Since 1956, when the states of the Union of India were initially reorganised, India has made remarkable strides. Over time, India has transformed from a struggling nation into a rapidly emerging economic and military powerhouse. This requires a reassessment of India’s internal politics and systems. Indian States Reorganization along linguistic lines was crucial in 1956. However, in today’s context, where preserving linguistic and cultural identities is highly valued, it is crucial to also consider economic viability and administrative efficiency.
Let’s take a moment to revisit India in 1947 before we go there.
Pre-Independence Context
Before gaining independence in 1947, India was a diverse amalgamation of British-controlled provinces and princely states. Following independence, creating a cohesive administrative framework with these diverse regions posed a significant challenge.
Post-Independence Developments
Initially, the boundaries of states were drawn based on historical and administrative considerations rather than linguistic or cultural homogeneity. However, demands for linguistic states emerged, driven by the belief that states formed based on a common language would be more cohesive and better governed.
P. Sriramulu’s Fast and Death
Following the tragic death of P. Sriramulu in 1952, the movement for linguistic states gained significant momentum. Sriramulu went on a hunger strike to advocate for the establishment of a separate state for Telugu-speaking individuals, which resulted in widespread demonstrations and ultimately led to his demise. Andhra State was formed in 1953, thanks to his sacrifice, by carving it out of the Madras Presidency.
States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)
Formation and Mandate
In December 1953, the Indian government set up the States Reorganisation Commission to meet the rising demand for linguistic states. The commission’s aim was to investigate the viability of restructuring states according to language and presenting relevant suggestions.
Members
The SRC was chaired by Justice Fazal Ali, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. The other members were H. N. Kunzru and K. M. Panikkar.
Criteria for Reorganisation
The commission had a broad mandate that encompassed the examination of factors such as linguistic and cultural unity, administrative ease, geographical continuity, economic feasibility, and the possibility of fostering balanced development.
SRC Recommendations
The SRC, in 1955, submitted a report that proposed a significant reorganisation of India’s states, based on linguistic criteria.
1. Creation of Linguistic States: The commission suggested forming states where the dominant language was spoken by most of the population.
2. Merger and Division of States: The plan was to merge, divide, or redraw the boundaries of multiple states to align with linguistic identities.
3. Balanced Development: The commission highlighted the importance of ensuring that new states are economically sustainable and capable of efficient administration.
Implementation: The States Reorganisation Act of 1956
There was extensive debate in the Indian Parliament regarding the recommendations put forth by the SRC. The majority of the recommendations were approved by the government, resulting in the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act in 1956. By redrawing state boundaries and establishing new states, this act set a precedent for future reorganisations that would consider cultural, linguistic, and administrative aspects.
Major Changes
1. Creation of Andhra Pradesh: In 1953, Andhra State merged with the Telugu-speaking regions of Hyderabad State to establish Andhra Pradesh.
2. Formation of Kerala: The Malayalam-speaking areas in Travancore-Cochin were combined with the Malabar district of Madras State to establish the state of Kerala.
3. Karnataka: The regions of Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, and Coorg, where Kannada is spoken, were combined to create Mysore State, which was later renamed Karnataka.
4. Maharashtra and Gujarat: Maharashtra and Gujarat were created by dividing the Bombay State, with Marathi and Gujarati emerging as the primary languages in each region.
5. Punjab and Haryana:
Punjab underwent reorganisation, resulting in the establishment of separate states—Punjab and Haryana—in 1966.
New States and Union Territories
As part of the reorganisation process, several new states and union territories were established to improve administrative efficiency and embrace linguistic and cultural diversity.
Impact and Significance
Administrative Efficiency: The restructuring made administration more efficient by establishing states with linguistic and cultural homogeneity, resulting in a more united and responsive governance that catered to local requirements.
Economic Development: With their linguistic and cultural unity, the new states were in a favourable position to concentrate on regional economic development and foster growth.
Social Cohesion: The realignment of state boundaries based on linguistic identities played a significant role in decreasing conflicts between regions and cultivating a sense of unity and belonging among the residents of the newly established states.
Nevertheless, the reorganisation resulted in several issues that followed. India has experienced multiple intra-state and inter-state conflicts since 1956, frequently centred on concerns like territorial borders, sharing of resources, linguistic and ethnic identities, and administrative authority.
Here is a detailed history of some significant disputes:
1. Kaveri Water Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
- Background: The conflict regarding the distribution of the Kaveri River water can be traced back to the agreements made in 1892 and 1924 between the former Madras Presidency and the Kingdom of Mysore.
- Post-1956 Developments: The problem was made worse by the restructuring of states, as Karnataka (known as Mysore at the time) and Tamil Nadu continued to have conflicts over water distribution. In 1990, the establishment of the Kaveri Water Dispute Tribunal aimed to tackle the issue.
- Resolution Attempts: The final decision of the Tribunal in 2007, along with subsequent judgments from the Supreme Court, aimed to fairly allocate water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. However, tensions and disputes continue to arise, particularly during periods of drought.
