Formation of New states

The formation of new states in India often arises from demands rooted in perceived regional disparities or cultural and administrative aspirations. The recent news highlights two key developments: the tenth anniversary of Telangana's formation and the Bhil tribe's demand for a new state called Bhil Pradesh.

Formation of Telangana

Background:

• Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014: This Act led to the creation of Telangana by bifurcating the existing state of Andhra Pradesh. The capital of the new state, Telangana, is Hyderabad.
• Motivation: The demand for Telangana was driven by concerns over regional inequality in development. The movement aimed to address grievances related to the distribution of resources, administrative neglect, and cultural identity.

Recent Demand for Bhil Pradesh

Background:

• The Bhil tribe, spread across parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, has recently demanded a separate state called Bhil Pradesh. This demand reflects similar motivations: addressing perceived regional inequalities and better governance tailored to their cultural and social needs.

Procedure for Formation of New States

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution: This article provides the framework for the creation of new states or the alteration of existing states. The key provisions are:

1. Parliamentary Authority: Only Parliament has the power to form new states or alter the boundaries of existing ones. This can be done by separating territory from an existing state, uniting parts of different states, or integrating new territories with existing states.
2. Presidential Recommendation: A Bill for forming a new state must be introduced in Parliament only after receiving the President’s recommendation.
3. Consultation with State Legislatures: Before recommending a Bill to Parliament, the President must consult the legislature(s) of the states affected by the proposed changes. These legislatures are given a specified period to express their views on the Bill.
4. Legislative Process: The creation of a new state or alteration of boundaries is achieved through ordinary legislation, which requires only a simple majority in Parliament.

Implications

The process for creating new states is designed to balance regional aspirations with national unity. It ensures that changes are considered carefully and involve consultations with affected states. This framework aims to address legitimate grievances while maintaining the stability and integrity of the nation. The recent demands and historical precedents underscore the ongoing dialogue about regional autonomy and equitable development within India.

The demand for new states in post-independence India has been influenced by several key factors:

1. Linguistic Diversity

Language has been a major driver for the creation of new states. The recognition of linguistic identity has often led to demands for separate states where the primary language of the people is different from the dominant language of the existing state.

• Example: The formation of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960, following the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission, was largely driven by linguistic factors. The state boundaries were redrawn to better align with linguistic identities, creating separate states for Marathi and Gujarati speakers.

2. Regional Disparities

Underdevelopment and regional imbalances can prompt demands for statehood. Regions that feel neglected or underdeveloped within larger states may seek separate statehood to improve their development prospects and address local issues more effectively.

• Example: The demand for a separate Vidarbha state from Maharashtra highlights regional disparities. Vidarbha, which has historically lagged behind in terms of development compared to the western regions of Maharashtra, has seen growing support for statehood to address these inequalities.

3. Cultural Identity

Ethnic, social, and cultural identity plays a crucial role in the demand for new states. Various ethnic groups seek to protect and promote their distinct cultural heritage, customs, and traditions by forming separate states.

• Example: The demand for a separate Bodoland state in Assam is driven by the distinct tribal culture of the Bodos, which differs from the mainstream culture of the rest of Assam. The Bodoland movement seeks to preserve and promote the unique identity of the Bodo people.

4. Administrative Efficiency

Smaller states are often perceived as having greater administrative efficiency. The belief is that smaller states can better manage local governance and development, resulting in more responsive and effective administration.

• Example: The demand for Harit Pradesh from Uttar Pradesh stems from the desire for improved administrative efficiency. Harit Pradesh would encompass regions with similar socio-economic characteristics, potentially leading to more focused and effective governance.

These factors reflect the complex interplay between linguistic, cultural, economic, and administrative considerations in the ongoing evolution of India's state boundar

The state reorganization process in India has been shaped by various commissions and committees, each with distinct recommendations. Here's a summary of their key contributions:

1. S.K. Dhar Commission (1948):
   • Focus: Administrative convenience.
   • Recommendation: Suggested that states should be reorganized primarily for administrative ease rather than linguistic considerations.
2. JVP Committee (1948):
   • Members: Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
   • Focus: Rejected language as the basis for state reorganization.
   • Recommendation: The committee did not support the idea of reorganizing states purely on linguistic grounds.
3. Fazl Ali Commission (1953):
   • Factors for Reorganization:
     • Unity and Security: Preservation and strengthening of national unity and security.
     • Linguistic and Cultural Homogeneity: Consideration of linguistic and cultural factors.
     • Economic and Administrative: Financial, economic, and administrative factors.
     • Welfare and Planning: Promotion of welfare and planning for the nation’s overall development.
   • Recommendation: Proposed the creation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories (UTs).
4. Implementation:
   • The Fazl Ali Commission's recommendations were implemented through the Constitution (7th Amendment) Act, 1956, which led to the reorganization of states and the establishment of Union Territories.

