Regionalism - I | Maharashtra State PSC (MPSC): Preparation - MPSC (Maharastra) PDF Download

 Page 1


INTRODUCTION
The nation-building process in India, like many other newly
independent states of Asia and Africa, commenced in the past
colonial period. This task seems to be very different due to
prevalence and significance of the multi-lingual and multiracial
character of Indian State. Apart from lack of integration due to the
ethnic, religious, racial and cultural pluralism and uneven
operation of the process of modernization, in the traditional
societies, the interests still tend to be defined in terms of tribe,
race, caste or region. The persistence and predominance of
such loyalties retard their assimilation into new national societies. As
long as the interests are rooted in an find expression through primary
groups, they decline to assimilate and therefore evolution distinct
Indian national identity seems to be remote and distant dream.
The agitations, whether for the linguistic states or on the issue of
national language, made the central government succumb to
the pressures and thereby undermine the state. An
impression has been created that the government yields the
demand, is violent agitations. Thus violent agitations have
become an established procedure for the expression of dissent.
The state authority was undermined since defiance of" authority
was very common. On the other hand, the most important point is that
language provided had
,
proved . to be one of the most important
political channel of pursuing political 'integration as well as political
development. The compulsions of modern administration, economy,
science, technology and education demand an uniform treatment.
More meaningful national unity is possible only when regional elites works
withspiritofaccommodation and mutual understanding.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism or
regional patriotism. The encyclopedia of the social sciences
describes it as a manifestation of federalism and an intermediate
stage between administrative decentralization and federalism. It
involves such diverse problems of modem political and cultural life
as those of minorities, administrative decentralization, local self
government and autonomy, the cult of homeland and earth and
local patriotism. It is most immediately related to particularism and
opponents make the charge that is leads to separatism. In a
very general way regionalism may be defined as a counter
movement to any exaggeration or oppressive form of centralization. It
must not, however, be considered solely from the view point of
Page 2


INTRODUCTION
The nation-building process in India, like many other newly
independent states of Asia and Africa, commenced in the past
colonial period. This task seems to be very different due to
prevalence and significance of the multi-lingual and multiracial
character of Indian State. Apart from lack of integration due to the
ethnic, religious, racial and cultural pluralism and uneven
operation of the process of modernization, in the traditional
societies, the interests still tend to be defined in terms of tribe,
race, caste or region. The persistence and predominance of
such loyalties retard their assimilation into new national societies. As
long as the interests are rooted in an find expression through primary
groups, they decline to assimilate and therefore evolution distinct
Indian national identity seems to be remote and distant dream.
The agitations, whether for the linguistic states or on the issue of
national language, made the central government succumb to
the pressures and thereby undermine the state. An
impression has been created that the government yields the
demand, is violent agitations. Thus violent agitations have
become an established procedure for the expression of dissent.
The state authority was undermined since defiance of" authority
was very common. On the other hand, the most important point is that
language provided had
,
proved . to be one of the most important
political channel of pursuing political 'integration as well as political
development. The compulsions of modern administration, economy,
science, technology and education demand an uniform treatment.
More meaningful national unity is possible only when regional elites works
withspiritofaccommodation and mutual understanding.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism or
regional patriotism. The encyclopedia of the social sciences
describes it as a manifestation of federalism and an intermediate
stage between administrative decentralization and federalism. It
involves such diverse problems of modem political and cultural life
as those of minorities, administrative decentralization, local self
government and autonomy, the cult of homeland and earth and
local patriotism. It is most immediately related to particularism and
opponents make the charge that is leads to separatism. In a
very general way regionalism may be defined as a counter
movement to any exaggeration or oppressive form of centralization. It
must not, however, be considered solely from the view point of
political control or governmental administration. Regional problems
arise only where there is a combination of two or more such factors
or geographical isolation, independent historical traditions, racial,
ethnic or religious peculiarities and local economic and class
interests.
Regionalism is derived from the word region. "A region is a
homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics
distinct from those of neighbouring area. As part of a national
domain, a region is sufficiently unified to have a consciousness of
its customs and ideals and thus possesses a sense of identity
distinct from the rest of the country. The term 'regionalism'
properly represents the regional idea in action as an ideology or as
social movement or as the theoretical basis for the regional
planning. Thus, region represents more of analytical
category than geographical entity. The region is a socio-cultural
concept. Man is born with a territorial loyalty. He imbibes loyalty from
the soil of his birth. Several Variables when remain in operation for a
long period of time, in a certain territory, from the concept of
regionalism, such as, geography, topography, religion, language;
customs and mores, political and economic stages of
development, way of living and commonly shared historical"
experiences etc. Regionalism to be sure needs All these
:ingredients, but the concept is much more inclusive and even
when all is said and done, it remains at least
.
