REGIONALISM

Regionalism is the expression of a common sense of identity and purpose by people within a specific geographical region, influenced by language, culture, or ethnicity.

• Positive Aspect: Encourages brotherhood, unity, and promotes welfare and development.
• Negative Aspect: Excessive attachment to a region that may threaten national unity and integrity.

History of Regional Movements in India

1. Colonial Policies: British policies developed regionalist tendencies, treating princely states and presidencies differently, causing economic disparities and regional imbalances.
2. Dravidian Movement or Non-Brahmin Movement (1940s): Originated in Tamil Nadu, this movement demanded a separate and independent Tamil state.
3. Demand for Andhra Pradesh (1954): Led by Potti Sri Ramulu for a separate Andhra state for Telugu speakers, his death sparked further regional movements.
4. States Reorganisation Committee (1955): Headed by Faisal Ali, this committee recommended reorganizing states on linguistic lines, leading to the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act in 1956.
5. North-Eastern States Reorganisation Act (1971): Aimed at controlling insurgency, this act upgraded Manipur and Tripura to full states, and Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh to Union Territories, later becoming full states by 1986.
6. Regional Deprivation in 2000s: New states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand were formed. The most recent was the creation of Telangana in 2014.

Forms of Regionalism

1. Secessionism: Involves militant groups advocating for separation from India based on ethnicity or other factors.
   • Examples: National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IsacMuivah faction), ULFA in Assam, and Islamic fundamentalist groups in J&K.
2. Separatism: Demands for separate statehood within India, where ethnic or linguistic minorities unite against the majority.
   • Examples: Bodoland for Bodo-speakers in Assam, Gorkhaland for Nepali speakers in West Bengal, and Bundelkhand state.
3. Demand for Full Statehood: Union territories demand full statehood, many of which have been accepted.
   • Examples: Himachal Pradesh in 1971, and later Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

1. Demand for Autonomy: Since the 1960s, with the rise of regional political parties, the demand for state autonomy has strengthened due to political interferences from the center.
   • Examples: DMK in Tamil Nadu, Akali Dal in Punjab, Telgu Desham in Andhra Pradesh, Assam Gana Parishad in Assam, National Conference in Jammu & Kashmir, and Forward Bloc in West Bengal.
2. Demand for Regional Autonomy: Within states, certain regions seek recognition for their identities, often due to regional imbalances caused by inefficient planning.
   • Example: Ladakh demanded regional status until it was separated from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.

Types of Regionalism

1. Supra-state Regionalism: A group of states joins forces on issues of mutual interest against other groups or the union. This form involves regional identities in a collective stand.
   • Example: North-Eastern states in India.
2. Inter-state Regionalism: Involves conflicts between provincial territories, juxtaposing the identities of one or more states against each other.
   • Example: Disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Kaveri water distribution.
3. Intra-state Regionalism: A part of a state strives for self-identity and development. This type of regionalism often militates against the collective interests of the state or the nation.
   • Example: Coastal and western region disputes in Odisha, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, East Uttar Pradesh.

Major Examples

1. Demand for Dravida Nadu (Self-Respect Movement):

• Originated in Tamil Nadu in 1925, focused on empowering Dalits, non-Brahmins, and the poor.
• Opposed the imposition of Hindi as the sole official language in non-Hindi-speaking areas.
• The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) suggested carving out Dravidastan or Dravida Nadu from the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka to form the independent Republic of Dravida Nadu.

1. Telangana Movement:

• After Andhra Pradesh was formed, people of Telangana were dissatisfied with how agreements and guarantees were implemented.
• Protests, especially in Osmania University, highlighted issues of uneven development between Telangana and Andhra. Eventually, this led to the creation of Telangana as a separate state.
• Colonial Impact: Telangana was historically under Nizam’s rule, which was seen as inefficient compared to Andhra Pradesh, leading to slower development in Telangana.

1. Bodoland Demand within Assam:

• The Assam Bodo Students Union demanded a separate state due to perceived imbalances in education, industrialization, and job opportunities.
• The Bodo youth, motivated by caste, unemployment, and sectionalist issues, joined agitations for the protection of their rights.

1. Khalistan Movement: During the 1980s, a movement arose to create a Sikh homeland, particularly in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. This demand, rooted in regionalism, took on communal colors, as it was specific to the Sikh community.

