In the previous articles we covered the topics as follows (Click on the topic to go to the article). It is recommended to read the 3 articles before reading this article.
PART 1:-
Need for more states: Factors behind Development
PART 2:-
Myths in making new states
PART 3:-
Concerns and Issues that need to be addressed
As discussed in previous articles, 3 factors are essential in deciding how many & which new states are formed. These factors are
1. Homogeneity of the population
2. Population Range with no of MP's varying between 5 to 23
3. Area of state should between 35000 to 105000 Sq Km
Why these 3 factors have been defined in detail in the first article. As we can see in the picture which is being shared again, the states which are green in all 3 factors have a better chance to progress than states which are in the red in all areas as can be seen below.
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| States with 3 pts are doing good or are likely to join there very soon, while states with no green mostly lie in Bad zones or have areas in the state which lie in the bad zone |
So based on the above 3 factors and also on present demand for states, unique cultures in the country, the map below defines how new states need to be formed. Most of these states have been formed to ensure that they are homogeneous in Culture, have Population and Area in the Manageable zone. However in some places to be specific case of Tulu Nadu & Bodoland the cultures are so different from home state, plus they are have distinct geographical area which is mostly hilly, the choice is either a state of UT. In case of Bodoland it would mean a UT bigger than most states in the region and hence not recommended, while Tulu Nadu is a state forming areas of 2 cultures- Tulu's & Kodagu, hence dropping a absolute rigidity on 3 factor formula, forming these states is advisable.
We will now go into each of the new states and define the reason for it's formation and territories it incorporates, no of MP's and geographical and demographic details
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| This is how India should look like. |
NEW STATES
1. Harit Pradesh
Capital:- Meerut
Major Cities:- Ghaziabad, Noida, Barielly
Present Status:- Part of UP, 17 out of 74 Districts
Area:- 48767 Sq Km
MP's:-19
UP is the humungous states that is a perfect representation of mis-governance. Despite having the largest population and almost all PM's of India from UP, the state still remains one of the most backward state of India. Such huge is the state that it was after 60 years Mayawati was the first CM to complete it's term. The state is highly heterogeneous and completely unmanageable.
Harit Pradesh represents the northern part of UP, consists of the fertile lands. Harit means green and it signifies the importance of farming in this region. This region has major Jat, Gurjar and Muslim populations who are completely different from the population of Central and Eastern UP.
The state would absolutely be able to quickly get on it's feet. The region is a major producer of Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane and many other agriculture products. The major rivers of Ganga & Yamuna flow from this region and the present meager canal system can be extended and an effective canal system similar to Punjab & Haryana can be easily developed, as the profile of the land is similar.
The State borders the Delhi region and there is a large amount of Industry and Software sector in Noida, Ghaziabad & Meerut belt.
With an effective management and good governance the industry can easily be expanded and proximity to national capital will be an added advantage
2. Braj Pradesh
Capital:-Agra
Major Cities:- Gwalior, Mathura
Present Status:- Part of UP (8 out of 74 Districts), Rajasthan (2 out of 33 Districts), MP (4 out of 50 Districts)
Area:- 52076 Sq Km
MP's:-11
This state will integrate the Braj areas spread across 3 states of UP, MP and Rajasthan.
The state has huge potential for Tourism sector. The state has Agra in
it, besides holy city of Mathura and some other historical and religious
places in it. It has also wild life sanctuary at Bharatpur and famous historic city of Gwalior.
There are some industries like leather in Agra and some Industry in Gwalior also but overall the areas has lacked in Industrial development. The area due to it's proximity to both markets and source of raw materials can be a huge magnet for Industry if managed well
The state also has got fertile lands across the region. There are many rivers like Yamuna, Chambal, Sambhar flowing through the state. It can set an effective irrigation network in the state improving the agricultural productivity by leaps and bounds.
With such huge potential in area, it just needs to be
effectively managed. This state would have great potential
3. Awadh
Capital:-Lucknow
Major Cities:- Allahabad, Kanpur,
Present Status:- Part of UP, 25 out of 74 Districts
Area:- 88635 Sq Km
MP's:- 29
Awadh was one of the most progressive area during the Mughal times, which was later ruled by Nawab's before the British who were luring for it took over the at the right time. The state would be formed from UP, after the areas of Harit Pradesh, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand & Baghelkhand have be taken out of it. The region has a distinct Awadhi culture, and a separate state would unlock huge potential.
The state would definitely have Agriculture as it's main strength. Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gomti Rivers flowing through the state. This region at present does not have a good canal system, though a large potential is present. Developing the canal system would really unlock a huge potential in Agriculture. The region has a huge potential to expand in Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane and many more agriculture products.
Secondly this region has got huge potential for Tourism. Allahabad, the Prayag of Ganga and Yamuna lies in this state, Ayodhya, Srasvati also lies here. Along the Nepal border there are forest like the Dudwa Tiger Reserve. Investing in infrastructure for tourism in these cities, which presently is very backward can really give employment to a large section of Population
There is also some Industry present in Kanpur, Lucknow area, besides some small cottage Industries spread across the region. Development of irrigation which would enhance the agriculture output will give a boost to Agro industry. The Area lies on both Eastern and Western Industrial corridor of India, and right policies and infrastructure coupled with cheap labor present in the state will be a huge plus point for the state. Also the position of the state makes it near to both the East and West coasts.
The State would closely need to work with Nepal in managing the Hydroelectric & Irrigation projects.
4. Purvanchal
Capital:-Varanasi
Major Cities:- Gorakhpur
Present Status:- Part of UP, 16 out of 74 Districts
Area:- 44901 Sq Km
MP's:- 19
This state consists of the eastern Bhojpuri speaking area of UP. The Bhojpuri culture is different from the Jat dominated Harit Region and Awadhi Central UP and demand for a separate Bhojpuri state has always been in forefront.
Like the previous 2 states again Agriculture obviously remains an Important area for the state. Like Awadh it would need to develop an Irrigation system with rivers like Ganga, Ghaghra flowing through the state. The state is known to have very fertile areas
Tourism specially religious tourism would be another major area in the Holy City of Varanasi. Varanasi as the new capital of the state would develop the infrastructure and this should help the tourism. As the major Industry in the region is based around Varanasi itself, it also would be vary much benefited by it becoming the Capital. Again like above 2 states and effective irrigation and stabilization of agriculture would be a big boost for Industry also.
Varanasi presently is quite a backward city and it's development would lead development of the state with Varanasi as the Focal Point of development which can never happen if it remains a part of UP
5. Bundelkhand
Capital:-Jhansi
Major Cities:- Sagar
Present Status:- Part of UP (6 out of 74 Districts) & MP (7 out of 50 Districts)
Area:- 77632 Sq Km
MP's:- 10
UP & MP are backward states part of BIMARU states. Bundelkhand area is the backward area of these BIMARU States!!!! Imagine what is backward of backward, as you imagined it would be worse than Africa. Jhansi, Gwalior were major cities during the 1800's and now these are nowhere to be heard.