Partially elusive.
The essential fact is that region is characterized more than anything
else, by a widely shared sentiment of , `togetherness' in the people,
internationalized from a wide variety of sources, which might even
include Common prosperity, common development etc.
Regionalism in context of India is a vague concept and has
both positive and negative dimensions. Positively, it embodies a quest
for fulfillment on the part of an area from this perspective it
constitutes a true expression of federation and democracy and
therefore it is not be suspected and considered as an alibi for the
balkanisation of the country.
Negatively, regionalism, 'reflects a psyche of relative
deprivation' on the part of a people or an area. It is not always
possible to analyse such deprivation in rational economic analysis.
This 'deprivation psyche' is exploited by the regional elite, who
taking the benefits of negative consciousness whip up the
feelings of the people in the region and manufacturing the
ideology of regionalism. Taking advantage of the culturally
hetrogenous society in India, the regional elite articulate a regional
identity and later on use it for strengthening their political
position. Such regional movement if not tackled by political-
bureaucratic elite may result in the demands of secession if the
Page 3


INTRODUCTION
The nation-building process in India, like many other newly
independent states of Asia and Africa, commenced in the past
colonial period. This task seems to be very different due to
prevalence and significance of the multi-lingual and multiracial
character of Indian State. Apart from lack of integration due to the
ethnic, religious, racial and cultural pluralism and uneven
operation of the process of modernization, in the traditional
societies, the interests still tend to be defined in terms of tribe,
race, caste or region. The persistence and predominance of
such loyalties retard their assimilation into new national societies. As
long as the interests are rooted in an find expression through primary
groups, they decline to assimilate and therefore evolution distinct
Indian national identity seems to be remote and distant dream.
The agitations, whether for the linguistic states or on the issue of
national language, made the central government succumb to
the pressures and thereby undermine the state. An
impression has been created that the government yields the
demand, is violent agitations. Thus violent agitations have
become an established procedure for the expression of dissent.
The state authority was undermined since defiance of" authority
was very common. On the other hand, the most important point is that
language provided had
,
proved . to be one of the most important
political channel of pursuing political 'integration as well as political
development. The compulsions of modern administration, economy,
science, technology and education demand an uniform treatment.
More meaningful national unity is possible only when regional elites works
withspiritofaccommodation and mutual understanding.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism or
regional patriotism. The encyclopedia of the social sciences
describes it as a manifestation of federalism and an intermediate
stage between administrative decentralization and federalism. It
involves such diverse problems of modem political and cultural life
as those of minorities, administrative decentralization, local self
government and autonomy, the cult of homeland and earth and
local patriotism. It is most immediately related to particularism and
opponents make the charge that is leads to separatism. In a
very general way regionalism may be defined as a counter
movement to any exaggeration or oppressive form of centralization. It
must not, however, be considered solely from the view point of
political control or governmental administration. Regional problems
arise only where there is a combination of two or more such factors
or geographical isolation, independent historical traditions, racial,
ethnic or religious peculiarities and local economic and class
interests.
Regionalism is derived from the word region. "A region is a
homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics
distinct from those of neighbouring area. As part of a national
domain, a region is sufficiently unified to have a consciousness of
its customs and ideals and thus possesses a sense of identity
distinct from the rest of the country. The term 'regionalism'
properly represents the regional idea in action as an ideology or as
social movement or as the theoretical basis for the regional
planning. Thus, region represents more of analytical
category than geographical entity. The region is a socio-cultural
concept. Man is born with a territorial loyalty. He imbibes loyalty from
the soil of his birth. Several Variables when remain in operation for a
long period of time, in a certain territory, from the concept of
regionalism, such as, geography, topography, religion, language;
customs and mores, political and economic stages of
development, way of living and commonly shared historical"
experiences etc. Regionalism to be sure needs All these
:ingredients, but the concept is much more inclusive and even
when all is said and done, it remains at least
.
Partially elusive.
The essential fact is that region is characterized more than anything
else, by a widely shared sentiment of , `togetherness' in the people,
internationalized from a wide variety of sources, which might even
include Common prosperity, common development etc.
Regionalism in context of India is a vague concept and has
both positive and negative dimensions. Positively, it embodies a quest
for fulfillment on the part of an area from this perspective it
constitutes a true expression of federation and democracy and
therefore it is not be suspected and considered as an alibi for the
balkanisation of the country.
