Regionalism

Regionalism in a positive sense means people’s attachment and identification with the region they belong to. In its excessive form it can also lead to demands for separatism. Regionalism hence has to be channelised well to be able to reap its benefits for protection of diversity while also preserving integrity of the nation. Constitutional and legislative measures focus on inclusive economic growth, cooperative federalism, cultural exchanges, and grassroots governance as effective measures to mitigate its negative impacts. Initiatives such as Priority Sector Lending (PSL) incentives, targeted infrastructure development like the PM-DEVINE scheme, and special packages for economically backward states aim to create employment opportunities. Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat is an effort to ensure celebration of the regional diversity of the region.

While studying the Indian Constitution and the nation-building process, a fundamental principle emerges: India upholds the rights of various regions and linguistic groups to preserve their unique cultures. The aim was a unified social existence without erasing the diversity of the many cultures within. Indian nationalism aimed for harmony between unity and diversity, unlike some European nations that viewed cultural diversity as a challenge to national unity. India embraced a democratic approach in addressing diversity, contrasting with the approach in certain European countries.

Regionalism is in India refers to the political, cultural, or social movement when people derive their identity from specific regions or states, often in terms of distinct language, culture, ethnicity, or economic interests. Nation-building is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. As India's democratic experiment progressed, regional aspirations for autonomy emerged. These often resulted in armed movements, government repression, and disruptions in political processes. Some issues were resolved through talks after a lot of ups and downs, but not everything was completely fixed. Countries which aim for unity with diversity often struggle with deciding how much power each region should have and what rights they should get.

• In a positive context, regionalism embodies people's affection for their region, culture, and language, aiming to preserve their unique identity.
• Conversely, in a negative context, regionalism denotes an excessive allegiance to one's region over the nation or state, leading to separatist movements, as seen in the case of Khalistan

• Geographical Factors: Geographical elements can foster resource competition and relative deprivation both among and within states, which may lead to demand for autonomy.
  • e.g. the division between the hills and valleys in Manipur has spurred the hill-dwelling population to seek a separate state.
• Historical Context: Origin, nativity, migration, and reorganization histories fostering regionalist tendencies, as seen with parties like Shiv Sena in Maharashtra or TDP in Andhra Pradesh.
• Ethnicity Ethnicity's influence on identity, culture, political mobilization, and territorial assertions can significantly contribute to the shaping and reinforcement of regionalist sentiments and movements.
  • e.g. The Nagas in Nagaland are seeking a separate nation founded on their ethnic identity.
• Language Dynamics:
  • While language can unite, it can also lead to regionalism, for instance, in the cases of Andhra and Punjab.
• Caste and Religion: Combined with linguistic homogeneity, caste and religious factors can accentuate regionalism, such as demands for Punjab state or Khalistan. Tamil regionalism was influenced by the non-Brahmin movement.
• Political Dissatisfaction When a regional community feels unrepresented or unacknowledged in the current political setup, demands for separate states may arise, as witnessed in the case of Bodoland.
• Economic Disparities Wide economic gaps often lead to discontent, culminating in demands for separate states. An example is Uttarakhand's separation from Uttar Pradesh due to economic differences.

• Secessionism This form of regionalism seeks an independent separate state, as seen in the demand for Khalistan.
• Supra-State Regionalism It involves regional divisions on a larger scale, such as the North versus South India divide.
• Inter-State Regionalism This type revolves around disputes between states, often related to resources like river water disputes.
• Intra-State or Sub-regionalism: It's the emergence of regionalism within a state, like the demand for Vidarbha in Maharashtra or Saurashtra in Gujarat.

1. Pre-Independence Era: The early seeds of regionalism were sown during British colonial rule when linguistic and cultural differences fuelled demands for linguistic states and recognition of distinct regional identities. Movements like the Dravidian movement in South India and the demand for separate states based on language began to gain momentum.
2. Post-Independence: India's independence in 1947 led to efforts to create a unified nation while recognizing diverse identities. The linguistic reorganization of states in the 1950s and '60s, following the States Reorganization Act of 1956, was a landmark event that led to the formation of states based on linguistic lines. This move aimed to address linguistic diversity but also sparked regional aspirations and identity assertions.
3. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): The region has witnessed separatist movements, with demands for autonomy and, in some cases, outright secession from India. The complex political landscape involving issues of identity, special status, and historical grievances has been a significant factor in regional tensions.
4. Telangana The demand for a separate Telangana state within Andhra Pradesh was a long-standing issue, resulting in the eventual formation of Telangana as a separate state in 2014, driven by aspirations for regional identity and development disparities.
5. North-Eastern States: The North-Eastern region has seen various movements advocating for greater autonomy, preservation of tribal identities, and resistance against perceived cultural imposition from the mainland. Ethnic conflicts and demands for separate states or greater autonomy have been significant in this region.
6. Punjab: The state witnessed the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, aiming to establish a separate Sikh nation, Khalistan. This movement was largely driven by feelings of alienation, political and economic grievances, and religious identity.
7. Jharkhand: The region experienced a movement advocating for the creation of a separate state of Jharkhand, which came into existence in 2000. The movement stemmed from issues related to tribal rights, resource exploitation, and underdevelopment.