The demand for Bundelkhand has been a very old one with Bundeli's divided across 2 backward states of India. Creating an separate state would have many advantages for the people.
First with the dusty city of Jhansi coming out as capital would greatly benefit the state. The Development of Jhansi would serve as a focal point of development of this extremely backward region. With infrastructure like Airport, Highways would help the struggling Industry in Jhansi and give it a major boost. This would also help the state to maximize the few minerals it has like Bauxite.
Agriculture and Irrigation perhaps would be a major focus area. Three major rivers of Betwa & Sind flow through the state. At present the potential has been neglected by MP & UP as any irrigation project would require coordination amongst both the states. The state with initial loans can develop and excellent not only irrigation but Hydro Electric potential which can also help the struggling Industry
Tourism also is a major area for the state which can greatly be expanded. The State will have historic city of Jhansi, however the major draw-card is the World Famous caves of Khujaraho & the famous Panna Wildlife Sanctuary famous for it's tigers. With such historic places, and right infrastructure the state has huge potential to take it's millions of people out of poverty.
6. Baghelkhand
Capital:-Satna
Major Cities:- Rewa
Present Status:- Part of UP (2 out of 74 Districts) & MP (7 out of 50 Districts)
Area:- 57715 Sq Km
MP's:-5
Again like Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand is the second backward region of backward states of MP and UP. The state has a distinct Bagheli culture and dialect of language which is different from both UP & MP Cultures. The region has a very high percentage of rural population which means a very low development in the region. Satna was the old capital of Baghelkhand region during the British times before it was broken and merged in UP & MP and starting the sad saga for the people.
The state has Hydroelectric potential with Son and it's various tributaries flowing through the state, which can also be used for irrigation projects. There is just one project on Rihand and perhaps it can be expanded on main rivers Son and other tributaries.
Besides Irrigation, nature tourism is also a major potential for the states, which presently lacks due to bad state of infrastructure. Upgradation of Airport at Satna making it ready for bigger aircraft can open gates for various national parks like the Bandhavgarh and Chandraprabha in the State. Finally the state also have got mineral resources like limestone, Iron ore and has potential for other resources.
This state would definitely be required to be declared a backward state and central assistance for few years would be a must. Once it is done then the state has a potential not to look back
7. Mahokoshal
Capital:-Jabalpur
Major Cities:-Hoshangabad
Present Status:- Part of MP (10 out of 50 Districts)
Area:- 75065 Sq Km
MP's:-5
Mahakoshal lies to the South of MP with Jabalpur Division along with Betul, Hoshangabad & Dindori District forming the state. The area has high population of Tribals, specially Gonds and along with it a high percentage of Marathi Population. Along with Hindi, Gondi (A Dravidian Language) and Marathi are the major language of the state, which makes the culture very different from rest of MP and it is due to this reason this area has been neglected by the state
This state would have high percentage of forest with many major rivers starting from the state. The state would have a huge potential from Nature Tourism with many of the beautiful sights located in the states, which have not been exploited, besides load of National Parks that would contain the highest percentage of Tigers in the country. Hydroelectric potential would be another area with state can easily become a electricity surplus state in the region. The state is also very rich in minerals including iron ore, Mangnese, Bauxite & Copper. Sustainable development for exploring these minerals balancing it with tribal and forest will bring great progress to the state. A focus can surely be development for maximizing the effort.
With many tribal area would have to been brought into the schedule 5 of the constitution like it is the case in North East States, which would help it to overcome Naxalism as presently many areas are affected by the same
With Jabalpur developing as a city would act as focal point to make the development reach the interiors however devolution to the power to tribal plus they will have more say in the state (If they have 40% Population of state, no politician can ignore them) will address many of the issues of the state.
8. Maru Pradesh
Capital:-Jodhpur
Major Cities:-Bikaner, Jaiselmer
Present Status:- Part of Rajasthan (11 out of 33 Districts)
Area:- 196359 Sq Km
MP's:-9
The western part of Rajasthan have always complained that they are not in the focus and whole money of state goes towards the Eastern Part. The present state of Rajasthan has the Aravali range dividing the state in 2 parts. The area towards the east is more progressive and comparatively more greener. These areas are also very different as per geography because the desert of the state lies in the Western Region
Rajasthan as a state is the biggest in area in country even though the population is in the manageable range. This huge areas causes the far flung area to be ignored. Some of the districts are so huge that they would be bigger in area than many of the smaller NE states combines. Also most of the state policies are made on the basis of geography of the eastern part which further makes the western part lose out. Further being near the border the government simply ignores these regions
It is due to these reasons that people of West Parts have been demanding a separate state by the name of Maru Pradesh. The region would have a huge potential for tourism. Historic forts at Jodhpur, Jaiselmer, Bikaner, Nagaur, Jalore are present in the state. Then the state has got the famous dunes at Jaiselmer. Desert National Park is also located in the state. This is the same area where Cheetah's are proposed to be introduced. Creating new airports at Jaiselmer, Bikaner and Expanding the present airport at Jodhpur will give the first important kick to tourism.
The state also has got minerals. Petroleum and Gas have been struck near Jaiselmer & Barmer which has a bigger potential in future. Tungsten, Kaolin (Alloy of Aluminium), Gypsum, Clay, and world famous Marble of Makrana region are in the state. Mineral extraction and associated industry have a potential in the state. Also the state has a huge potential in environment friendly electricity production from Solar and Wind energy. A right policy along with Carbon Credit will be of great value
The districts of Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaiselmer have canal irrigation in them and a develop irrigation system for the state. The state would have to employ advanced desert techniques like Rain Water Harvesting, Drip Irrigation. As it is said, necessity is the mother of invention, hence here is the need and surely the government would have high focus to implement desert techniques which Rajasthan government would not want to invest
Overall the state has got high potential, but is bigger than the required norm of area and it would be a challenge to overcome, rest all is positive for the state.
9. Mithila
Capital:-Darbhanga
Major Cities:-Muzaffarpur, Begusarai
Present Status:- Part of Bihar (14 out of 38 Districts)
Area:- 38087 Sq Km
MP's:-17
The demand for Mithila comprises of Maithali speaking areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. It has a distinct culture and low levels of development. This can be seen from the fact that no major city in the region has a population of 5 lakhs. The area also has a very high density of over 1000/Sqkm. The Mithila would compromise of a population of over 8 Crores (29 MP's). It will still be out of effective management zone (read Part 1 of Blog) and would be the case of breaking one huge state to form another one. It will never be justified and development can still not be achieved. Hence Mithila as a state should be broken into 2 parts for effective management which are Mithila and South Mithila. If we can have several Hindi or Marathi or Telugu speaking states, similarly 2 Maithali states should also be formed otherwise the purpose would be lost.