Negatively, regionalism, 'reflects a psyche of relative
deprivation' on the part of a people or an area. It is not always
possible to analyse such deprivation in rational economic analysis.
This 'deprivation psyche' is exploited by the regional elite, who
taking the benefits of negative consciousness whip up the
feelings of the people in the region and manufacturing the
ideology of regionalism. Taking advantage of the culturally
hetrogenous society in India, the regional elite articulate a regional
identity and later on use it for strengthening their political
position. Such regional movement if not tackled by political-
bureaucratic elite may result in the demands of secession if the
quest for regional identities is satisfied at the managerial level
they may mean relative autonomy for the region.
REGIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN
MAHARASHTRA:-IT'S EMERGENCE AND
DEVELOPMENT
Marathi speaking population was divided into three different
administrative units and lacked the distinct regional identity.
Maharashtra, as a distinct geo-political entity, had existed for more
than one thousand years. However, the distinct regional
consciousness acquired sharpness during the seventeenth
century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established his 'Hindvi
Swaraj' in defiance of the mighty Mughal Empire. The hegemony
of Maratha rule ended in 1818 after the defeat of Second
.
Bajirao
by Britishers. The territory of and around Mumbai became a
part of the Bombay Presidency and later on Bombay Province.
Mumbai was the leading centre of trade and commerce and
Pune was the nerve centre of intellectual activities during the 19
th
century. The socio-political and economic affairs of Mumbai city
were dominated
.
by non-Maharashtrians, particularly the Gujratis and
Parsis. This phenomena has persisted over a period of time and
today the non-Maharastrian population out-numbers the
Maharastrian but Maharashtra is not in Mumbai.
Similarly, Vidarbha region was under Bhonsale, a prominent
Subhedar of Marathas till 1818. Afterwards sovereignty of this
region was in the hands of East India Company. Nagpur state was
annexed by Lord Dalhousie it 1848 and was integrated into the
central province and made its capital. The Vidarbha's sub region,
comprising of four districts of Arnravati, Akola, Yeotmal and
Buldhana, was a part of Hyderabad State till 1861. Even the region
known as Marathwada was a part of the princely state of
Hyderabad. Therefore, the political aspirations of the Marathi speaking
population in the above discussed areas were distinctly different.
The first reference, in the recent times, to the distinct regional
identity was made by Tamhankar in 1920. He advocated
integration of the western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and
Marathwada into single administrative entity. Occassional
reference to the distinct Marathi identity and Samyukta
Maharashtra were made by literates. The categorical
statement regarding 'the geographical region of the Samyukta
Maharashtra was made as late as in 1946 at the Belgaum
Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Therefore, it will not be wrong to
say that the distinct regional consciousness was absent in
Maharashtra in the pre-independence period. In any case, the
regionalism had taken the back seat due to the struggle for the
Page 4


INTRODUCTION
The nation-building process in India, like many other newly
independent states of Asia and Africa, commenced in the past
colonial period. This task seems to be very different due to
prevalence and significance of the multi-lingual and multiracial
character of Indian State. Apart from lack of integration due to the
ethnic, religious, racial and cultural pluralism and uneven
operation of the process of modernization, in the traditional
societies, the interests still tend to be defined in terms of tribe,
race, caste or region. The persistence and predominance of
such loyalties retard their assimilation into new national societies. As
long as the interests are rooted in an find expression through primary
groups, they decline to assimilate and therefore evolution distinct
Indian national identity seems to be remote and distant dream.
The agitations, whether for the linguistic states or on the issue of
national language, made the central government succumb to
the pressures and thereby undermine the state. An
impression has been created that the government yields the
demand, is violent agitations. Thus violent agitations have
become an established procedure for the expression of dissent.
The state authority was undermined since defiance of" authority
was very common. On the other hand, the most important point is that
language provided had
,
proved . to be one of the most important
political channel of pursuing political 'integration as well as political
development. The compulsions of modern administration, economy,
science, technology and education demand an uniform treatment.