Reasons Behind the Growth of Regionalism in India

1. 1. Geographical Factors:
      • Linguistic Distribution Along Geographic Boundaries: Regionalism arises from the territorial attachment of people to a particular region, symbolized by language and cultural boundaries. This is especially true in the Indian context, where language is a strong marker of identity.
        • Example: The separation of Uttarakhand from Uttar Pradesh due to topographic barriers.
      • Regional Topography: Physical barriers and difficult terrains can lead to the feeling of regional isolation, making governance and development more challenging. This may result in a demand for autonomy.
      • Climatic Dependence: Variations in climate and settlement patterns contribute to distinct lifestyles, fostering regionalism.
        • Example: Tribal people living in forests often have different needs and lifestyles from the rest of the population, reinforcing a regional identity.
   2. Historical Factors:
      • Ancient India: The country was ruled by various regional kingdoms, leading to strong regional identities.
        • Example: The Cholas and Pandyas in South India and the Satavahanas in Andhra.
      • Medieval India: Governance under kings who ruled smaller provinces with relative autonomy contributed to regional identities.
        • Example: Rajputs and Marathas.
      • British India: The policy of “divide and rule” during British rule encouraged regional differences, which often led to conflict.
        • Example: Carnatic Wars.
      • Contemporary Politics: Regionalism is often based on historical and cultural components such as folklore, myths, and traditions.
        • Example: Dravida Kazhagam (DK) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, and Telugu Desham Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh.
      • Local History: Many regions take pride in local heroes and historical achievements, which foster a sense of regional identity.
        • Example: Shivaji in Maharashtra, Maha Rana Pratap in Rajasthan, and Lachit Borphukan of Assam.
   3. Cultural and Religious Factors:
      • Linguistic Attachment: India has 22 official languages, but there are over 1600 mother tongues. A person’s attachment to their language strengthens regional identity.
        • Example: The renaming of cities like Bombay to Mumbai, Bangalore to Bengaluru, and Madras to Chennai is a reflection of linguistic pride.
      • Suppression Under the Majority Culture: When minority groups feel that their aspirations and needs are not recognized, it can lead to rifts between the majority and minority communities, fueling separatist tendencies.

• Caste and Religion

• Caste and Religion: When caste is combined with linguistic or religious identity, it can fuel regionalism, especially when linked to economic deprivation.
  • Example: The Nagas of Nagaland demanding autonomy or secession.
• Ethnic Autonomy: India’s diverse ethnic groups often seek political autonomy or secession based on their ethnic identities.
  • Example: The Nagas demanding a separate nation.
• Insider-Outsider Complex: The “Son of the soil” doctrine fuels regionalism by promoting nativism. It denies education, employment, and other rights to non-local residents and reserves opportunities for locals.
  • Example: Maharashtra’s “Son of the soil” ideology.

• Economic Factors:

• Lack of Development: Unequal development across various regions leads to regionalism. Urban industrialized areas develop faster, while peripheral rural areas are left economically underdeveloped, creating discontent.
  • Example: The core-periphery model, where the industrialized core areas develop while peripheral areas lag behind.
• Lack of Employment: A shortage of jobs often fosters anti-migrant sentiments as local populations feel threatened by outsiders taking employment opportunities.
  • Example: Anti-migrant sentiments seen in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
• Low Economic Growth: High population growth with insufficient economic development aggravates regional aspirations.
• Better Economic Development: Prosperity in one community or region can lead to separatist tendencies.
  • Example: After the Green Revolution, prosperous Sikh Jatts in Punjab demanded separation from other Hindi-speaking regions.
• Inadequate Land Reforms and Feudal Mentality: Ineffective implementation of land reforms like the Bhoodan and Gramdaan movements caused discontent.
• Regional Imbalances: Disparities in economic policies across regions cause discontent, contributing to regionalism.
  • Example: Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, and East U.P. in Uttar Pradesh have experienced such imbalances.
• Internal Colonialism: Despite being resource-rich, some regions remain underdeveloped due to poor policy execution or exploitation by other regions.
  • Example: The Chhota Nagpur plateau.
• Scarcity of Resources: Competition for scarce resources often intensifies regional aspirations.
  • Example: Water disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Kaveri river.
• Lack of Basic Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure in regions, including education, health facilities, and modern transportation, can lead to feelings of neglect and demands for separate statehood.

• Political-Administrative Factors:
• Low Level of Social Expenditure: Some states allocate insufficient resources to education, health, and sanitation, which are vital for human resource development. This can create feelings of neglect among people in those states.
• Vote-Bank Politics: Political parties, particularly regional ones, exploit regional sentiments and deprivation to strengthen their voter base.
  • Example: Haryana’s law for local reservation in private jobs, restricting opportunities for outsiders.
• Policy of Hindi Imposition: The Indian government’s efforts to promote Hindi have faced resistance, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states, leading to regional agitations.
  • Example: Anti-Hindi agitations in southern states.
• Discrepancies in the Implementation of Schemes: Inadequate implementation of schemes related to irrigation and agriculture has led to disparities and the suicides of farmers in many states.