Mithila would be primarily a rural agriculture based state. It produces all the major food crops like Wheat, Rice & Pulses and also many fruits in the region. Being a separate state the state should immediately focus on building a effective canal network as many rivers like Gandhak and tributaries of Gandhak & Kosi. The Canal system would be a game changer for the state. The state would need to work with Nepal to ensure that flooding can be controlled.
As already mentioned there are no major cities in the region which means that region is away from any development focal point. Hence when the state would be formed and investment in the capital of Darbhanga would act as trigger. Expanding the Transport in state and airport in capital and obviously the right governance can bring in industry in the state lured by the cheap labor.
The state has almost negligible mineral resources except few deposits of Mica. Hence in the end like the states of Punjab and Haryana, agriculture would be the backbone of the right and developing agriculture. The Industry would have to be developed on Agro products like Sugarcane, Jute, A effective irrigation system would give a boost to Industry also as the rich soil will be source to very high amount of produce.
The Central government would have to start with declaring special status for the state. The central aid would be much more effective as at present the aid to Bihar is divided in 40 MP's and population cannot keep a track, while here we would have just 17 MP's and an area of about 37000 sq km, for which the state government would have to be much more accountable.
10. South Mithila
Capital:-Deoghar
Major Cities:-Bhagalpur
Present Status:- Part of Bihar (11 out of 38 Districts), Jharkhand (5 out of 20 Districts)
Area:- 38318 Sq Km
MP's:-12
As mentioned above it is the second part of the present demand of Mithila state broken down due to administrative effectiveness.The problems faced by this state are quite similar to Mithila. There are no major cities, high rural population, less developed irrigation network, very high density.
Forming South Mithila like Mithila will also be a agriculture based state but there are definitely large amount of minerals which can be explored. The state would have to develop irrigation from major river of Ganga, Kosi and various other tributaries. The state would also have potential for hydroelectric projects in the southern parts of the state.
The state has got some industry around city of Bhagalpur mainly silk industry. The state has decent levels of deposits of Coal, Mica, Bauxite. As the mineral rich districts of Jharkhand & Koshal & Orrisa are near and with state's electricity & coal, a large industrial base can be developed. Developing infrastructure in state would give it a major boost. The state has proven reserves of Coal which can be used in various industries however, the Agro Industry would be the key and needs to be developed. Being near to port of Kolkata would be of huge advantage to the state.
When the capital of Deoghar would be developed like much needed Airport, it will act as focal point for development for the region. Like Mithila, South Mithila would also be required to be special status state and just explained above the central government aid can be made much more effective
11. North Bengal
Capital:-Baharampur
Major Cities:-Asansol, Jalpaiguri, Bardhaman
Present Status:- Part of West Bengal (10.5 out of 19 Districts) & Assam(2 out of 24 Districts)
Area:- 41965 Sq Km
MP's:-18
West Bengal has the most fertile area in the country with farmers able to extract 3 crops from the farms. It was the capital of British India and Calcutta was the hub of industry in 1947. But today West Bengal is not the best of the states rather the standards are low. Why is this, firstly due to huge population (42 MP's) it is in the unmanageable zone. On top of that the state has a long North South expanse compared to it's area. This makes it even more unmanageable. It is for same reason people of Gorkhaland have been demanding a separate state as far away in Kolkata people are not bothered about development. Hence for better administration and to bring population in manageable zone the state of West Bengal needs to be broken down into 2 states of North and West Bengal besides a UT of Gorkhaland.
North Bengal would bring the far of northern districts under focus of the new state and much more efficient to administer. The state would have a very fertile area marked by loads of river which would mean year round irrigation. The state needs to ensure strengthening the irrigation system and bring in better new techniques in Agriculture. The state also will have a strategic location which is the gateway to North East and as many as 4 countries would be in vicinity to state. Hence this position can be greatly exploited by the state.
The state would have industry in it's southern parts based near cities like Asansol. With becoming a separate state and infra development around capital of Baharampur and specifically building Airport there would help the state in getting more industry as the state is both near the sources of raw material- Both Mineral (In Jharkhand) and Agricultural and port of Kolkata. However it would be on the local government to pursue the Industry in the state.
The state would finally mean that the long neglected districts of North would come in the focus area of new capital and hence progress at a faster pace than if they are now in West Bengal.
The only challenge would be the huge north south expanse of the state as it needs to be covered around Bangladesh. An Indo Bangladesh transit treaty would do a sea of good to the this state
12. Bodoland
Capital:-Bongaigaon
Major Cities:-Kokrajhar
Present Status:- Part of Assam (4 out of 24 Districts)
Area:- 11141 Sq Km
MP's:
-3
The Divide between Bodo and Assamese is an old one. It is perhaps the only region where we have a terrorist group for forming a separate state. Though the state does not fall either in governance zone in terms of population or area, it would be advisable to form the state based on the Tribal Sensitivities of North East. Also it has 3 MP's in it's region while most of the states in North East have 1 or 2 MP's so it will not make any sense to have a UT in the region with 3 MP's and state with 1 MP in the region. Also it is essential to form the state to reign in loads of Bangladeshi Muslims coming and settling illegally in the state. This can be a major problem in future and forming homogenous states has discourage the illegal Bangladeshi's not to settle in the state. This would make both Assam and Bodoland homogenous states and help in better administration and keeping out the illegal migrants. Presently Bodoland comes under Section 6 of constitution.
The State would have agriculture as it's mainstay in the state. Mini Irrigation from various streams that criss cross the state and huge rain would be a game changer for the state. Also the state has got large area under forests and tea gardens and this can be a source of tourism. The Capital Boingaon has a huge ONGC refinery and a NTPC plant based around which some industry is present. As the state would be gateway to North East it can use it's position to it's advantage w.r.t. industry.
13. Koshal
Capital:-Sambhalpur
Major Cities:-
Present Status:- Part of Orrisa (12 out of 30 Districts)
Area:- 63671 Sq Km
MP's:
-6
Orrisa has got 21 MP's which makes the population in the manageable zone yet the state is one of the most backward in the country. This is due to many reasons, firstly the area of the state at 1,53,843 are way above the Manageable zone. On top of it there is a clear divide in geography with Coastal Region on East and Mountainous region on the West. Then the Coastal region is dominated by Oriya's while the Mountainous region is inhabited by Tribals and Kosal's. It is due to this demographic that tribal if into farming have small farms due to which their exploitation becomes even more easier.This clear divide makes the Western part one of the most backward regions in the country, despite of it having huge mineral reserve and loads of rainfall.It is due to this divide that the Western Districts of Orrisa have a state movement for a separate state of Koshal or Kosal. It is due to this backwardness that we have Naxal movements in many parts of Koshal.
