Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The demand for the creation of new states in India is a recurring theme in its political landscape, deeply intertwined with its federal structure and socio-cultural diversity. Initially, the reorganization of states in the 1950s, primarily on linguistic lines, laid the foundation for subsequent demands. However, over the decades, the basis for these demands has undergone a gradual transformation. While linguistic and cultural identities remain relevant, factors like administrative efficiency, developmental disparities, assertions of regional identity, and political expediency have increasingly come to the forefront, shaping the contours of statehood movements across different regions of India.
Early Phase: Linguistic and Cultural Basis (1950s-1970s)
The initial wave of statehood demands, post-independence, was largely rooted in linguistic and cultural identities. The States Reorganisation Commission (1953-56) played a pivotal role in reorganizing states based on language. This led to the creation of states like Andhra Pradesh (1953), Karnataka (1956), and Maharashtra (1960). The underlying principle was the belief that governance would be more effective and people would feel more connected if administration was conducted in their mother tongue.
- Demand for Punjabi Suba: The demand for a Punjabi-speaking state in the 1950s and 60s, based on linguistic identity, faced initial resistance but eventually led to the creation of Punjab in 1966.
- Demand for Marathi-speaking state: The Samyukta Maharashtra movement advocated for a separate state for Marathi speakers, culminating in the formation of Maharashtra in 1960.
The Shift Begins: Administrative and Developmental Concerns (1980s-2000s)
From the 1980s onwards, the basis for statehood demands began to diversify. While linguistic identity remained important, administrative inefficiencies, developmental disparities, and perceived neglect by state governments became prominent factors. This period saw the rise of movements focusing on better governance and equitable distribution of resources.
- Vidarbha State Movement (Maharashtra): The demand for Vidarbha as a separate state gained momentum, citing developmental backwardness and administrative neglect by the state government of Maharashtra.
- Gorkhaland Movement (West Bengal): The Gorkhaland movement, primarily driven by the Gorkha community, focused on achieving self-governance and addressing developmental issues in the Darjeeling hills.
- Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand (2000): The creation of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in 2000 was largely driven by the desire to address the developmental backwardness of tribal-dominated regions and improve administrative efficiency. These states were carved out of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar respectively.
Contemporary Trends: Regional Identity and Political Factors (2010s-Present)
In recent years, the demands for new states have become increasingly complex, often reflecting a combination of regional identity, political aspirations, and perceived marginalization. The rise of sub-nationalism and the assertion of distinct regional identities have played a significant role.
- Telangana (2014): The creation of Telangana in 2014 was a culmination of decades-long movement based on regional identity, cultural distinctiveness, and perceived discrimination against the Telangana region by the Andhra Pradesh government.
- Demand for Bundelkhand: The demand for Bundelkhand, encompassing parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is driven by a combination of developmental backwardness, regional identity, and political mobilization.
- Demand for Saurashtra (Gujarat): Recent demands for a separate Saurashtra state in Gujarat highlight concerns over water distribution, developmental disparities, and regional representation.
Comparative Table: Basis for Statehood Demands
| Phase | Dominant Basis | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s-1970s | Linguistic & Cultural Identity | Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab |
| 1980s-2000s | Administrative Efficiency & Developmental Disparities | Vidarbha, Gorkhaland, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand |
| 2010s-Present | Regional Identity, Political Aspirations, Perceived Marginalization | Telangana, Bundelkhand, Saurashtra |
Conclusion
The demands for new states in India have demonstrably evolved from a primarily linguistic basis to encompass a broader range of factors, including administrative efficiency, developmental concerns, and regional identity. While linguistic and cultural considerations continue to be relevant, the contemporary landscape reveals a more complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces driving these movements. The future trajectory of statehood demands will likely be shaped by the government’s ability to address regional disparities, ensure inclusive governance, and accommodate the diverse aspirations of different communities within the Indian Union.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.