Statehood Day on 20 February 2025; both became full-fledged states on 20 February 1987, as India's 24th and 23rd states respectively.
Summary
On 20 February 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Day, and the Mizoram Raj Bhavan in Aizawl hosted a joint foundation day celebration for the two states under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Mizoram, made a Union Territory in 1972 under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, became the 23rd state after the 53rd Constitutional Amendment of 1986. Arunachal Pradesh, earlier the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and a Union Territory from 1972, became the 24th state on 20 February 1987 after the 55th Amendment of 1986. The 53rd Amendment inserted Article 371G, giving Mizoram special provisions, and the 55th inserted Article 371H for Arunachal Pradesh.
Key facts
- Statehood
- 20 February 1987 (both)
- Mizoram
- 23rd state; 53rd Amendment, 1986; Article 371G
- Arunachal Pradesh
- 24th state; 55th Amendment, 1986; Article 371H
- Earlier status
- Both Union Territories from 1972
- Arunachal's old name
- North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Mizoram became which numbered state of India on 20 February 1987?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Mizoram became the 23rd state of India; Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th on the same day.
Arunachal Pradesh, which celebrates Statehood Day on 20 February, was earlier known as:
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Correct answer: A — North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
Arunachal Pradesh was earlier the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), became a Union Territory in 1972 and a state on 20 February 1987.
Which Article of the Constitution, inserted by the 53rd Amendment, contains special provisions with respect to Mizoram?
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Correct answer: B — Article 371G
Article 371G, inserted by the Constitution (Fifty-third Amendment) Act, 1986, has special provisions for Mizoram; Article 371H covers Arunachal Pradesh, 371A Nagaland and 371F Sikkim.