Reorganization of States: Evolution, Unity & Diversity and Challenges

Reorganization of States in India: Linguistic Dynamics and Territorial Transformations

India, with its rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and histories, has witnessed significant transformations in its political and administrative landscape. The dynamic evolution of states and union territories reflects a complex interplay of historical, linguistic, and socio-political factors. 

From the integration of princely states to the reorganization of territories, the formation of union territories, and the ongoing discourse on linguistic Reorganization, the journey has been marked by diverse challenges and milestones.

Evolution of Union Territories in India

• Dadra and Nagar Haveli: The Portuguese ruled this territory until its liberation in 1954. 
  • The 10th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1961 transformed it into a union territory of India.
    
• Goa, Daman and Diu: India acquired Goa, Daman, and Diu from the Portuguese through a police action in 1961. 
  • They were constituted as UTs by the 12th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1962. 
  • Goa was conferred statehood in 1987. 
  • Consequently, Daman and Diu were made a separate union territory.
• Puducherry: The territory of Puducherry comprises the former French establishments in India.
  • It is known as Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. 
  • Puducherry is also the capital and most populous city of the Union Territory of Puducherry in India.
  • It was administered as an ‘acquired territory’, till 1962 when it was made a UT by the 14th Constitutional Amendment Act.
• Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh:
  • Special Status Under 370: Till 2019, the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution and thus enjoyed a special status by virtue of Art. 370 of the Constitution of India. 
  • Revoking Special Status: In 2019, this special status was abolished by a presidential order known as “The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019”.
  • Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019: It bifurcated the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate UTs  w.e.f 31 December 2019.
  • UT of Jammu & Kashmir: Comprises all the districts of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir except Kargil and Leh districts,
  • Capital: Srinagar (May–October)and Jammu (November–April)
  • UT of Ladakh: Kargil and Leh districts, Capital of Ladakh: Leh
• The Union Territories (UTs) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: These were merged into one UT by the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Merger Bill, 2019 and will be called will be called Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu with effect from 26 January 2020 as a 8th Union Territory.
  • All four regions were once part of Portuguese India.
  • The current capital is Daman of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu UT.

• Present Status: The state of Jammu and Kashmir reorganized into two union territories Namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Unification of territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu into a single Union Territory which reduced state count from 29 to 28 and UT’s count reduced from 9 to 8.

  • Thus, the number of states and union territories increased from 14 and 6 in 1956 to 28 and 8 till 26 January 2020.

What effects on National Unity and Diversity did leaders like Gandhi and Nehru have on the Linguistic Reorganization of States?

• Support for Linguistic States: Gandhi and Nehru initially were in favor of linguistic Reorganization. After the Nagpur session, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) was set up in 1920.
  • After witnessing horrors of partition, Nehru became staunchest critique of linguistic reorganization.
• Gandhi’s Support for Linguistic Division: Gandhi told the Home Rule League that to ensure speedy attention to people’s needs and development of every component part of the nation, they should strive to bring about a linguistic division of India (According to  Ramchandra Guha)
  • Linguistic states have strengthened unity, contrary to Nehru’s belief that they would further divide an already partitioned nation and undermine the ideals of secularism.
    
• Dr BR Ambedkar’s Perspective: He was also a proponent of linguistic states, but wanted the move to take place within reasonable limits.
• Resurgence in the Late 1940s: In this decade, there was again demand for linguistic states in the form of Samyukta Karnataka movement and  Maha-Gujarat movement.
• First Linguistic State: Andhra Pradesh movement was most rigorous, It was initially led by Swami Sitarman and later by Potti Sriramalu. 
  • Following the death of Potti Sriramulu, the Government was forced to form Andhra Pradesh in 1953.
• SRA 1956 was not a Solution: Despite the passing of the State Reorganisation Act in 1956 (SRA), Issues of  the states of Bombay, Punjab, and the North Eastern states, were not addressed. 
  • While the Marathi and Gujarati-speaking communities in Bombay wanted separate statehood, both states wanted control over Bombay City.
• Demand for Separate State: The need for linguistic states is still prevalent and in future it may also rise and Government of India may have to consider these demands
  • Example: Formation of Telangana in 2014 and the demand for ‘Gorkhaland’ on ethno-linguistic lines which sparked widespread violence in Darjeeling.
  • Kukiland in Manipur,  Kongu Nadu in Tamil Nadu, Tulu Nadu in Karnataka,  In Uttar Pradesh- there have been demands for Awadh Pradesh, Poorvanchal, Bundelkhand and Paschimachal.

Linguistic Reorganization of States for Unity and Growth

• Secular Mode: Linguistic basis promotes secularism in state formation. Masses felt proud in common language thus lessening the discrimination based on other factors. 
  • It also reduces reliance on caste or religious affiliations in governance.
• Better Learning Outcome:  Linguistic provinces facilitate education in the mother tongue.

Impact of Linguistic Homogeneity on Governance and Development: 

• It enhances learning outcomes by using the language of familiarity.
• Administrative Efficiency: Linguistic homogeneity aids in efficient governance, whereas multilingual states can be challenging to administer effectively.
  • Inclusive Governance: Language of administration being native enhances inclusivity
• Economic and Social Development: Encouraging the use of regional languages in economic activities can promote regional economic development.
  • Promoting indigenous languages can boost cultural tourism, contributing to economic growth.
• Broad-Based Participation: Masses can actively participate in democratic processes easily. 
  • The government can reach millions easily using the same language. 
• Preservation Cultural Heritage: Promotes the preservation and development of regional languages and cultures. It also strengthens the cultural fabric and diversity of the nation.
• Strengthen Federal Spirit and Nationalism:  Language can be a symbol of regional identity, reinforcing the sense of autonomy.
  • It promotes Nationalism among citizens as citizens perceive the government as a unifying force that respects their diverse identities and wishes.

Challenges in Linguistic Reorganization of States: Unity, Regional Identity and the Role of State Formation

• Cascade Effect: It would likely spur further such demands and given no. of languages in the country. 
  • As there are several languages in the country, this approach can be unmanageable.
• Regionalism: Linguistic divisions may impede the development of a strong, unified national identity.
  • It would slow down the process of emergence of national identity and composite culture.
• Dependance on Centre: Small states are not always economically and financially viable. Dependency on the central government for resources can pose challenges, For example Jharkhand.
• Sons of the Soil Doctrine: It has been argued that due to unequal distribution of wealth and resources it led to migration in the  developed states from developing states thus  crowding out local labor in the developed states.
  • Local population upheld this doctrine to demand their rights as they are the first to be given opportunity in their states or a region.
  • This led to conflicts between local and outsiders in the face of unavailability of employment.
  • Example: In Maharashtra and in Karnataka we often see the news of attacks on migrants.
• Sub-nationalism: Encouraging subnational feelings which may result in Balkanization of the country.
  • It is often used  to unite and express non-religious or non-religious-related requests or desires. 
  • Example: Marathi vs Bihari issue, bad treatment of north east citizens in other parts of the country, Tamil vs Hindi issues etc.

Conclusion:

• The lack of proper basis for the Reorganization of states has made it a threat to the country and the unity and development of India.
• There are several other factors that need to be addressed as Reorganization of states on linguistic basis is not a solution.

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