REGIONALISM

Regionalism refers to a strong attachment or identification with one’s own region. For instance, people in India may identify themselves as Tamilian, Bengali, Bihari, etc., before identifying as Indian.

History Background

1. Colonial Era:
   • First Phase of Regionalism: The roots of regional consciousness in India can be traced back to colonial policies. The British started empire-building by forming administrative units in three key regions: Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. Territories from the east, west, and south were added to these presidencies, forming Bengal, Bombay, and Madras as the three original British Indian provinces.
   • Second Phase of Regionalism: During this phase, the British formed larger states. Later, they began bifurcating larger provinces into smaller ones, starting with Assam.
   • Purpose of Reorganisation: The British reorganized territories solely for imperial interests and efficient administration, without considering development or welfare.
   • Divide and Rule Policy: The British used the divide and rule strategy to encourage regional differences and give weight to this policy.
   • Differential Attitudes and Treatment: The British treated the princely states and British Indian presidencies differently, encouraging regional tendencies and fostering disparities among them.
   • Neglect of Some Regions: British economic policies neglected certain regions, resulting in economic disparities and regional imbalances.
2. Post-Independence Era:
   • Dravida Movement: The origins of modern regional movements in India can be traced to the Dravida Movement of the 1940s, also known as the Non-Brahmin Movement in present-day Tamil Nadu. This movement later evolved into a demand for a separate Tamil state.
   • Rise of Other Demands: Similar regional demands, like the formation of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, also arose, focusing on the demand for separate statehood.
   • Demand for Statehood: The 1950s and 1960s witnessed intense mass mobilization for statehood in various parts of India, sometimes leading to violent clashes.
   • Demand for Andhra: The Andhra Movement began in 1954, led by Potti Sri Ramulu, who demanded a separate state for Telugu-speaking people. His death sparked widespread political regionalism, and many other states and princely states began demanding separate status.
   • Tribal Insurgencies: During the 1970s and 1980s, tribal insurgencies for separation and statehood intensified. This led to the passage of the North-Eastern States Reorganisation Act, 1971, which upgraded several Union Territories to full-fledged states. The Act upgraded Manipur and Tripura, elevated Meghalaya from a Sub-State to full statehood, and granted Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh Union Territory status (which later became full states in 1986).
   • 21st Century Regional Aspirations: In the 2000s, further movements for separate states arose due to feelings of regional deprivation. These movements led to the creation of new states, including:
     • Chhattisgarh (from Madhya Pradesh)
     • Jharkhand (from Bihar)
     • Uttarakhand (from Uttar Pradesh)
   • Latest Addition: The latest development in India’s regionalism is the creation of Telangana in 2014, carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Factors Behind Regionalism in India

1. Geographical Factor:
   • Territorial Orientation: Regionalism often stems from the geographical boundaries of a region, with people identifying strongly with the territorial region they inhabit.
   • Different Conditions: The linguistic distribution and topographical variations across India’s diverse regions induce regional identity. Differences in climate, settlement patterns, and the availability of resources create regional disparities, fostering regionalism.
2. Historical Factors:
   • Ancient Phase of History: Except during the reigns of emperors like Ashoka and Samudragupta, India has been largely ruled by regional kingdoms throughout its history.
     • For example: The Cholas and Pandyas of South India, and the Satavahanas of Andhra.
   • Medieval India: During medieval times, various kings and governors ruled the provinces with autonomy over their regions, which nurtured distinct regional identities.
     • For example: The Rajputs in the north and the Marathas in the west had strong regional kingdoms.
   • British Rule: The British policy of divide and rule encouraged regional differences, promoting the autonomy of princely states. The British would pit one king against another, such as in the Carnatic wars.
   • Past Tradition and Glorification: Historical and cultural traditions, including folklore, myths, and symbolism, have been instrumental in fostering regional identity.
     • For example: Figures like Shivaji in Maharashtra, Periyar in Tamil Nadu, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Punjab are celebrated as local heroes who contributed to regional pride and identity.
3. Caste and Region:
   • Caste System: While caste plays a marginal role in regionalism, the combination of caste with linguistic or religious preponderance can amplify regional identities.
   • Combination of Other Homogeneities: In many cases, regionalism is heightened when it combines linguistic or religious homogeneity with economic deprivation. This is especially true in cases where regional identities are built on shared cultural, religious, or economic characteristics.
4. Economic Factors:
   • Uneven Development: Uneven development across different regions of India is one of the primary reasons for regionalism. Areas with lower development levels often feel marginalized.
     • For example: States like Jharkhand and Telangana were formed due to regional demands for addressing underdevelopment.
   • Unbalanced Economic Policies: Economic policies that disproportionately benefit some regions over others have led to economic disparities and discontentment among regions. This has resulted in demands for Special Category Status or separate statehood in regions such as Bodoland, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh.
   • Economic Development: In some cases, the economic prosperity of a specific community or region has sparked regional demands.
     • For example: After the Green Revolution, the Sikh Jatts of Punjab became economically prosperous, leading to demands for a separate Punjab for the Sikh community, further exacerbating regionalism in the state.

