The document discusses the issue of demands for smaller states in India and debates the pros and cons. It argues that while smaller states may lead to more efficient administration and development of local resources, dividing India into many small states could increase bureaucracy, weaken representation at the national level, and undermine national unity. Instead of dividing based on regional demands, the document suggests finding common ground and inclusive solutions that celebrate diversity and avoid further fragmentation of India.

1. .
I
YOUTH VOICE
DO SMALLER STATES MEAN MORE DEVELOPMENT?
. . .
Smaller the better! How much more can you
divide India?
THE decision to give separate statehood NITED we stand divided we fall! A
I
to Telangana has given. rise to many U dictum long forgotten in our tryst with
questions and issues. Now the demand for history. There was a time when we were
separate statehood for various regions like one, and together we won, but today we
Gorkhaland from West Bengal, Vidarbha are bruised and battered. We are chopped
from Maharashtra or Bundelkhand and Western UP from into pieces in an effort to uphold peace. I am referring to
Uttar Pradesh has gained momentum. the "request for smaller states" issue that has been in the
Considering the recordof three states that were formed headlines for quite some time. An issue so very pertinent,
from larger states in 2000 - Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and it well meansthe revamp of geographytextbooks of school
Uttarakhand, it can be found that they have grown children, and an identity changed forever. I feel against
fabulously fast since then.
If we try to look at the economic IIIIiDiIIBD the boundaries that we draw within,
how beautiful would the world be with Ino lines,
wonder
development of these states, then it will be known that but just with landmarks.
many big industries have rushed to Uttarakhand due to The manipulative scheming schemes to disintegrate
concession in excise duty, thereby giving a boost to the and divide are the ultimate display of dismay. What
state's economy. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have also would one achieve with these new boundaries? I wonder.
developeda lot recently. Both the states had ample mineral Doesit help governance?I think not. Given the topography
resourceslike coal and iron ore, which remained untapped of various places in India and the interdependence
when they were a part of the larger states. Most of the between states even in terms of basic necessities, I
time, their mineral revenueswere diverted to state capitals strongly opine that interstate octroi and other costs could
but this ended as soon as they became separate states. be widely avoided by this. In addition to this, we are well
Looking at the political aspect of the smaller states,
)
aware of the fact that politics is no habitat of sacred
one cannot deny the fact that smaller states will surely cows. These small states that would be formed could
lead to efficiency in administration. Central Government well vanish into the oblivion with a minuscule
will be able to focus on various issuesclosely as compared representation at the Centre.
to larger states due to smaller area of focus. There will be Do we have lesser issues in hand to deal with that
less bureaucracy and more political transparency. Clear we are adding to the list? Wouldn't it be more prudent a
delegation of duty and accountability of work will reduce decision to find solutions to problems in hand amicably
the blame game prevailing in Indian politics. The police and diligently which would involve inclusive strategy with
and administration will be able to maintain law and order an intent to celebrate and accept differences? Couldn't
in smaller states moreeasily. Local leaderswho understand there be a middle ground for negotiation? Coming back
the state very well will have a say in the politics of the to where I started, it has already created a trend... The
state. Corruption and red-tapism will also reduce and the spark set at Telangana has created a wild fire with
government work will be done without much delay and Mayawati diverting media attention from her statue spree
local development will take place faster with resources to fresh new demands for new states. Such frivolous
belonging to the locals being used in most of the work. demands are not all legitimate and mostly laughable. A
There will be more employment opportunities as well. thought to ponderby FarooqAbdullah that I haveno answer
There will be more funds available for all the work of to "How much more can you divide India?" -
the state as the boundaries and the population of the state
Harish Iyer voices his concern for a diverse ensemble of social
will be limited. Infrastructure will be readily available. All causes. Professionally, he works as a creative resource at Shobiz
this will lead to the progress of backward regions. - Experiential Communications and is an avid blogger. He is an
active voice against child sexual abuse and underway is a film
Avani Jain is a student of Symbiosis Institute of Media and and a book inspired by his life.
Communication, Pune.
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ONE INDIA ONE PEOPLE I March I 2010