Need for a Permanent Framework for State Reorganisation in India
The author discusses the need for a structured approach to state reorganisation.
The author argues for a permanent framework for state reorganisation in India, citing historical instances and the need for a structured approach. They highlight the complexities and political considerations involved in creating new states, referencing the formation of Telangana and other states.
The author introduces a Bill in Parliament aimed at establishing a commission to evaluate demands for new states based on specific criteria, including economic viability, security concerns, and cultural identity. The goal is to create a transparent and predictable process for state reorganisation, reducing political maneuvering and ensuring equitable development.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - State Reorganisation
Connects to constitutional provisions related to state formation and alteration of boundaries
Potential for statement-based questions on the process of state reorganisation
Visual Insights
Potential Regions for State Reorganisation
Map showing regions with ongoing demands for statehood, including Vidarbha and Gorkhaland. This highlights the geographical aspect of the need for a permanent framework.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
The introduction of a Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a permanent commission for state reorganisation reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more structured approach. This initiative aims to address the ad-hoc nature of state formation, which has often been driven by political considerations rather than objective criteria. The proposed commission would evaluate demands for new states based on specific parameters, including economic viability, security concerns, and cultural identity.
Several states have been formed in recent decades, often after prolonged agitations and political negotiations. The formation of Telangana in 2014 is a prominent example, highlighting the complexities and political dynamics involved in the process. The demand for new states continues to persist in various regions, underscoring the need for a clear and predictable mechanism to address these aspirations. The creation of new states can have significant implications for governance, resource allocation, and regional development.
The establishment of a permanent commission could potentially reduce political maneuvering and ensure a more equitable and transparent process for state reorganisation. It could also help in addressing concerns related to economic viability and administrative efficiency, ensuring that the formation of new states contributes to overall development and stability. The success of such a commission would depend on its ability to maintain impartiality and objectivity, and to base its decisions on sound evidence and analysis.
Looking ahead, the debate on state reorganisation is likely to continue, driven by evolving socio-economic and political dynamics. The establishment of a permanent commission could provide a valuable framework for managing these demands and ensuring that the process of state formation is guided by principles of equity, transparency, and sustainable development. The focus should be on creating states that are not only culturally cohesive but also economically viable and administratively efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main argument presented regarding state reorganisation in India?
The main argument is the need for a permanent framework for state reorganisation in India, moving away from ad-hoc political decisions to a structured and transparent process.
2. Why is there a need for a permanent framework for state reorganisation, as per the article?
A permanent framework is needed to address the complexities and political considerations involved in creating new states, ensuring a transparent and predictable process that reduces political maneuvering and promotes equitable development.
3. What is the constitutional basis related to state reorganisation in India?
The constitutional basis is related to Article 3, which deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. The article mentions the introduction of a Bill in Parliament.
4. What key criteria are considered for evaluating demands for new states, according to the proposed Bill?
The key criteria include economic viability, security concerns, and cultural identity.
5. What are the potential benefits of a permanent commission for state reorganisation?
A permanent commission can lead to a more transparent and predictable process, reducing political maneuvering and ensuring equitable development.
6. What are the potential drawbacks or challenges of establishing a permanent commission for state reorganisation?
Potential drawbacks include the possibility of bureaucratic delays, challenges in reaching consensus on sensitive issues, and the risk of the commission becoming politicized.
7. What is the significance of the States Reorganisation Commission mentioned in the background context?
The States Reorganisation Commission, formed in 1953, was a significant step in addressing linguistic and cultural identities in the structuring of states after independence.
8. Why is the topic of state reorganisation in the news recently?
The topic is in the news due to the introduction of a Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a permanent commission for state reorganisation.
9. How does the proposed Bill aim to improve the current process of state reorganisation?
The Bill aims to create a transparent and predictable process based on specific criteria, reducing the ad-hoc nature and political considerations that often drive state formation.
10. Who is Sharad Pawar and what is his relevance to the topic of state reorganisation?
As per the provided information, Sharad Pawar is a key personality related to this topic. However, the specific details of his relevance are not provided.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the reorganisation of states in India: 1. The States Reorganisation Act was enacted in 1956 based on the recommendations of the Dhar Commission. 2. Article 3 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. 3. The Constitution (Fifth Amendment) Act, 1955, relates to the procedure for consulting states during the reorganisation process. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The States Reorganisation Act was enacted based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission, NOT the Dhar Commission. The Dhar Commission was formed earlier but its recommendations were not fully accepted. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Article 3 of the Constitution indeed empowers the Parliament to form new states. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Constitution (Fifth Amendment) Act, 1955, clarifies the procedure for consulting states during the reorganisation process.
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