Why in NEWS
The Tamil Nadu Governor’s recent criticism of the linguistic reorganisation of Indian states has reignited debates on whether language-based state creation promotes unity or fuels division.
Key Terms/Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Linguistic Reorganisation | Redrawing state boundaries based on dominant spoken language. |
| States Reorganisation Act, 1956 | Law that reorganised India into 14 states and 6 UTs, based on SRC recommendations. |
| SRC (1953) | States Reorganisation Commission, chaired by Justice Fazl Ali, which endorsed language as a factor but not the sole basis. |
| “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” | Phrase symbolising political instability due to party-switching; linked to defection, not reorganisation but reflects political flux. |
| Bhashini | Digital initiative to make content available in Indian languages using AI/tech. |
News Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governor’s Statement | Criticised linguistic reorganisation as divisive and questioned its long-term impact on unity. |
| Background | India’s states were initially classified as Part A, B, C, D. These were reorganised in 1956. |
| First Linguistic State | Andhra State in 1953, following Potti Sreeramulu’s fast and death. |
| Government Response | Dhar Commission (1948) and JVP Committee (1949) initially opposed linguistic basis. SRC (1953) balanced language with unity and administrative needs. |
| Reorganisation Act (1956) | Created 14 states and 6 UTs, abolished previous Part A/B/C/D classification. |
Arguments in Favour of Linguistic Reorganisation
| Argument | Details |
|---|---|
| Cultural & Federal Accommodation | Helped accommodate diverse linguistic groups under one Constitution. |
| Prevented Secessionist Movements | Avoided the fate of Pakistan (East-West conflict) and Sri Lanka (Sinhala-Tamil conflict). |
| Administrative Efficiency | Governance, education, and courts worked better in local languages. |
| Political Empowerment | Enabled rise of regional parties and local participation. |
| Strengthened Unity in Diversity | Celebrated language while retaining national cohesion. |
Arguments Against Linguistic Reorganisation
| Argument | Details |
|---|---|
| Rise of Regionalism | Dominant linguistic groups may marginalise minorities within states. |
| Inter-State Disputes | Border issues like Maharashtra-Karnataka over Belagavi persist. |
| Politicisation | Parties use language-based identity politics for electoral gains. |
| Pressure for New States | Constant demands (e.g., Tulu Nadu, Vidarbha) strain governance. |
| National Identity at Risk | Regional interests may override national concerns. |
Way Forward for Language Policy in India
| Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Promote Multilingualism | Avoid imposition; apply Three-Language Formula flexibly. |
| Constitutional Safeguards | Protect rights of linguistic minorities under Articles 29, 30. |
| Early Education in Mother Tongue | Implement NEP 2020 more effectively. |
| Inter-State Cultural Exchange | Strengthen initiatives like ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. |
| State-Level Inclusion | Ensure linguistic minorities are represented in policy and communication. |
| Multilingual Governance | Use Bhashini and other tech to bridge linguistic gaps in governance. |
In a nutshell
Memory Code – “LANGUAGE MAPS UNITY”
→ Language-based Mapping, Accommodation, Participation, Secession-avoidance, promotes Unity
Prelims Questions
- Which was the first Indian state to be created on a linguistic basis?
(a) Tamil Nadu
(b) Andhra State
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Karnataka - What was the recommendation of the Dhar Commission (1948) on linguistic states?
(a) Strongly supported it
(b) Opposed it
(c) Recommended reorganisation only in North India
(d) Supported it only for South India - Which constitutional articles safeguard the rights of linguistic minorities in India?
(a) Articles 14 and 15
(b) Articles 19 and 21
(c) Articles 29 and 30
(d) Articles 32 and 226
Mains Questions
- Critically examine the impact of linguistic reorganisation of states on national integration and regional empowerment. 10 Marks (GS2 – Polity & Federalism)
- What reforms can ensure that linguistic identity strengthens India’s federal democracy without encouraging fragmentation? 10 Marks (GS2 – Governance)
Prelims Answer Key
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (b) | Andhra State was formed in 1953, the first linguistic state. |
| 2 | (b) | Dhar Commission rejected linguistic reorganisation. |
| 3 | (c) | Articles 29 and 30 ensure protection of cultural and linguistic minorities. |