• Support from Regional Political Parties: These parties often advocate and sustain regional interests to consolidate their power and influence in specific regions.
• Desire for Autonomy: Many regions seek to preserve their cultural and political autonomy, contributing to sustained regionalism.
• Perceived Neglect or Economic Disparities: The perception of continuous neglect from the central government or slow economic growth, like in the North East, fuels regional sentiments.
• Rise of Violent Groups: Organizations like ULFA in Assam leverage regional sentiments to perpetuate themselves, often resorting to violence to further their cause.
• Inter-State Disputes: Disputes between states, such as the Kaveri water dispute, can intensify regionalism by pitting regions against each other.
• Ongoing Nation-Building Process: India's ongoing nation-building efforts create space for regional identities and aspirations, contributing to sustained regionalism amidst the broader national framework.

• Separate State Flag: Instances like Karnataka having its own state flag signify the assertion of regional identity distinct from the national flag.
• Son of Soil Doctrine: These movements advocate that a state primarily belongs to the dominant linguistic group inhabiting it, as seen in Maharashtra for Marathis, emphasizing local identity and ownership of the land. Movements like the one in Assam that advocate for the rights of indigenous inhabitants over others, emphasizing the local roots.
• Local Reservations in Employment: Practices in states like Karnataka, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh, where local job reservations prioritize residents over non-residents, showcasing regional protectionism.
• Inter-State River Water Conflicts Conflicts like the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu water dispute highlight regional tensions over shared resources, impacting cooperation between states.
• Inner Line Permit Demand: The demand for Inner Line Permit in Manipur showcases a desire for autonomy and control over immigration to protect regional identity.
• Khalistan Movement: The Khalistan movement in Punjab aimed at creating a separate Sikh nation, advocating for a distinct regional identity.

• Formation of States (Article 1 and 3): The constitution provides for the establishment of states to preserve regional identities.
• Provisions for Resolving Interstate Disputes (Article 131): Supreme Court has the power to adjudicate disputes between states.
• Special Provisions for States (Article 371): Article 371 grants special provisions for various states to safeguard cultural, social, and economic interests.
• Decentralized Governance Schemes (73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts): These amendments establish Panchayats and Municipalities for local self-governance, empowering grassroots democracy.
• Schedule 5 and Schedule 6: These schedules in the constitution provide special provisions for Scheduled and Tribal areas, respectively, to protect their autonomy and culture.
• Interstate Councils under Article 263: Appointed to facilitate coordination and promote harmony among states, encouraging cooperation and addressing mutual concerns.

• Development of vernacular languages boosted education, literacy rates, and political participation.
• Preserving local customs, culture, and festivals, linguistic states enriched India's diverse cultural fabric.
• National Unity Success: Experts credit India for averting civil war by respecting linguistic sentiments and respecting statehood demands. In contrast examples abound in our neighbourhood of Sri Lankans oppressing Tamils and Pakistan oppressing Bengali sentiments in East Pakistan.

• Inclusive and balanced economic growth >
  • Top priority to the economic development of deprived zones
    • e.g. More PSL (Priority Sector Lending) scores to Banks if credit is given in backward zones
  • Promote Infrastructure Development with Special focus
    • e.g. PM -DEVINE scheme for North East region.
  • Provide Special Packages to backward states
    • e.g. More Central Funding in Centrally Sponsored Schemes for these states
  • Create enough employment opportunities.
    • e.g. Regional resource-based manufacturing like the Bamboo industry in the North- East region.
    
    
• Political Empowerment
  • Political aspirations must be addressed
    • E.g. Establishing the Bodoland Territorial Region as per the Bodo Accord 2020 helped addressed specific political aspirations
  • Promote Cooperative Federalism >
    • e.g. NITI Aayog's bottom up approach has encouraged cooperative decision-making between the Centre and states
  • Inclusive Governance
    • Fortifying grassroots democracy via decentralized governance, are vital approaches to address regional concerns and foster inclusive governance
• Cultural Exchange Programs:
  • Facilitate cultural exchanges and celebrations that showcase the diversity of regions while emphasizing commonalities
  • e.g. EK Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative
• Education and Awareness:
  • Incorporate diverse regional histories and cultures into education curricula to foster understanding and respect among citizens
• Dialogues and Forums:
  • Organize forums and discussions where representatives from different regions can address concerns, negotiate differences, and find common ground.

India's regionalism, rooted in historical, linguistic, and socio-economic factors, represents need for recognition of autonomy and identity among the people. It manifests in demands for separate states (Telangana), linguistic preservation (Andhra Pradesh), and conflicts over resources (Uttarakhand). Constitution of India has provisions to manage regionalism, however it persists due to economic disparities and political dissatisfactions.

To mitigate regionalism, inclusive economic growth, cooperative federalism, cultural exchanges, and grassroots governance are important. India has channelised and even respected regional aspirations which has led to averting civil wars and empowering people. India’s goal of unity in diversity has allowed it to regionalism not as a threat but an opportnuity. However to continued commitment to understanding, dialogue, and inclusive development is necessary to deal with regional identities and aspirations.