In recent news, the Chief Minister of Puducherry, a Union Territory (UT) in India, has called for statehood for the region. This demand is not new as Puducherry has long been struggling with lack of autonomy to boost employment opportunities and develop infrastructure for tourism. The UT’s status hinders it from inviting more industries into the region.
Understanding Union Territories
Union Territories, often abbreviated as UTs, are federally governed regions in India that are either too small to function independently, differ vastly from surrounding states (economically, culturally, geographically), have financial difficulties or face political instability. These UTs are administered directly by the President of India who appoints Lieutenant Governors as administrators. Nonetheless, Puducherry, along with Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi, have elected governments due to their partial statehood status. India currently has 8 UTs.
A Brief Background on Union Territories
The classification of Union Territories emerged after India’s Constitution was adopted in 1949. Initially, Indian federal structure comprised Parts A, B, C and D, each representing different state structures including former British provinces, princely states, and territories governed by Chief Commissioners or Lieutenant Governors. However, in 1956, Parts C and D were merged into a single category known as ‘Union Territory’ through the States Reorganisation Act and the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act.
The Rationale Behind the Demand for New States
Several factors contribute to demands for new states in India. Cultural and linguistic differences constitute the primary reasons. Other contributing elements include neglect by the central government towards certain regions, poor allocation of resources, failure of the economy to generate sufficient employment opportunities, popular mobilisation, and local-level sentiments.
Potential Challenges Arising from the Creation of New States
Creating new states can lead to dominance of a particular community, caste or tribe, consequently resulting in intra-regional rivalry among sub-regions. It could also lead to political instability as a small group of legislators might gain the power to make or break a government. Furthermore, there might be increased disputes over water, power and boundaries between states. Financially, creating new states would require substantial funds for building new capitals and sustaining a large number of administrators. Lastly, the creation of smaller states might not necessarily empower existing institutions but rather lead to uneven distribution of development.
Constitutional Provisions for State Reorganisation
India’s constitution empowers the Union government to create new states out of existing ones or merge one state with another, a process referred to as reorganisation. According to Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament can admit into the Union, establish new States on certain terms and conditions, and modify the size, boundaries or name of any state.
An Overview of Puducherry
Currently a Union Territory, Puducherry was formed in 1962 from four former French colonies: Pondicherry (now Puducherry), Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. Situated in southeastern India, it began as a French trade centre in 1674, purchased from a local ruler, and remained a French colonial possession until transferred to India in 1962.
A Way Forward
The allocation of statehood should give priority to economic and social viability over political considerations. Development, decentralisation and governance should take the front seat instead of religion, caste or language. Moreover, fundamental issues such as power concentration, corruption, administrative inefficiency must be addressed to ensure comprehensive development and good governance.