The British policy of Divide and Rule is not new to any of us. Our history books have given us detailed reports of instances where this policy was followed to create rift between people who united for a cause. The latest division of Andhra Pradesh in to two and the recognition of Telengana as India’s 29th state, raises a question whether Indian Government has learnt a lesson from the successful policy of the British and implemented it for its own gains?
Previously states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh went through divisions due to pressure and uprisings that forced the government to give in to the demands of the people. When protestations bring rewards it is highly likely that others with similar demands will also begin their demonstrations. Past experiences from states of Gujarat and Haryana have taught us that such divisions have been fruitful and have led to progress if done following logic and not due to pressure.
In wake of the division of states with many more impending ones, a question arises. On what basis should a state be formed? When Sardar Patel had formed the states of India merging the erstwhile princely states, he had grouped areas on the basis of language, culture and not so sound logic. The arrangement worked in a freshly independent India.
In my opinion keeping in view today’s burgeoning population of India, states ought to be divided into smaller more manageable territories. But logic needs to be applied in such divisions to bring uniformity and progress. For instance we can see sharp disparity between states such as Uttar Pradesh with a population of 20 crores and Sikkim with a mere 6 lakhs.
Another unfortunate part of divisions is the sharing of central taxes like income taxes, excise and customs with the states. The usual policy is to give the state a share of its collection. As a result Maharashtra gets the lion’s share as majority of registered offices of big companies are located in Mumbai. Whereas the factories which are located in far flung states and which actually are the main grosser are of no financial advantage to the states they are in.
Culture, language and logic should be the basis of division of states with fair division of revenue to ensure further equalisation along with effective administration.
Previously states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh went through divisions due to pressure and uprisings that forced the government to give in to the demands of the people. When protestations bring rewards it is highly likely that others with similar demands will also begin their demonstrations. Past experiences from states of Gujarat and Haryana have taught us that such divisions have been fruitful and have led to progress if done following logic and not due to pressure.
In wake of the division of states with many more impending ones, a question arises. On what basis should a state be formed? When Sardar Patel had formed the states of India merging the erstwhile princely states, he had grouped areas on the basis of language, culture and not so sound logic. The arrangement worked in a freshly independent India.
In my opinion keeping in view today’s burgeoning population of India, states ought to be divided into smaller more manageable territories. But logic needs to be applied in such divisions to bring uniformity and progress. For instance we can see sharp disparity between states such as Uttar Pradesh with a population of 20 crores and Sikkim with a mere 6 lakhs.
Another unfortunate part of divisions is the sharing of central taxes like income taxes, excise and customs with the states. The usual policy is to give the state a share of its collection. As a result Maharashtra gets the lion’s share as majority of registered offices of big companies are located in Mumbai. Whereas the factories which are located in far flung states and which actually are the main grosser are of no financial advantage to the states they are in.
Culture, language and logic should be the basis of division of states with fair division of revenue to ensure further equalisation along with effective administration.
