Bhil tribe demanding an independent tribal state i.e., Bhil Pradesh, comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Factors driving Demand for New States in post-independence India
- Linguistic diversity: Creation of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960
- Cultural identity: Demand for Statehood for the Gorkhaland region of west Bengal
- Developmental differences: Demand for the Vidarbha, region of Maharashtra
- Administrative efficiency: Demand of Harit Pradesh from Uttar Pradesh
Advantage of smaller state
- Better Governance: More focused administration, quicker decision-making and policy implementation etc.
- Economic Development: Targeted policies for local needs, better utilization of natural resources, etc
- Administrative Efficiency: Easier management of smaller geographical areas.
- Other: Reduced regional disparities, Distribution of power from larger units to smaller ones, etc.
Concerns
- Administrative challenges: The initial costs of setting up new state machinery are very high.
- Conflicts: Possibility of increased conflict over interstate river water, land borders, etc.
- Regionalism: Fragmentation and weakening national unity.
- Economical Concerns: Potential financial burden on central government, Smaller markets might be less attractive for large-scale investments, etc.
- Pandora box: Creation of new states can further lead to the demand for and creation of other new states.
Constitutional Provisions
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