More meaningful national unity is possible only when regional elites works
withspiritofaccommodation and mutual understanding.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism or
regional patriotism. The encyclopedia of the social sciences
describes it as a manifestation of federalism and an intermediate
stage between administrative decentralization and federalism. It
involves such diverse problems of modem political and cultural life
as those of minorities, administrative decentralization, local self
government and autonomy, the cult of homeland and earth and
local patriotism. It is most immediately related to particularism and
opponents make the charge that is leads to separatism. In a
very general way regionalism may be defined as a counter
movement to any exaggeration or oppressive form of centralization. It
must not, however, be considered solely from the view point of
political control or governmental administration. Regional problems
arise only where there is a combination of two or more such factors
or geographical isolation, independent historical traditions, racial,
ethnic or religious peculiarities and local economic and class
interests.
Regionalism is derived from the word region. "A region is a
homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics
distinct from those of neighbouring area. As part of a national
domain, a region is sufficiently unified to have a consciousness of
its customs and ideals and thus possesses a sense of identity
distinct from the rest of the country. The term 'regionalism'
properly represents the regional idea in action as an ideology or as
social movement or as the theoretical basis for the regional
planning. Thus, region represents more of analytical
category than geographical entity. The region is a socio-cultural
concept. Man is born with a territorial loyalty. He imbibes loyalty from
the soil of his birth. Several Variables when remain in operation for a
long period of time, in a certain territory, from the concept of
regionalism, such as, geography, topography, religion, language;
customs and mores, political and economic stages of
development, way of living and commonly shared historical"
experiences etc. Regionalism to be sure needs All these
:ingredients, but the concept is much more inclusive and even
when all is said and done, it remains at least
.
Partially elusive.
The essential fact is that region is characterized more than anything
else, by a widely shared sentiment of , `togetherness' in the people,
internationalized from a wide variety of sources, which might even
include Common prosperity, common development etc.
Regionalism in context of India is a vague concept and has
both positive and negative dimensions. Positively, it embodies a quest
for fulfillment on the part of an area from this perspective it
constitutes a true expression of federation and democracy and
therefore it is not be suspected and considered as an alibi for the
balkanisation of the country.
Negatively, regionalism, 'reflects a psyche of relative
deprivation' on the part of a people or an area. It is not always
possible to analyse such deprivation in rational economic analysis.
This 'deprivation psyche' is exploited by the regional elite, who
taking the benefits of negative consciousness whip up the
feelings of the people in the region and manufacturing the
ideology of regionalism. Taking advantage of the culturally
hetrogenous society in India, the regional elite articulate a regional
identity and later on use it for strengthening their political
position. Such regional movement if not tackled by political-
bureaucratic elite may result in the demands of secession if the
quest for regional identities is satisfied at the managerial level
they may mean relative autonomy for the region.
REGIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN
MAHARASHTRA:-IT'S EMERGENCE AND
DEVELOPMENT
Marathi speaking population was divided into three different
administrative units and lacked the distinct regional identity.
Maharashtra, as a distinct geo-political entity, had existed for more
than one thousand years. However, the distinct regional
consciousness acquired sharpness during the seventeenth
century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established his 'Hindvi
Swaraj' in defiance of the mighty Mughal Empire. The hegemony
of Maratha rule ended in 1818 after the defeat of Second
.
Bajirao
by Britishers. The territory of and around Mumbai became a
part of the Bombay Presidency and later on Bombay Province.
Mumbai was the leading centre of trade and commerce and
Pune was the nerve centre of intellectual activities during the 19
th
century. The socio-political and economic affairs of Mumbai city
were dominated
.
by non-Maharashtrians, particularly the Gujratis and
Parsis. This phenomena has persisted over a period of time and
today the non-Maharastrian population out-numbers the
Maharastrian but Maharashtra is not in Mumbai.
Similarly, Vidarbha region was under Bhonsale, a prominent
Subhedar of Marathas till 1818. Afterwards sovereignty of this
region was in the hands of East India Company. Nagpur state was
annexed by Lord Dalhousie it 1848 and was integrated into the
central province and made its capital. The Vidarbha's sub region,
comprising of four districts of Arnravati, Akola, Yeotmal and
Buldhana, was a part of Hyderabad State till 1861. Even the region
known as Marathwada was a part of the princely state of
Hyderabad. Therefore, the political aspirations of the Marathi speaking
population in the above discussed areas were distinctly different.
