Q.76 Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? POST INDEPENDENT INDIA (UPSC CSE 2016) (200 words/12.5 marks)

Answer:

INTRODUCTION:

Colonial India included the British provinces and more than 550 princely states. Initially, states were first grouped together according to the political and historical factors. However, in 1956 based on Fazal Ali commission recommendation, the government started to reorganize the states on linguistic basis which greatly influenced India’s political and administrative structure.

THE BODY:

Formation of linguistic states

• • Though linguistic reorganization of the states was encouraged and supported by Congress and Mahatma Gandhi before independence. However, after the bitter partition on the basis of religion the then PM Nehru was apprehensive of dividing country further on the basis of language.
  • However, following the demands, linguistic Provinces Commission, headed by Justice K. Dhar and later JVP committee was appointed to enquire into desirability of linguistic provinces and both advised against this.
  • The demands for separate state on the linguistic basis didn’t subside and intensified especially in the Telugu speaking regions of Madras State, where agitation was led by Potti His death after a 56-day hunger strike forced the government to create the first linguistic state that is Andhra.
  • Hence Nehru appointed in August 1953 the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) with justice Fazl Ali, M. Panikkar and Hridaynath Kunzru as members, to examine “objectively and dispassionately” the entire question of the reorganization of the states of the Union.
  • It recognized for the most part on the linguistic principle and recommended redrawing of state boundaries on that basis. The then government accepted the SRC’s recommendations. Finally, the states Reorganization Act was passed by parliament in November 1956. It provided for fourteen states and six centrally administered territories.

Positive impacts of linguistic states:

• • Encompassing diversity: The formation of linguistic states has allowed different linguistic and cultural identities to preserve and promote their own customs and It has encourage people of other states to cherish the customs and languages of different states.
  • Improved administration: Linguistic states have led to creation of homogenous population within a state which can be easily This has fulfilled aspirations of people to have autonomous political units for governance therefore strengthening unity of the country.
  • Lesser communal tensions: Linguistic states have lowered the possibility of disputes and tensions among various linguistic groups by providing administrative platform to linguistic communities. It has promoted harmony and unity among different communities.
  • More power to natives: After the formation of states on linguistic basis the path to politics and power opened up to people speaking regional languages rather than the small English- speaking elite or majoritarian Hindi speaking northern India.
  • Stronger federalism: The linguistic states have strengthened India’s federal system which has contributed in maintaining national unity. It has ensured a fairer allocation of resources and ended the ever-growing tendencies of balkanisation of the country on the basis of language.
  • Development of vernacular language: It has led to development of vernacular languages and imparting of education in local languages, thus overall facilitating the literacy rate of the country, and an educated citizen is always a better citizen.

Challenges related to formation of linguistic states:

• • Issue of regionalism: Linguistic states have reinforced political narratives of certain groups enabling them to spread regionalism which compromises national interest for narrow interest. In recent times, fear of loss of language and culture can be seen in local politics as Karnataka by the legislation favouring Kannadigas in blue-collared jobs.
  • Inter-state disputes: Disagreements over boundaries, resources, and the sharing of river waters have occasionally resulted from linguistic states. Language has become a contentious topic between states as linguistic minorities face discrimination and have their rights have been curtailed.
  • Political motives: Political leaders and parties have occasionally used linguistic identities as a means of gaining political advantage, dividing communities along linguistic lines and endangering the unity of the country.
  • Divisive purposes: Linguistic states have given rise to disruptive ideologies like casteism, communalism, and language or regional exclusivity. The issues of jobs, educational opportunities, access to political power and economic opportunities has fuelled rivalries and conflicts.
  • Domino effect: With formation of larger linguistic states, minority language states become more It has led to demands of separate linguistic states for minority languages too like Nagalim, Bodoland etc.

CONCLUSION:

With the exception of a few issues, the division on linguistic basis has been a success, considering the vast diversity of India and thus strengthened the cause of Indian unity. However, there is a need to balance between formation of linguistic state and maintaining linguistic and cultural diversity. It can be ensured by effective governance, inclusive development policies, and a focus on promoting national integration.