Koshal if formed would be one of the most mineral rich states in the country whose right use can bring huge benefit to local population. To start with, the Tribal areas of the state would be required to be brought under Schedule 5 of constitution which would ensure tribal have a say in their local governance and cannot be exploited. It is after this that then industry should be brought in which will help the local population in jobs and various ways
The state has a huge forest covers with some of the most beautiful places in central India which have been unexplored due to bad infrastructure. With infra development in the state and a new capital and a airport can surely help to expedite tourism which can be tribal tourism, nature tourism.
Finally the states has loads of rivers passing through it like Mahanadi and it can develop Hydroelectric potential and irrigation facilities which can help it to expand it's agriculture.
With formation of Koshal it will help bring millions of poorest in India out of poverty for the good of the country.
14. Saurashtra
Capital:-Rajkot
Major Cities:-Jamnagar, Bhavnagar
Present Status:- Part of Gujarat (8 out of 25 Districts)
Area:- 110517 Sq Km
MP's:
-8
Gujarat state is assumed to be perfect case due to a effective state propaganda machinery. The truth is despite the so called big growth in GSDP, high per capita income, the HDI of the state has not improved, not has improved various critical parameters like Mortality Rates, health & education. The Western Part of state has clearly not been touched by the growth which has been more confined to the eastern part of the state.
It will be argued that in a state some areas will do good and some will do bad. That exactly is the point that the state of Gujarat is outside the management zone in both Area and Population. It is for the same reason that the state needs to be bifurcated to be brought in manageable zone.
Saurashtra would form the Western Part of the state and would include the empty region of Kutch also. If we ignore the marshy area of Kutch (Which would be like an Empty corner in state and practically not included in area to be managed as it has no population) then the state is in manageable zone in all respects of Area, Population and Homogeneity.
The state has industry specially in petroleum & cement & Pharma sector present in it besides other industries such as Manufacturing also present. The state would also have minerals such as Bauxite, Limestone, Dolomite, Gypsum & Copper. Also the state has various cash crops grown such as Cotton, Tobacco in the state. As the state is located on a strategic location in Arabian Sea, and partnering with Maru Pradesh and creating a good infrastructure for transit to huge populations of North India it can establish major ports in the state and greatly increase the trade which presently does not happen because the state of Gujarat is more focused towards the eastern part. These factors can actually make the state a major Industrial players in the country.
The state is presently mostly irrigated via rain itself and some areas through a canal from Narmada. The crops of Wheat, Bajra, Oilseads are the major crops of the region. The state would need to work on water conservation techniques for agriculture which can really help to improve agriculture. The state is known to receive huge rainfalls during a tropical cyclone when 10 years of rainfall can fall in a year. If an effective Tank system is created this can be tapped for the years without a Tropical Cyclone. Such ingenious water techniques have to be built in. As the state would mostly consist of dry area water conservation would have to be a priority similar to the case of Maru Pradesh.
The state also has got many tourist destinations like Somnath, Dwarka, Porbandar, Gir Forest, Wild Ass Sanctuary, various princely palaces which is a untapped tourist potential. With development of infrastructure like expansion of Rajkot airport, developing road and train infrastructure this can really benefit the state
15. Vidharbha
Capital:-Nagpur
Major Cities:-Amrawati, Wardha
Present Status:- Part of Maharashtra (9 out of 35 Districts)
Area:- 77596 Sq Km
MP's:
-9
Maharasthra is a state of contrasts. As a whole it has one of the highest per capita income in the country and has the biggest GSDP in the country. It also has a very large Industrial and Agricultural base. On the other hand there are areas in the state like Vidharbha which has lower per capita income than Bihar. Marathwada as a region is also not much better off then Vidharbha. It is due to some regions with higher development increase the overall numbers and hide the regional balances.
Maharasthra as a region is divided in various regions- Vidharbha(Nagpur), Marathwada(Aurangabad), Khandesh(Nasik), Desh(Pune), Konkan(Coast) & Mumbai. Out of these regions the primary GSDP comes from the region of Mumbai, Desh & Konkan. Vidharbha & Marathwada are the backward regions of the state. This wide disparity is due to the fact that the Area & Population of the state are outside the manageable zone.
Hence it is very much required to break the state in manageable units to bring development across the regions. The states are broadly around the regions- Vidharbha, Marathwada, Mumbai & Khandesh as North Maharashtra (As Mumbai alone will have limitations of Area) & Desh and Konkan as Maharashtra. The District of Sindhudurg which is Konkani would join the Konkan state of Goa. The 2 eastern district which are tribal, specifically with Gonds would join the state of Gondwana.
Vidharbha has a culture which is distinct and people have always demanded a separate state. The region was a part of Central Provinces and it was after the reorgainsation of states it was joined with Maharasthra. As in many other similar region of other states, many rivers flowing through the state, yet it remains a backward area of the state with most farmer sucides and no industries.
Vidharbha as a state is a region famous for it's oranges and is also a cotton growing area. The state has Godavari's tributaries like Wardha, Wainganga flowing through it and an effective irrigation network can be developed which would step change the agriculture in the state.
The region is rich is Iron Ore, Mangenese, Coal & Limestone. Industry based on these minerals along with Agro Industry can be really taken forward in the state. Nagpur has got some industry and developing infrastructure like Roads and Railways can further act as focal point for development for the state Industry
The development of Infrastructure in the state can accelerate the tourism potential of the state. The state has lots of National Parks spread across the state which has been hampered by lack of Infrastructure.
Hence Vidarbha has a large potential if it becomes a separate state.
16. Marathwada
Capital:-Aurangabad
Major Cities:-Nanded, Jalna
Present Status:- Part of Maharashtra (8 out of 35 Districts)
Area:- 64809 Sq Km
MP's:
-8
After Vidharbha this is the second most backward area of the state of Maharashtra, and their always have been voices for a separate state, though not as strong as of Vidharbha.
Agriculture is the main occupation for this state with Godavari river flowing right across it along with various tributaries. At present the irrigation of state of Maharashtra is more focussed towards the Desh(Pune) region and in state politics this region loses out. The recent drought in the state was clearly a man made problem as some other regions were priortized. As a separate state the region would develop it's irrigation network and get's it's share of water which would greatly increase the efficiency of Agriculture in the region. Cotton, Sugarcane, Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Pulses & Oilseeds are the major crops for the region.
