India - Are 28 States and 8 UTs enough?

America has 50 states for a population of 330 Million and India has 28 states for a population of 1.47 Billion. Do we need more states? What can be the probable new states?
India - Are 28 States and 8 UTs enough?
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Introduction

India is the seventh largest country in the world in terms of area but is the most populous country in the world surpassing China. India got independence in 1947 and India was in pieces. On one hand, there was never-ending communal violence predominantly in northern and central India and on the other hand, the integration of all the princely states into mainland India was also a major challenge.

Owing to good governance and diplomacy by our then-prime minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India got its new shape. But it was getting very difficult to manage the country with such big states. Therefore, the first State Reorganisation Committee was formed in 1953 which submitted a report in 1955. The report suggested dividing the nation into 16 states and 3 UTs. The government made 14 states and 6 union territories.

The process of separation and reorganisation of states has been done many times before. However, the last state that was divided was Andhra Pradesh. It was divided into two parts and the new state formed was Telangana. The Home Ministry to date has proposals to make more than 20 new states in India.

Why do we need new States?

India is a huge country with a very diverse culture and heritage. There are 22 official languages in India and therefore, a lot of people demand the making of a new state. However, the situation has changed and the new proposed states are demanding a separate state due to economic backwardness and negligence of state governments.

After almost a decade after separation, the economy of Telangana is at par with the economy of Andhra Pradesh. Also, the division of states helps in better governance. Rajasthan which is the largest state of India is bigger than 110 countries of the world. The population of Uttar Pradesh just falls short of the population of India, China, the US and Indonesia. Therefore, such states require a division for better governance.

Proposed New States

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India. For better governance and equal growth, many individuals and political parties have raised their voices to divide Uttar Pradesh into 4 parts. In 2011, BSP Supremo and former CM of Uttar Pradesh proposed to divide the state into four parts. Namely;

I. Harit Pradesh

II. Awadh Pradesh

III. Purvanchal

IV. Bundelkhand

However, these demands were rejected by the then government but this issue is also something that will need more attention.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is the richest state in India. However, it is so huge that it is becoming very difficult to focus on its inclusive development. Therefore, for a very long time, it has been demanded to divide Maharashtra into 4 different parts. Namely;

I. Vidarbha

II. Marathwada

III. Konkan

IV. Mumbai

These demands are being taken into consideration by the home ministry.

Karnataka

One of the most influential south Indian states, Karnataka is no different in this case. Karnataka has been proposed to be divided into 3 parts. Namely;

I. North Karnataka

II. Karnataka

III. Tulu

However, there is a difference here. North Karnataka wants to be separated because they feel that they have been neglected by the state government and all of the development is happening in the Bangalore - Mysore belt. On the other hand, Tulu wants to get separated because of Linguistic and Cultural differences. Locals say that they discriminated based on language and therefore, demand a separate state.

Odisha

The coastal state of Odisha is one of the most peaceful states which is self-sufficient and has the least political instability. Therefore, policies are implemented properly and people live with ease. However, the non-coastal region of the state feels that the state does not give enough attention to them and most of the infrastructure is mainly based in the coastal part of the state. Odisha has been proposed to be divided into 2 states. Namely;

I. Koshal

II. Odisha

The Odisha government has now introduced a lot of new infrastructure projects in the Koshal region and hopefully, this issue will be resolved.

Rajasthan

Finally comes the largest state in our country. Rajasthan has a rich cultural heritage and has an ancient history. The western state of India is divided by the Aravalli hills into two parts. The area east to the Aravallis mainly the districts of Kota and Jaipur is more developed but the area towards the west of Aravallis mainly the districts of Bikaner and Jaisalmer is highly underdeveloped. As a result, Rajasthan is proposed to be divided into two states. Namely;

I. Maru Pradesh

II. Rajasthan

The state government has acted positively in this manner and many infrastructural projects have been announced in the area.

 Conclusion

These were the states that may be divided into different parts for better governance and policy implementation. However, making a new state comes at a cost. A lot of infrastructure has to be made and a new system has to be set up. New elections and fresh political and administrative machinery have to be set up.

It is very easy to pass a simple resolution in the parliament if the central government wishes to alter the boundaries of a new state or divide or merge two states. But there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration. Therefore, If the need for the creation of a new state is genuine and inevitable, then it should be done.

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