1. Political-Administrative Factors:
   • Regional Political Aspirations: Regional political parties and local leaders often exploit regional sentiments and regional deprivation to solidify their political support.
     • For example: Regional parties like TDP in Andhra Pradesh, DMK in Tamil Nadu, and Akali Dal in Punjab have thrived on regional aspirations.
   • Political Promises: Political parties give importance to regional issues in their election manifestos and policies, promising regional development.
2. Cultural and Festival Factors:
   • North-South Divide: The cultural divide between the southern part of India (which follows Dravidian cultures) and the north, west, central, and northeast is noticeable in terms of language, festivals, and social practices.
   • East and North-East Divide: Even within the eastern and northeastern regions of India, there are cultural distinctions, with the northeast being home to a large number of tribal people.
   • Different Festivals: Festivals in India, both religious and secular, vary greatly by region. Even within Hinduism, festivals and rituals can differ.
   • Tribal Culture: Festivals celebrated by tribal communities also highlight cultural differences.
     • For example: The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland showcases the tribal way of life.
3. Linguistic Factors:
   • Linguistic Diversity: India has 22 official languages recognized by the Constitution, with over 1600 mother tongues. People have a strong attachment to their language, which becomes a marker of their regional identity.
     • For example: The renaming of cities like Bombay to Mumbai, Bangalore to Bengaluru, and Madras to Chennai reflects regional linguistic pride.
   • Hindi and Non-Hindi Divide: Hindi has been promoted as the “Lingua Franca” in India, but this has often been resisted by non-Hindi-speaking states.
     • For example: The Anti-Hindi Agitations in southern states during the 1960s were a reaction against the imposition of Hindi.
4. Resources Factor:
   • Competition for Resources: Due to scarcity of resources, regions often compete for control over resources, fueling regional aspirations.
     • For example: The Cauvery Water Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
5. Ethnic Factors:
   • Ethnic Diversity: India’s many ethnic groups have sometimes demanded political autonomy or secession based on their ethnic identity.
     • For example: The Nagas of Nagaland have demanded a separate nation based on their ethnic identity.
6. Religion:

• Religious Difference: While regionalism is often secular, it can sometimes intersect with religious loyalties or create divides where religious domination is evident.
  • For example: The creation of Pakistan was based on religious differences, and the demand for an independent Khalistan by Sikhs in the 1980s was based on religious identity.

Impact of Regionalism in India

1. Positive Impact:
   • Intergroup Solidarity: Regionalism can lead to solidarity among people of a particular region, uniting them to protect their interests.
     • For example: The Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council was formed in 1985 to protect the endangered tribal identity in the state.
   • Check on Communalism: Since regionalism often forms based on language rather than religion, it has helped keep communalism (religious-based identity politics) in check, reducing tensions based on religion.
   • Source of Identity: In the uncertain modern world, regionalism has become an important source of identity for many people, offering them a sense of belonging.
   • Promote Democracy: Regionalism has helped promote democratic politics by encouraging regional parties (like Shiv Sena, DMK, Akali Dal, etc.) to participate in elections and capture power through democratic means.

• Healthy Competition: Regionalism can also induce competition among regions, pushing people to work harder to improve their area. This type of competitive federalism can foster development.
• Satisfaction of People: When regions receive recognition (in the form of statehood or autonomy), people feel empowered, leading to greater satisfaction within the community.