2. Mahadayi (Mandovi) River Dispute involving Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra
- Background: This dispute concerns the alteration of the Mandovi River’s course, which runs through the states of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Conflict: Goa strongly opposed Karnataka’s plans to redirect water for irrigation and drinking purposes, arguing that it would have a major impact on its water resources.
- Resolution Attempts: The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was created in 2010 and, eight years later, in 2018, it divided the water supply among the states. Despite this, there are ongoing disagreements regarding the implementation, leading to occasional protests and political disputes.
3. Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- Background: The Mullaperiyar Dam, situated in Kerala but operated by Tamil Nadu through a lease agreement signed in 1886, has been a source of conflict.
- Post-1956 Developments: Concerns have been raised by Kerala regarding the safety of the dam and they have urged for a reduction in the water level, while Tamil Nadu firmly believes in maintaining it to guarantee a steady water supply for irrigation.
- Resolution Attempts: Multiple interventions by the Supreme Court, including a significant one in 2014, involved the court’s directive to maintain the water level at 142 feet, despite Kerala expressing safety concerns.
4. Krishna Water Dispute involving Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra
- Background: Disputes arise among Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh as they share the Krishna River and struggle to divide its water resources.
- Conflict: The tensions among these states have been caused by the conflicting demands for irrigation and drinking water.
- Resolution Attempts: Despite issuing many awards by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, disputes over implementation continue, especially during periods of water scarcity.
5. Godavari Water Dispute involving Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Odisha
- Background: India’s second-longest river, the Godavari River, passes through several states, causing conflicts over the distribution of water resources.
- Conflict: The competition among states for irrigation and hydropower projects has resulted in legal conflicts and political strains.
- Resolution Attempts: The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal has made efforts to ensure a fair water allocation, but states are still striving for larger shares, especially considering new projects.
6. Belgaum Dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Background: The Belgaum (Belagavi) region is at the centre of this dispute, as Maharashtra asserts its ownership based on the Marathi-speaking population, while Karnataka currently administers it.
- Post-1956 Developments: Belgaum was placed in Karnataka through the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which sparked continuous protests and legal disputes from Maharashtra.
- Resolution Attempts: The matter has made its way to the highest court in the land, but even with many investigations and official findings, a definitive solution is still hard to find.
Movements for Separate States
The presence of regional disparities within a state resulted in widespread resentment and sparked movements calling for further reorganisation.
1. The Telangana Movement
- Background: The call for a separate Telangana state emerged because of the perceived neglect and inadequate development in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.
- Conflict: During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there was a surge in calls for statehood, which sparked widespread protests and political movements.
- Resolution: The Indian government divided Andhra Pradesh in 2014, resulting in the formation of Telangana as a separate state. Despite this, disagreements regarding the allocation of resources, particularly water and electricity, remain unresolved between the two states.
2. The Gorkhaland Movement
- Background: The Nepali-speaking Gorkha community in the Darjeeling hills has had a longstanding demand for a separate state called Gorkhaland, dating back to the 1980s.
- Conflict: The movement has witnessed intense protests, including occasional uprisings, calling for separate statehood from West Bengal.
- Resolution Attempts: The establishment of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in 2011 aimed to grant more autonomy, yet the persistent calls for complete statehood continue, resulting in frequent unrest.
3. The Bodoland Movement
- Background: The Bodo people in Assam have been engaged in prolonged protests since the 1980s, demanding a separate state for themselves.
- Conflict: The Bodo community is demanding more autonomy and acknowledgement of their cultural identity, resulting in violent conflicts and ethnic tensions.
- Resolution Attempts: The formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in 2003 offered a certain level of self-rule, but the demand for a separate Bodoland state continues to persist.
Territorial and Border Disputes
1. Assam and its Neighbours
- Background: Assam has neighbouring states in the northeast, and disputes over borders have been a persistent problem since their establishment.
Some of these are enumerated below.
- Nagaland: Disputes over boundaries, with frequent clashes and encroachments.
- Arunachal Pradesh: Conflicting claims over boundary demarcations.
- Meghalaya: Disputes over several border areas, leading to periodic violence.
- Resolution Attempts: Several committees and discussions have attempted to find a lasting solution. But sporadic violence and political tensions.
2. The Chandigarh Capital Dispute
- Background: Chandigarh is the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana, resulting in a prolonged disagreement regarding its status.
- Conflict: The conflicting claims of both states over Chandigarh have resulted in political and administrative complexities.
- Resolution Attempts: Despite multiple attempts to address the problem, such as suggesting Chandigarh become a union territory, or splitting it between states, no successful resolution has been achieved. As a result, the current situation remains unchanged, leading to ongoing discontentment.
Conclusion
The history of conflicts within and between states in India since 1956 highlights the challenges of governing a nation that is both diverse and densely populated. So, is the demand for carving out new states from the existing larger ones justified?
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