The region is not rich in minerals and most of the Industry is based around Agro products itself besides some industry around the capital. With a good irrigation system agro industry surely would get a boost. Also the state's advantageous position of being near to the major cities of Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad & Goa can give it a strategic location for industries with the right policies
Tourism will also be a major drawcard for the state. Near the capital lies the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves. Nanded is a major Sikh shrine. Also Aurangabad, Beed and many other historical places are located in the state. There are airports at Aurangabad & Nanded and with strengthing the road network can give a boost to the tourism as well as Industry and Agriculture in the region
17. North Maharashtra
Capital:-Mumbai
Major Cities:-Thane, Vashi, Nasik, Nagar
Present Status:- Part of Maharashtra (8 out of 35 Districts)
Area:- 52124 Sq Km
MP's:
-17
After Vidharbha & Marathwada, the balance 4 regions of Desh(Pune), Khandesh(Nasik), Mumbai & Konkan are relatively much more progressive. However the region of Mumbai has it's issue of lack of specific urban policy which makes it Slum capital of Asia, while regions in north i.e. Khandesh has regions which are still backward. Together these 4 regions would still mean that the state remains out of manageable zone and issues will keep cropping in hence for better administration it is required to be bifurcated. Hence the regions of Konkan and Desh which are quite similar in culture would form the state of Maharashtra while the northern regions of Mumbai and Khandesh would form the state of North Maharasthra
North Maharasthra would be a blend of state with highest urban population percentage with big cities of Mumbai, Thane, Vashi, Nashik & Nagar while would also have a huge rural area in Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Nashik & Nagar districts. There is a choice as many would point out to make Mumbai a separate state, but this would mean too much pressure on the resources of the city because of a small area would mean there are huge chances of this not being a success. With the Khandesh area the state would have the area to take up various projects across the state, an agricultural base and would have also the population to support the economy
The regions of the state have a developed state of agriculture, though some specific efforts, especially irrigation projects and social upliftment would be required to be taken in the districts of Dhule, Jalgaon & Nandurbar.
In terms of Industry this would be one of the most advanced state with Industry in Mumbai, Thane, Vashi, Nashik & Nagar. The state needs to ensure to continue with good industrial policies for the industries.
Tourism is also established in Mumbai. Nashik also is a religious as well a picturesque place and can be strengthened as a tourist destination
However the biggest challenge for the region would be to develop infrastructure of Mumbai. At present Maharashtra is able to get away due to various other cities in the state, which North Maharashtra would not be able to do. Also with 60% seats coming from Mumbai metropolitan region, the politics would also not allow the same. This state if managed properly can become the most advanced state of the country with few years of existence
The left over Maharashtra state would also be in a good position. It has got an established agriculture, Industry & tourism. Perhaps the challenge for it would be to development a port in the state which can give a further boost to industry and challenge the crowded ports of Mumbai
18. Gondwana
Capital:-Jagdalpur
Major Cities:-Dantewada
Present Status:- Part of Andhra Pradesh (2 Partial Districts out of 23), Chhatisgarh (5 out of 18 Districts), Maharashtra (2 out of 35 Districts) & Orrisa (2 out of 30 Districts)
Area:- 98746 Sq Km
MP's:
-5
Straddled across many states is a region known as Gondwana. The name comes from Gonds who are India's biggest tribe and spread across states of MP, Chhatisgarh, Orrisa, AP, Maharashtra and UP. The region of Gondwana has got many more tribes. With these tribes spread across many states where they make a very small tribal minority and stay in lucrative forest regions which is rich in minerals. The results they have been exploited for so many years and as a reason for the same we have got red extremism in the region.
The tribal population needs to be united as a state as the issues in all the districts across the states are similar and a unitary action plan is possible as one state. The state would also mean striking the naxalism right in heart as the people would have a government which cannot ignore them. The state would get in manageable zone in terms of Culture, area & population.
As a first step Schedule 5 needs to be implemented in the state which would protect the rights of tribals and their ways of life. In terms of sustainability the state is the starting points of many rivers and with introduction of modern agriculture techniques to the tribals can increase their income and increase the output of the state. The state has a huge forest cover and high priority would be required to ensure that forest cover in the state should be increased and sustained for future.
The state is also very rich in minerals like Ore's of various metals, coal and many more. The state can go for a large amount of Industry in the state which will bring employment and help address many of the issues.
Tourism will also be a major draw card as many national parks in the state along with unexplored natural beauty.
The state can have a great potential and will help bring many of the poorest in India out of poverty and address the biggest challenge of naxalism. This state will give voice to one of the most exploited and ignored people of country and is needed to be formed as No 1 priority.
19. Telangana
Capital:-Hyderabad
Major Cities:-Warangal, Adilabad
Present
Status:- Part of Andhra Pradesh (10 Districts out of 23)
Area:- 102800 Sq Km
MP's:
-16
This is the state which has got India on the boil and one of the most discussed topic for past 3-4 years. Telangana is the region of Andhra Pradesh which was under the rule of Nizam. To start with the area was managed in a different way like Urdu as government language compared to English in rest of Andhra which was a part of Madras State. The state also is quite backward if compared to the Coastal Regions where the irrigation system is much more developed as compared to Telangana. The difference in irrigation is based on combined factors of preference for Coastal regions as well as Geography. How much each factor contributed can be debated. However the bone of contention is due to fact that Hyderabad is deep inside Telangana. If Hyderabad would have been in rest of Andhra the state would have been formed. Now since the government investment and the politicians have invested their black money hence both do not want to lose their investments.
Telangana as a state would give the focus to irrigation which would be a mixture of both canal as well as Tank irrigation in the state. The state grows crops like Bajra, Jowar and in some parts Wheat, Sugarcane, Rice, Tobacco & Cotton. An effective irrigation would greatly benefit agriculture bringing millions of poor out of poverty. The state would require to work with Maru Pradesh, Saurashtra, Rayalseema and North Karnataka in area of arid agriculture.
The state has got Industry around the capital of Hyderabad. There are deposits of Coal, Iron Ore, Manganese present in the state and definitely help develop industry. Like the case at many places, enhancing of agriculture via irrigation would give a boost to Agro Industry. Hyderabad has a large factor of Service Industry and challenge would be to take this to other cities of the state.
