What were the priorities of the new government?

The government of the newly-Independent Indian was faced with a series of problems, which called for immediate response. These included:

a) Addressing the vows of Partition: Partition of India had led to a mass displacement of men and families. Almost 8 million people crossed the border and left their homes in search of new lives. They had to be provided with homes, employment, education and other resources necessary for a healthy life.

b) Communal Riots: Partition had led to deep distrust between Hindus and Muslims. The communities were involved in mass persecution of individuals on the basis of religion.

c) Integration of Princely States: There were over 500 princely states, which had to be integrated into India or Pakistan. The British had given the states the liberty to join either of the two territories or stay independent.

d) Promote Development: The colonial had crippled the economy of the country. Majority of the population lived in villages and engaged in agricultural activity, which was crucially dependent on the success of monsoon season. In the urban areas, the poorest people lived in dilapidated slums and poverty, unemployment and illiteracy were rampant. The government had to push millions of Indians out of poverty.