1. Negative Impact:
   • Secessionist Tendency: In some cases, regionalism can turn into secessionism, with regions seeking to break away from the nation (e.g., certain movements in Nagaland or Punjab).
   • Sons of Soil Policy: Regionalism can harm the fundamental rights of citizens by promoting the idea that locals (“sons of the soil”) should receive preferential treatment, limiting others’ rights to work or live in a region.
   • Violence: Many regional movements have turned violent, causing extensive damage to public and private property.
     • For example: The Vishal Andhra Movement turned violent during the demand for the creation of Andhra Pradesh.
   • Sub-National Feeling: Regionalism can create strong sub-national feelings, where people start to identify with their region more than the nation as a whole.
     • For example: Movements for Naga Nationalism or Punjabi Nationalism vs. Indian nationalism.
   • Uneven Development: Development policies can sometimes favor certain regions over others, leading to further imbalances in regional development and exacerbating feelings of deprivation.
   • Impact on International Diplomacy: Regionalism can also affect international diplomacy when regional parties influence foreign relations.
     • For example: Tamil parties impact diplomacy with Sri Lanka, or the Teesta Water Dispute affects relations with Bangladesh.
   • Threat to Internal Security: Regionalism can pose a serious threat to the unity of the country. Insurgent groups promoting regionalism challenge the nation’s internal security and disrupt the administrative structure.
   • Regional Blackmailing: Regional demands can influence national politics, particularly during coalition governments, when regional leaders demand policies or resources. This often burdens the central government.
     • For example: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugarcane in Maharashtra led to widespread agitations by farmers across states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

Recent Issues on Regionalism

• Maharashtra and Assam: In recent years, Maharashtra and Assam have faced criticism due to attacks on migrants from other states. Often, regionalism has been used as a political tool to secure vote banks.
  • For Example: Shiv Sena and MNS in Mumbai frequently attack North Indians, accusing them of taking jobs and opportunities meant for locals.
• Gorkhaland: The Gorkhas, who are Nepali-speaking people, are demanding the creation of a separate state, Gorkhaland, by seceding from West Bengal.
  • Reasons: The Gorkhas feel that the West Bengal government is imposing the Bengali language on them (e.g., making Bengali compulsory in schools), and they argue that their region is underdeveloped compared to other parts of the state.
• Andhra Pradesh: The Andhra Pradesh government has mandated that 75% of jobs in upcoming industries be reserved for locals, adding to the ongoing debate over regional job quotas and local employment policies.

Measures to Combat Regionalism

• Removal of Regional Imbalance: Uneven economic development and regional imbalances are often the root causes of regionalism. Addressing these imbalances by ensuring equitable distribution of resources can help mitigate regional discontent.
• Development of Transport and Communication: Improving the transportation and communication network can foster greater interaction between different regions and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Economic Development of Deprived Regions: Special attention must be given to deprived regions that feel economically and politically marginalized. Their integration into the national mainstream is essential for reducing regionalism.
• Policy of Non-Interference: The central government should refrain from unnecessary interference in regional affairs unless it is essential for national interest. States should be given the freedom to manage their internal matters independently.
• Acculturation: Promoting cultural exchange and frequent interaction between regional groups can help break down regional barriers and foster a sense of national unity.
• Action on Regional Parties: Political parties that exploit regional sentiments and promote divisive agendas should be restricted. Issues related to regional demands should be addressed peacefully through constitutional means.
• Proper Education: Education plays a key role in promoting national integration and discouraging separatist tendencies. The education system must encourage unity and a broader national outlook.
• Appeal through Mass Media: Mass media, particularly electronic media, can serve as a powerful agent for promoting social change. Efforts should be made to use media to encourage feelings of nationalism and unity among the population.

Way Forward

• Unity in Diversity: The ethos of “Unity in Diversity” is crucial for maintaining the pluralistic nature of the Indian nation-state. Accommodating the multiple aspirations of a diverse population is necessary to preserve this unity.
• Cooperative Federalism: The formation of the NITI Aayog is a positive step towards enhancing cooperative federalism. This involves the participation of state governments in economic policymaking, using a bottom-up approach to address regional concerns.
• Uniform Development of All Regions: Steps must be taken to ensure that no region feels isolated or left behind. An example is ensuring equitable distribution of resources, such as in Mines and Minerals bills, where local bodies receive a share of earnings from natural resource allocation.
• Promotional Steps for Backward States: Though initiatives like centrally sponsored schemes and private sector incentives for backward states have been introduced, there is a need for better implementation to ensure inclusive development.
• Increase Social Expenditure: Social expenditure on education, health, and sanitation must be increased, as these are the core areas for human resource development and can significantly reduce regional inequalities.
• Educational Strategy: There is a need to introduce a system of national education that fosters a sense of unity and reduces regional biases. This could help people overcome regional feelings and develop a sense of national belonging as a long-term solution to sub-nationalism.
• Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat: Schemes like “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” launched by the government are designed to promote national unity by celebrating the “Unity in Diversity” culture of India. Such schemes can strengthen the sentiment of national integration among citizens across states.

Conclusion

If religious, communal, cultural, and linguistic differences threaten the unity of India, they present a challenge to the social union. However, the idea of “unity in diversity” is both a threat and a promise. While these differences can lead to fragmentation, they also offer the opportunity to create a stronger, more united nation by embracing diversity.