The state would have limited Tourism potential based out of Hyderabad and some other historical places in the city. The Infrastructure development that would happen would surely give a boost to tourism besides Industry. This state is already on the way to be formed, but should have been accompanied by many more
20. Rayalseema
Capital:-Kurnool
Major Cities:-Tirupati
Present
Status:- Part of Andhra Pradesh (4 Districts out of 23)
Area:- 67299 Sq Km
MP's:
-7
The state of Andhra Pradesh as discussed earlier was combined from Nizam
& British areas, The Nizam areas is Telangana . The British areas
can be divided in the fertile river delta coastal regions and the deccan plateau region which is known as Rayalseema. Like Telangana this region is also backward infact even more than Telangana is compared to Coastal Andhra. The region has been suffering from years of drought.Again like case of Telangana many rivers flow through the state like Krishna , Kunderu, Pennuru but most of the hydel projects are suited for the coastal regions (Again due to a mix of politics & Geography).
The state capital would be the old capital of Andhra region of Kurnool. Urban investment in the region would help in overall development of the region as it will serve as focal point
Like Telangana establishing irrigation would be key in this region. The irrigation would have to be a mixture of Canal & Tank system. As already mentioned the state would have to explore dry area cultivation methods along with other dry states of India like Maru Pradesh, Saurashtra, Telangana & North Karnataka. The state presently grows cotton, Mangoes, pulses, Jowar, Bajra while some areas grow Sugarcane & Rice. A boost in irrigation would be a boon for Agriculture improving the lives of some of the poorest in the country
The state has some minerals in form of Iron Ore, Asbestos, Manganese, Copper. Industry would have to be developed on these minerals as well as based on agriculture. A focused irrigation would definitely help industry in the region also
The biggest draw card of the region would be Tourism. The state has got many Temples, the most famous of which is Tirupati or Sai Baba's Puttaparti. There are many natural unexplored places in the state which will get a boost once the state focuses on Infrastructure.
21. Coastal Andhra
Capital:-Visakhapatnam
Major Cities:-Vizag, Guntur
Present
Status:- Part of Andhra Pradesh (9 Districts out of 23)
Area:- 92906 Sq Km
MP's:
-18
Seema Andhra would be formed from coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.This region would form one of the most fertile areas of South India. The state would mainly be dependent on agriculture itself. The region has a established Canal System in place, which would need to be consolidated and further extended to new areas. The biggest task of Seema Andhra would be to be establish it's coastal centers like capital Visakhapatnam and other important cities of Vizag & Guntur. If this happens the state can actually become one of the highest per capita income states as it will have an established Urban and Rural centers in it
The Industry in the state would have to be developed across the coastline. The state is strategically located on Eastern coastline. Sops in form of SEZ along the coastline can be given targeting the export based industry especially covering South East & East Asia. This would go hand in hand with establish urban centers and extending it's port cities. Also as the state would further develop the agro based industry which is already present in the state
In terms of Tourism the state would need to develop the coastal cities. Establishing infrastructure in terms of Airports and more trains can give a major boost to tourism in the region which also holds great potential.
22. North Karnataka
Capital:-Dharwad
Major Cities:-Belgaum, Gulbarga, Bellary
Present
Status:- Part of Karnataka (12 Districts out of 30)
Area:- 84406 Sq Km
MP's:
-10
Like the case of Andhra Pradesh there is also wide difference in the regions of North & South Karnataka. Karnataka is divided into region of Mumbai Karnataka, Hyderabad Karnataka, Mysore Karnataka & Coastal regions. The state of North Karnataka would be formed joining Mumbai & Hyderabad Karnataka though some regions in Belgaum district should go to states of Maharashtra & Konkan.
The North Region is so backward that Parliament of India recognizing the same added a special provision for Hyderabad Karnataka under article 371-J. The region lacks rest of the state in terms of Infrastructure, key parameters due to combined factors of neglect & geography.
A separate state would bring in many benefits for the people of North Karnataka. First and for most it will bring in urbanization which would ensure progress in the region. The state would definitely give priority for irrigation in the state which would come as a high priority as most people would be involved in agriculture. There are some projects in irrigation but there is a huge potential for expansion as river Krishna and many of it's tributaries like Tungabhadra flow through the state. This would bring many areas in the state under irrigation. Also the state would require to work on Tank irrigation and as mentioned many times it would go in arid irrigation along with Maru Pradesh and other similar states.
The state will have wide range of crops from Rice, Wheat, Jowar, Bajra, Cotton, Sugar Cane, Tobacco, Pulses. A improve in irrigation in region will give a major much required boost to Agriculture. The state is also very rich in minerals with Bellary having some of the best Iron Ore present in it. India's only Gold Mines would lie in the state. There are other minerals like Copper, Manganese, Bauxite, Zinc, Limestone, Diamonds. There is some industry based around mineral wealth in the districts of Bellary, Koppal, Gulbarga. This is a huge potential that the state would be able to garner, along with the potential of Agro Industry which would get a boost from irrigation.
The state also has a huge potential of Tourism. World Famous monuments like Humpy the capital of Vijay Nagar Kingdom, Gol Gumbaz besides many more lie in the state. It is due to bad infrastructure that it's potential has not been realized.
This state would not be fully homogeneous as Mumbai Hyderabad has a language of so called Crude Kannada and Hyderabad Kannada had Kannada, Urdu, Telugu language prevailing in the region. If in future there is a case then these 2 regions can go separate ways but at present with Article 371-J should be able to address many of the issues. As in many cases argued above, it will have direct benefit on some of the most poorest in India
23. Konkan
Capital:-Goa
Major Cities:-Belgaum, Karwar
Present
Status:- Goa & Part of Maharashtra(1 out of 35 Districts), Karnataka (1Full & 1 partial Districts out of 30)
Area:- 20930 Sq Km
MP's:
-4
This state would be formed by uniting all the Konkan Language areas i.e. joining the Konkan areas of Karnataka & Maharsthra with Goa. Goa at present is outside the Manageable zone and forming this state would take it towards the same. It would also mean that Konkani people would not be a minority in other states.
The state though small has huge potential. The region lies mostly in Western Ghats hence has huge rainfalls. This means the state is perfect for agriculture & hydel potential. Perhaps streamlining agriculture production through government support like MSP etc would further enhance agriculture.
The state is rich in minerals also especially Iron Ore. A use of mine in environmental safe way would however be required in the state. There is already a large industrial base based in Goa which can be further enhanced as most the things are conducive for Industry. Perhaps to support the Industry the state would have to improve the road network with all the states around it.
However the biggest potential in state would be Tourism. It is a tourism gold mine state. Goa already is a established place. To add to it would get other beautiful beaches like that of Karwar, Gokarna, Malvan, Devgarh. There are many forts spread across the region, Churches. Also the state would be full of forest. The beautiful forests of Dandeli would lie in the state. Giving right connectivity though preserving the environment would go long way in establishing this state as the No 1 tourist state in India.