These commissions and committees played a crucial role in shaping the administrative and political boundaries of India, reflecting a balance between administrative efficiency, linguistic and cultural considerations, and national unity.

Argument for the Creation of New States

1. Enhanced Administrative Efficiency:

Creating new states can significantly improve administrative efficiency, leading to better resource management and utilization. For example, Telangana, which was formed in 2014, has demonstrated how new states can capitalize on resources more effectively. The state’s strategic management of its water resources has led to a remarkable increase in paddy production—from 4.57 million metric tonnes (mmt) in 2015 to over 20 mmt in 2023. This increase highlights how smaller administrative units can focus more precisely on local needs, optimize resource use, and achieve targeted developmental goals.

2. Promotion of Innovation:

Smaller states offer a more conducive environment for experimenting with innovative governance and service delivery methods. This agility allows them to pilot new approaches and implement successful ones rapidly. For instance, Sikkim’s success with organic farming has inspired Kerala to initiate its own Organic Farming Mission in 2023. By creating a state-level model for organic agriculture, Kerala aims to transform into a hub for organic farming, demonstrating how innovations in smaller states can serve as benchmarks for others.

3. Boost to Trade and Economic Activity:

Smaller states tend to engage more actively in trade and economic activities compared to larger counterparts. As highlighted by the Economic Survey 2016-17, states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa show higher levels of trade compared to larger states such as Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh. This increased trade activity often leads to more dynamic local economies and better integration into broader economic systems.

4. Improvement in Regional Development:

The creation of new states can play a crucial role in reducing regional disparities and fostering more balanced development. For instance, in Uttarakhand, the percentage of people living in multidimensional poverty decreased from 17.67% in 2015-16 to 9.67% in 2019-21, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023 by NITI Aayog. This reduction underscores the positive impact that smaller administrative units can have on poverty alleviation and regional development.

several key arguments highlight the potential drawbacks:

1. Economic Strain:
   • Infrastructure Costs: Establishing the administrative and physical infrastructure for a new state requires substantial financial investment. For example, setting up a new capital city, as seen with Telangana and the proposed capital of Amravati, necessitates enormous expenditure, potentially around Rs. 40,000 crore. This includes costs for government buildings, administrative offices, and public services, which can strain both state and central resources.
2. Resource Allocation Issues:
   • Inter-State Disputes: The division of resources such as water, power, and minerals between the newly formed state and the existing one can result in complex disputes. The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, for instance, has led to ongoing disagreements over the sharing of the Krishna River's water, highlighting how resource allocation can become a contentious issue that requires prolonged negotiation and can affect relations between states.
3. Boundary Disputes:
   • Territorial Conflicts: Redrawing state boundaries can spark disputes with neighboring regions, leading to long-standing tensions and conflicts. A notable example is the Belgavi dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, which has been a point of contention for decades, illustrating how boundary changes can fuel local and regional disputes that may be difficult to resolve.
4. Pandora’s Box Effect:
   • Chain Reaction: The creation of new states might encourage demands for additional new states, potentially leading to a cycle of continuous state formation. This phenomenon could strain national resources further, complicate administrative management, and create a fragmented governance structure. It risks opening a “Pandora’s box” where the initial creation of states leads to a cascading effect of demands for more states based on various regional and ethnic considerations.

Way Ahead

Framework for State Creation and Equitable Development

1. Equitable Development: Prioritize balanced development across all regions within existing states. Address economic disparities and regional grievances that contribute to demands for statehood. This approach aims to reduce regional imbalances and mitigate the underlying issues that drive demands for new states.
2. Expert Committee: Establish an expert committee composed of representatives from diverse stakeholders to thoroughly investigate the demand for new states. This committee should assess the potential impact, benefits, and challenges associated with state creation.
3. Economic Viability: Ensure that any new state has the financial resources to sustain itself independently. Specifically, a new state should be capable of covering at least 60% of its expenditures through its own revenue from the moment it is established. This requirement helps ensure that new states are economically self-sufficient and less reliant on external support.
4. Clear Guidelines: Develop and implement objective criteria for the creation of new states. These guidelines should emphasize economic and social viability rather than political motivations. The criteria should include benchmarks for financial stability, administrative capacity, and social cohesion.