Need for new States Reorganization Commission

In light of the violent protests and disruptions in daily life in both Telangana and Seemandhra regions of AP as well as the disruptions in parliament prior to passing of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, it would be worthwhile for the centre to think about the whole issue of creating new states in a rational, non-adhoc and apolitical way.

An expert body, which could be named “States Reorganization Commission” (SRC), will be a rational arbiter in considering the regional demands for creation of smaller states. It will be insulated from the biased ideologies and political compulsions that influence and even bind the ruling political party at the centre. Also, such a commission will give the people an assurance that their claims are being considered by an unbiased commission and thus preclude violent protests and disruptions that usually accompany such movements for separate states.

Such an SRC should identify the reasons for demand of a separate state, verify if the expectations will be actually fulfilled on its formation. At the same time it should keep national unity and security issues in mind. The following points could be outlined in favour of creation of smaller states:

• Some large states which have a huge population such as Uttar Pradesh (UP) could be administered better by dividing them into smaller states
• The argument that creating a new state from a linguistically homogeneous state will damage the language or its culture does not hold water. The entire Hindi speaking heartland of our country is divided into several states such as UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, etc. That has not led to a dilution of Hindi language.

Similarly, a few things have to be kept in mind while deciding on creation of new states. Administrative viability is one of the primary factors. If every small region the size of a panchayat wants to form a separate state, that cannot be entertained. So, administrative viability would have to be established.

The new state should be capable of raising its own resources for funding its expenditure and not be excessively dependent on the centre.

Creation of new states could also necessitate new arrangements for water resources sharing which could become a sticking point in the relationship between the old and new state. Thus, fair, equitable and scientifically determined sharing of water resources should be a part of any state reorganization so that the upstream state does not monopolize the benefits.

Finally, apportioning state capitals and legacy cities of cultural and commercial importance for both separating regions is an emotive issue, as with Hyderabad. This, though, is an irrational concern. India is urbanising at a very fast rate and we need to build new cities to accommodate this influx. The formation of a separate state could be an opportunity to create new towns that employ the latest urban planning, energy conservation design and  advanced technology solutions for transport, lighting, waste management, sanitation and water supply.

It is futile to think that India will not have any more new states. On the contrary, it would be useful to proactively create a framework for the creation of new states, rather than wait for regional demands to turn violent and disruptive.