24. Tulu Nadu
Capital:-Mangalore
Major Cities:-Udupi
Present
Status:- Part of Kerala (1 out of 14 Districts), Karnataka (3 out of 30 Districts)
Area:- 14532 Sq Km
MP's:
-3
Tulu is a language spoken around Mangalore region of Karnataka and north Kerala and is quite different from both Kanada and Malayalam. There is another very distinct culture which is different from Karnataka, Kerala or Tulu which is known as Kodagu or Coorgi. These unique culture have been fighting for their survival and always wanted to separate from Karnataka. Tulu Nadu would be a state formed by uniting both these cultures into a state.
The state would not lie in the manageable zone but it is recommended this state for various reasons. The culture of this region is not like a different dialect of main language, but rather completely different language and cultures from main state. Secondly rather than forming 2 UT's which are like a outpost of center government it is much better to form a state combining both the regions and give direct power in hands of people. Thirdly this is mainly a mountainous region which means the time taken to cover distance increases. Hence due to these reasons it is recommended to make these 2 cultures into separate state
However the district of Kodagu would have to be given certain autonomous powers to preserve the local culture in the district.
Again like Konkan this state would be located in the Western Ghats region. It has huge rains in the region which favor Agriculture and Hydel Potential in the region. Streamlining of agriculture like in Konkan would certainly help. There are also huge Tea and Coffee farms in the state.
The state has got some mineral resources like Iron Ore, forest resources and there is potential for certain more. Keeping it environmentally safe the state can go for developing mining and develop industry around it. There is also a huge potential for Agro Industry in the region. The state has some Industry in the Mangalore region and a separate state surely would give boost to the same.
However again as in the previous case the biggest potential is tourism. The state also has got some good beaches around Mangalore, Kasargod & Udipi which has not been explored to their potential because of challenges of infrastructure. The state is also covered with huge forests and some of the most beautiful region especially in Kodagu. There are some places of British Legacy in the region. A separate state would have to focus on Tourism and would establish infrastructure for the same giving tourism a boost.
25. Kongu Nadu
Capital:-Coimbatore
Major Cities:-Erode, Salem, Ooty
Present
Status:- Part of Tamil Nadu (10 out of 32 Districts)
Area:- 48080 Sq Km
MP's:
-12
Like the case is their for Coastal Andhra vs Telangana & Rayalseema, the same is the issue of Kongu Nadu. Most of the irrigation potential has been developed around the coastal region in the state. Also as at present the state of Tamil Nadu is out of manageable zone both in terms of size & population and due to above all factors the region of Kongu Nadu is much behind as compared to Coastal regions. Infact some of the regions specially in Nilgiri district have areas which are still the most backward we can imagine with the tribals like Badaga being exploited.
Forming this state would bring both the states in manageable zones and hence better government in both the regions. The first and foremost task of the state would be to establish an much more effective irrigation network around the river Kaveri and it's many tributaries. The state has many crops like Rice, Pulses, Cotton, Sugar Cane, Tobacco, Tea, Coffee grown in it. An effective and reliable irrigation would give boost to crops like Sugar Cane, Cotton, Tobacco, Rice.
The state has a huge Hydro Electric potential in the western mountainous region which it can pursue further. There are certain minerals like Copper, Atomic Ores, Limestone, Gypsum in the region. There is a industry in a state around the capital of Coimbatore mainly into Textiles & Automobile ancillaries. Industry can be enhanced around minerals and agro products further taking it to other regions in the state. An improved irrigation and infrastructure would give much boost to the Industry
The state also has got an established Tourism sector in the Ooty region which it needs to sustain. Forming this state would help both parts of present Tamil Nadu to progress continuously.
26. Kashmir
Capital:-Srinagar
Major Cities:-Anantnag, Baramulla
Present
Status:- Part of Jammu & Kashmir (17 out of 22 Districts) and POK (Azad Kashmir & Gilgit)
Area:- 39426 Sq Km + POK
MP's:
-4
As the same suggest Jammu & Kashmir is a highly heterogeneous state. If we include the POK part then in J&K there are clear 5 distinctions- Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, Jammu, Muzzafarnagar region & Gilgil-Balistan. A Heterogeneous has many disadvantages which drags the attention of people away from development to regional issues. J&K should hence be divided to make the regions much more homogeneous. The State should be divided into Hindu dominated Jammu Region, Tibetian influenced & Shia Muslim Leh area and the Valley of Kashmir. If tomorrow India get's back POK then it can be merged with Kashmir and further decision can be decided based on choice of people.
Kashmir state would be having valley and area around it. It would help the region to stop the nagging with other regions and focus on much needed development in the region. The top focus should be developing the infrastructure in the region which would unlock many potential hidden in the region
As this region is presently bound in conflicts, having a separate state would mean government would have to be more focused on development rather than sounding to play politics between 3 regions and taking the attention away from development. A good governance would be right steps towards peace and a peaceful Kashmir means that state can truly unlock the potential of Tourism in the state which would give much needed employment in region.
The Hydel Potential and Agriculture are also the other areas which will get a big boost with right infrastructure & good governance.
26. Cachar
Capital:-Silichar
Major Cities:-
Present
Status:- Part of Assam (3 out of 24 Districts)
Area:- 6922 Sq Km
MP's:
-2
**DESCRIPTION PENDING**
Bengal Majority Area in South Assam. Will make Assam more homogenous. Along with West Bengal and North Bengal be the buffer area against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants as Bodoland, Assam, Gorkhaland, Sikkim, Arunachal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura & Mizoram and UT's of Karbi Anglong & Dima Hasao will have land rights only for local indegenous population and the 3 Bengali states would have to absorb the population. This strategy will force the states to work against the illegal population and help in curbing the problem
RESTRUCTURING A STATE
1. Manipur
The issue of Manipur is a complex one. The state before becoming a part of India was for many centuries a Independent country ruled by Metie Kings whom British subdued in later stages. After Independence the state was brought into India.
Manipur has got 2 distinct regions- First the valley which has 10% Area having 60% Population in which mostly the Metei's live. Second is the Hill Area which is inhabited by 2 tribes- Nagas & Kukis. Due to various policies and actions of the state all the 3 people as hostile to each other. The problem becomes further complex when the mountainous region is not uniform but rather Naga and Kuki Tribes spread across the same districts and pure geographical areas cannot be associated.
The Metei who have been the traditional rulers want the state to remain in the present form. At present they are not allowed to buy lands in the Hill Regions and oppose the same. There are Metei terrorist groups who want to secede from India and form the old Metei kingdom having whole of Manipur in it but overall the resistance groups have been formed to counter the Naga and Kuki groups. Once the issue of Naga and Kuki's are solved in no time these groups would also fall in line. The Naga's under terrorist groups like NSCN (Who are in Talks with Central Govt) want to form a greater "Nagalim" which would contain parts of Manipur and are fighting for it. However the parts of Manipur they are asking for have huge population of Kuki's present in them who have been traditional enemies of Naga's and oppose such move. Infact the Kuki's want to establish their own state which would have parts of Manipur, Assam & Mizoram which will have huge population of other tribes.
