178
APPENDIX XI
Form of Merger Agreement Signed by Rulers of Orissa and Chattisgarh States
Agreement made this fourteenth day of December 1947 between the Governor-General of India and the Raja of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Whereas in the immediate interests of the State and its people, the Raja of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . is desirous that the administration of the State should be integrated as early as possible with that of the Province of Orissa/C.P. in such manner as the Government of the Dominion of India may think fit:
It is hereby agreed as follows:—
Article 1.
The Raja 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 1st day of January 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 Raja 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 reasons 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 Raja shall be entitled to the full ownership, use and enjoyment of all private properties (as distinct from State properties) belonging to him on the date of this agreement.