Impacts of Regionalism on Indian Polity

Positive Impacts:

1. Nation-Building: Regionalism can play a constructive role in nation-building when regional demands are incorporated into the political system.
2. Development of Art and Culture: Regional movements often promote the art and culture of neglected regions, helping them flourish through increased exposure.
3. Internal Self-Determination of a Community: Regional recognition in the form of statehood or autonomy gives communities a sense of self-determination, helping them feel empowered and content.
4. Representative Democracy: Regional identities do not always conflict with national identity. Regionalism can help democracy by promoting institutions of local governance.
   • Example: The Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council protects tribal identity by providing a democratic platform for former separatists to participate in governance.
5. Balanced Regional Development: Respect for socio-cultural diversity allows regions to practice their own culture and can lead to balanced development across regions.

Negative Impacts:

1. Threat to National Unity: Regionalism may challenge national unity by fueling internal security threats from insurgent groups that prioritize regionalism over the broader national interests.
   • Example: Operation Blue Star during the Khalistan movement.

1. Determine National Policies: Regional demands influence national policies, often expanding them to other regions.
   • Example: Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugarcane benefited farmers in Maharashtra but led to agitation among farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
2. Politics of Vote Bank: Some regional leaders play vote-bank politics based on language and culture, undermining healthy democratic processes and causing demands for separate states.
3. Hurdle in International Diplomacy: Regionalism can harm India’s global standing and hinder its role as a world leader.
   • Example: Tamil Nadu regional parties opposed India’s Prime Minister attending the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka, affecting India-Sri Lanka relations.
4. Inter-State Hostility: Regionalism can stir hostility between states.
   • Example: Border disputes between Assam and Mizoram led to violent clashes.
5. Internal Security Threat: Regionalism can be exploited by militants or extremists, creating a national security threat.
   • Example: Kashmir militancy.
6. Direct Impact on Economy: Regionalism-induced violence disrupts the economy, schools, tourism, and overall societal stability.
7. Threat to Sovereignty: Extreme regionalism may lead to secessionism, threatening the unity of India.
   • Example: The Khalistani movement in Punjab.
8. Psychic Phenomenon: This refers to the development of regional self-interest without considering the impact on other regions, creating bias against other parts of the country.

Constitutional Safeguards Against Separatist Tendencies

1. Provisions of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules: These schedules aim to constrain ethnic separatism and tribal alienation, particularly in the North-East.
2. Institutional Framework: The government has become more open to the creation of autonomous regional or district councils to address ethnic demands.
3. Eighth Schedule: By adding major languages to the Eighth Schedule, the government has addressed linguistic discontent.
   • Example: Languages like Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali were added in 2004.
4. Recognizing Significant Languages: The state language policy is tuned to accommodate dialects and language groups, fostering inclusivity.
   • Example: Culturally significant languages are granted official status in education and official transactions.

Ways Forward

1. Political:

• Formation of the NITI Aayog: This has promoted cooperative federalism by involving state governments in economic policymaking through a bottom-up approach.
• Effective Implementation of Schemes: Centrally sponsored schemes and private sector incentives have been launched, especially in backward states, but there’s a need for better implementation.
• Reconstitution of the National Integration Council (NIC): The NIC’s last meeting in 2013 focused on communal harmony, ending discrimination, and condemning atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
• Creating Interdependent States: States should collaborate with each other in development. Educating people and politicians about the importance of cooperation between states is essential.
• Bottom-Up Approach: Development needs to be linked between Panchayats and the State Legislature to ensure well-rounded state development.
• Political Parties Should Avoid Partisanship: Electoral appeals based on regional identity should be discouraged in favor of national unity beyond sectarian interests.

2. Social:

• Investment in Social Sectors: Increased spending on education, health, and sanitation is necessary for human resource development.
• Nationalism Through Education: A national education system can help people overcome regional feelings and develop a stronger attachment to the nation.
• Celebrate Unity in Diversity: Initiatives like “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” promote unity in diversity and strengthen the sentiment of national unity.

3. Economic:

• Uniform Development of All Regions: No region should feel isolated or left behind.
  • Example: Proper resource sharing in Mines and Minerals bills can ensure fair resource allocation.
• Uniform Economic Development: Focus on underdeveloped regions, backward areas, and Naxal-hit areas to avoid discontent.
  • Example: Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP).

4. Cultural:

• Use of Sports: Sports like cricket and hockey can promote national unity by tapping into common emotions.
• Cultural Sensitization Programs: These should be implemented in colleges to promote understanding of different regions and reduce hatred.
• Promote National Identity: Fairs and festivals can be organized to celebrate and strengthen national identity.

• Peaceful Promotion of Hindi: The development of Hindi as a common language (lingua franca) across India should be achieved in a non-coercive and peaceful manner.

The text highlights the need to develop each region of India by:

• Devolving power to local governments.
• Empowering people to participate in decision-making processes.
• Encouraging state governments to find alternative energy resources, create employment, and improve agriculture through technology.

The text envisions further integration of India’s regions, respecting their unique characteristics and needs. This integration will give each region and nation due importance, allowing local cultures to gain international exposure. The idea is to create a world where no one feels left out, resembling a “global village” with distinct regions contributing to the whole.

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