In such a circumstance the state of Manipur needs great restructuring. First of all the most essential thing would be enable the local government which like in many cases would solve many issues. Then secondly there should be separate Naga & Kuki autonomous councils elected from their populations. The areas of both the council should be clearly demarked which would be based on the village of both the tribes. Both these council should then sit together to form a Hill Council. The Governor should have the power to stop implementation of any state resolution in Hill areas if the Hill Council or Naga or Kuki council oppose it.
Finally the funds of the Hill District should be given to Naga or Kuki council in terms of their population for Implementation.
This system might sound complex but surely from view point of each group it gives them enough power to acts locally keeping in view of the Tribal customs. It would also mean that people who take action are directly elected and they cannot get away blaming state or center government for the same.
2. Nagaland
As described earlier the terrorist groups of Nagaland like NSCN are demanding a greater Nagalim. This Nagalim demanded contains 2 districts of Arunachal Pradesh (Where one is Naga district but other has got many tribal districts), 4 Districts of Manipur (Which have significant population of Kuki's who oppose the same) & 2 Districts of Assam (Both these districts have Naga's in minority. Infact Karbi & Dima Hasao are the majority of the tribals of the district and both these districts are covered in Schedule 5 of constitution).
From the above description is it quite clear that the demand of Nagalim is not a just one as it tries to cover non Naga also into the state. However there is issue of fair representation of Naga people in the region which needs to be addressed across many states.
The one district of Arunachal of Tirap which has a Naga Population should be merged with Nagaland. The issue of representation of Naga's in Manipur can be addressed via formation of Naga & Hill Council in the state with a large amount of autonomous powers. In the state of Assam, Karbi Ananlong & Dima Hasao district should be made a separate UT, with a Autonomous UT Council giving fair representation to all the minority tribe including Naga's. This UT (At Present district) is under Schedule 5, which takes care of many concern of tribals and that is the reason this district is known to be very safe.
To take care of apprehensions of other tribals there should be a Tribal Council (Who form a significant minority in Nagaland) should be formed along with the present councils in Nagaland. This will address issues of Kuki community in both the regions of Nagaland & Manipur
The question may come into the minds of many for why such a high fragmentation in the region. This region unlike rest of India has got strong Tribal cultures which need to be respected. The problem gets aggravated as the tribals are spread across the same region and geographical separation is not possible. It is hence very much important to govern these states via autonomous state council who will get most of the power of State government like law & order, infrastructure, but a state government also present to look into macro issues of the state. It is the way these regions have been ruled for centuries and that is the way we need to go ahead and not impose the alien Westminster model on them.
NEW UT's
UT's are directly governed by the Central government. The UT's have been formed due to various reasons. In some of the cases the regions formed can be too strategic or too small to be formed as states and hence we would need to go as a UT for them. The proposed UT's are
1. Ladakh
Capital:-Leh
Present
Status:- Part of Jammu & Kashmir (2 out of 22 Districts) and Aksai Chin (Occupied by China)
Area:- 59146 Sq Km +Aksai Chin
MP's:
-1
Leh-Ladakh forms the extension of Plateau of Tibet into J&K which has a significant Buddhist influence in the region. The Majority Muslims in the region are Shia who traditionally have been autonomous from the rulers of valley. Since this region has a very small population as well as of the strategic importance it needs to be governed as a UT from the center.
Also the region has got high mountains and a high level of investment is required for infrastructure which makes it even more important to be a UT as center government can afford such investments
2. Jammu
Capital:-Jammu
Present
Status:- Part of Jammu & Kashmir (3 out of 22 Districts)
Area:- 10298 Sq Km
MP's:
-1
As already discussed the region of Jammu is very different from the Kashmir & Ladakh region of J&K. To bring uniformity in the region Jammu needs to be separated. However due to it's small population as well as size and the strategic location as only connectivity to Kashmir & Ladakh, this region needs to be governed like a UT. However Puducherry model should be used for the region where the UT will have it's Legislative Assembly though with lesser powers as compared to a state. This would help to bring local level governance in the region and address most of the issues.
3. Gorkhaland
Capital:-Darjeeling
Present
Status:- Part of West Bengal (1 Full & 1 Partial District out of 19)
Area:- 5376 Sq Km
MP's:
-1
Gorkhaland has been a popular demand as a separate state. This regions has population which is very different from West Bengal and due to it's small population it is not represented and people feel alienated. The fact is that the population of region is not a separate dialect of Bengali but rather completely different culture.
A separate state however is not recommended for many reasons. First of all the state would be too small to sustain itself which would mean that the population can get disenchanted with the state. Also the region has got Nepali population who due to many reasons of failure may soon demand to be a part of Nepal. Also this region is in vicinity of 4 countries (Though not touching all of them)- Nepal, Bhutan, China & Bangladesh, which makes it highly strategic and even more important to be ruled directly. Finally the region also lies in the chicken neck, a 13 Km wide region joining the whole of North East which raises it's strategic importance.
It is hence recommended to make this region in a Puducherry style UT with a legislative assembly.
4. Karbi Anglong
Capital:-Diphu
Present
Status:- Part of Assam (1 out of 24 Districts )
Area:- 10434 Sq Km
MP's:
-1
Forming this UT is of strategic interests in solving various problems of the North East. This is a district under Schedule 5 in Assam which have majority Karbi tribe with population of Naga, Kuki, Janatia and many other tribes. The population presently is part of the biggest state of North East of Assam which reduces the representation of people as compared to if it had been a part of a smaller state. Also as discussed above forming a UT here would also help in addressing the issue of terrorism both is Nagaland and Manipur region
This region is very small in terms Area and Population for forming a state and hence needs to be governed as a UT with Schedule 5 & tribal council giving representation to all the tribes.
4. Dima Hasao
Capital:-Haflong
Present
Status:- Part of Assam (1 out of 24 Districts )
Area:- 4888 Sq Km
MP's:
-1
**DESCRIPTION PENDING**
Quite similar reason as the case for Dima Hasao
Finally to keep it as a continuous process the government needs to have a separate council every 10 years which would define the parameters for the states to have best governance and look into the demands for separate state. Forming more states does not go into the region of dividing the country as many people feel but rather helps in taking governance in the hands of people in a much more effective way. Having said that I again repeat that before forming a state a minimum criteria needs to be defined so that it does not get into mad rush of politics for forming a state.
Critical views and discussions are welcome on the topics. There are many points that I had to leave as this super long article would be become even longer. Thanks for the patience to read all of the article.
