Regionalism In India

Regionalism is defined as a feeling of loyalty to a particular part of a country and a wish for it to be more politically independent. It is not just a territorial unit but a culmination of socio-economic and political factors.

What is Regionalism?

Regionalism can be a positive force, bringing people together based on a shared identity and goals within a specific area.
It fosters a sense of brotherhood and unity, encouraging people to work together for the well-being and progress of their region.
People feel motivated to safeguard the interests of their region, contributing to the overall welfare and development of the state and its residents.
On the downside, regionalism can become problematic when there is an exaggerated loyalty to one’s own region.
If taken to extremes, this excessive attachment poses a significant threat to the unity and integrity of the entire country.
In India, the term ‘regionalism’ is often used in a negative context, referring to situations where loyalty to one’s region surpasses the broader national identity.

History of Regional Movements in India

Colonial Roots of Regional Identity:

The seeds of regional consciousness in India can be traced back to the colonial era. British policies and differential treatment of princely states versus presidencies fueled regionalist tendencies.
Economic neglect of certain regions by the British led to significant economic disparities and regional imbalances.

Southern India Movements:

The Dravida Movement, starting in the 1940s in present-day Tamil Nadu, marked the beginning of regional movements.
This movement eventually evolved into the demand for a separate Tamil state. Similar sentiments arose in the Andhra region.
Potti Sri Ramulu’s leadership in the 1954 revolt for a separate Andhra state and his subsequent death sparked widespread political regionalism.

Establishment of States Reorganisation Committee:

The surge in demands for separate states across India led to the formation of the States Reorganisation Committee, headed by Faisal Ali.
The committee recommended the reorganisation of Indian states along linguistic lines, solidifying regionalist tendencies.
The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 turned linguistic states into a reality.

Insurgencies in North East India:

In the 1970s and 80s, tribal insurgencies in the northeastern region intensified, leading to the North-eastern States Reorganisation Act of 1971.
This act declared Manipur and Tripura as states, and Meghalaya as a Sub-State. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh initially became Union Territories, later attaining statehood in 1986.

Major Changes in the 21st Century:

The 2000s saw robust movements for the creation of separate states due to a growing sense of regional deprivation.
This resulted in the formation of three new states: Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand from Bihar, and Uttarakhand from Uttar Pradesh.
In 2014, Telangana was created by the division of Andhra Pradesh.

Different Types of Regional Movements have Occurred in India

Secessionism – Extreme Regionalism:

Some groups, like Isac Muivah’s NSCN-IM, Islamic fundamentalists in J&K, and ULFA in Assam, advocate forcefully separating from India based on ethnicity or other factors.
Examples include demands for Bodoland in Assam, Gorkhaland in West Bengal, and a Bundelkhand state covering parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Separatism – Seeking Separate Statehood:

Groups within states unite for separate statehood within the Indian Union.Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana were formed due to such demands.
Ongoing demands include Bodoland for Bodo-speakers, Gorkhaland for Gorkhas, and a separate Bundelkhand state.

Demand for Full Statehood:

Union territories, like the NCT of Delhi, have sought and obtained full statehood.
Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim achieved full statehood in the past.

Autonomy Demands:

Regional parties since the 1960s demand more state autonomy to reduce central interference.
States like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal seek increased powers.

Regional Autonomy within a State:

In response to regional imbalances from inefficient planning, some states demand recognition of regional identities.
In J&K, Ladakhis, for example, have sought regional status.

Impacts of Regionalism on Indian Polity

Positive Impacts:

When people support regional parties, it ensures that individuals from their own region have a say in the government, strengthening democratic values.
Regional parties limit the dominance of a single political entity, fostering diversity in political representation.
Leaders with local roots are more likely to understand and address the concerns of their community, fostering a sense of empathy.
Regionalism directs attention to specific local problems, encouraging policymakers to address and resolve issues that may be overlooked on a national scale.
A regional perspective promotes better planning, resulting in improved transit, efficient infrastructure, and enhanced delivery of goods and services.
Positive regionalism instills a sense of pride in one’s cultural heritage, connecting people to their roots.
Regional movements often boost the art and culture of neglected areas, providing exposure through local emphasis.

Negative Impacts:

Regional movements can lead to violent protests, disrupting law and order and negatively impacting the economy.
Regionalism may serve as a cover for extremism and militancy, posing internal security risks.
Disagreements between regional and national interests can complicate international relations, as seen in disputes over treaties like the Land Boundary Agreement and Teesta River Water sharing.
Extreme regionalism may lead to secessionist movements, threatening the sovereignty of the nation, exemplified by past issues in Punjab.
Regionalism can fuel animosity between states, creating tensions that spill over into broader conflicts.
Some regions exhibit resistance to migrants seeking job opportunities, creating tensions and opposition from regional leaders.
Exploitative use of regionalism in politics weakens national unity, as leaders prioritize gaining votes over broader national integration.
Taken to an extreme, regionalism challenges the harmonious concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ that has been a cornerstone of the nation’s fabric.

Causes of Growing Regionalism

Historical and geographical isolation, insider-outsider complex that nurturers nativism and son-of-the-soil ideology.
Uneven development, continuous neglect of a region and internal colonialism, despite being rich in natural resources some regions remain economically underdeveloped.
Ill-conceived top-down approach for development or survival of one region at the cost of the other region.
Imposition of an ideology that might be in conflict with the ideology that people of a particular have been possessing for a long time.
Linguistic aspirations and expression of ethnicity have long remained a formidable basis of regionalism.

Way Forward

Unity in Diversity is crucial for India’s unique identity. We must maintain this ethos to embrace our diverse population’s various aspirations.
Investing more in education, health, and sanitation is essential for developing our human resources. States should allocate more funds for social expenditure in these core areas.
The creation of NITI Aayog is a positive move to promote cooperative federalism. It involves state governments in economic policy-making, adopting a bottom-up approach.
While the government has taken steps like launching schemes and offering incentives for development, effective implementation is key for inclusive development.
Introducing a national education system can help overcome regional divides, fostering a stronger attachment to the nation. This could be a long-term solution to sub-nationalism.
Having pride in one’s language and culture does not undermine national unity. Regionalism is not inherently anti-national unless it turns militant, encouraging secessionist tendencies.

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