The first reference, in the recent times, to the distinct regional
identity was made by Tamhankar in 1920. He advocated
integration of the western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and
Marathwada into single administrative entity. Occassional
reference to the distinct Marathi identity and Samyukta
Maharashtra were made by literates. The categorical
statement regarding 'the geographical region of the Samyukta
Maharashtra was made as late as in 1946 at the Belgaum
Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Therefore, it will not be wrong to
say that the distinct regional consciousness was absent in
Maharashtra in the pre-independence period. In any case, the
regionalism had taken the back seat due to the struggle for the
national independence. The regional consciousness surfaced in
Maharashtra on the threshold of the independence and
gathered momentum during the next decade in the form of the
demand for Samyukta Maharshtra. The struggle for the
Samyukta Maharashtra increases regional consciousness and
persisted even today. The manifestation of the regional
consciousness was the establishment of Shiv Sena in
1966 and very recent establishment of Maharashtra
Navnirman Sean.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR REG
,
IONAL
CONSCIOUSNESS IN MAHARASHTRA
Congress party 'rules in Maharashtra
.
till 1995 but despite
of it regional' consciousness. .has . flourished in Maharashtra.
The development of 'regional 'consciousness in Maharashtra can
be attributed to the following factors :
•
1. Economic and Political Factors
2. Psychological Factor
First, let us deal with
Economic and Political Factors behind it :
From the beginning of the State in 1960
to 1995 the relations of the Govt. of Maharashtra with .the union,
were cordial and that there were no 'outward manifestations of
conflicts. But state of Maharashtra has a number of grievances'
towards the centre.' I-ha following grievances have fuel the regional
consciousnes:-
I) Problem with Overdraft Facility and Financial Resources :-
One if the financial irritant has been the problem of
overdraft facility availed by the states. The 'ways and means’
advances are given by the RBI to meet temporary contingencies or
gaps between receipts and expenditure. However, most of the states
diaws in advance their share in central assistance for development.
The overdraft Regulation Scheme provides for a very strict watch on the
withdraw! of overdraft by the states. This is not liked by most of the
states. States are having meager sources of revenue in comparison with
the union. The states 'shift the blame for their financial difficulties on
the Union and object to restrictions on
‘
overdraft' which enable them
to meet their ends meet.
ii) Development schemes and projects :
A difference in the perception of the centre and state causes
some tension between the two. The centre was, to start with, not
favorably inclined and later not too enthusiastic about Maharashtra
Page 5


INTRODUCTION
The nation-building process in India, like many other newly
independent states of Asia and Africa, commenced in the past
colonial period. This task seems to be very different due to
prevalence and significance of the multi-lingual and multiracial
character of Indian State. Apart from lack of integration due to the
ethnic, religious, racial and cultural pluralism and uneven
operation of the process of modernization, in the traditional
societies, the interests still tend to be defined in terms of tribe,
race, caste or region. The persistence and predominance of
such loyalties retard their assimilation into new national societies. As
long as the interests are rooted in an find expression through primary
groups, they decline to assimilate and therefore evolution distinct
Indian national identity seems to be remote and distant dream.
The agitations, whether for the linguistic states or on the issue of
national language, made the central government succumb to
the pressures and thereby undermine the state. An
impression has been created that the government yields the
demand, is violent agitations. Thus violent agitations have
become an established procedure for the expression of dissent.
The state authority was undermined since defiance of" authority
was very common. On the other hand, the most important point is that
language provided had
,
proved . to be one of the most important
political channel of pursuing political 'integration as well as political
development. The compulsions of modern administration, economy,
science, technology and education demand an uniform treatment.
More meaningful national unity is possible only when regional elites works
withspiritofaccommodation and mutual understanding.
REGIONALISM
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism or
regional patriotism. The encyclopedia of the social sciences
describes it as a manifestation of federalism and an intermediate
stage between administrative decentralization and federalism. It
involves such diverse problems of modem political and cultural life
as those of minorities, administrative decentralization, local self
government and autonomy, the cult of homeland and earth and
local patriotism. It is most immediately related to particularism and
opponents make the charge that is leads to separatism. In a
very general way regionalism may be defined as a counter
movement to any exaggeration or oppressive form of centralization. It
must not, however, be considered solely from the view point of
political control or governmental administration. Regional problems
arise only where there is a combination of two or more such factors
or geographical isolation, independent historical traditions, racial,
ethnic or religious peculiarities and local economic and class
interests.
Regionalism is derived from the word region. "A region is a
homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics
distinct from those of neighbouring area. As part of a national
domain, a region is sufficiently unified to have a consciousness of
its customs and ideals and thus possesses a sense of identity
distinct from the rest of the country. The term 'regionalism'
properly represents the regional idea in action as an ideology or as
social movement or as the theoretical basis for the regional
planning. Thus, region represents more of analytical
category than geographical entity. The region is a socio-cultural
concept. Man is born with a territorial loyalty. He imbibes loyalty from
the soil of his birth. Several Variables when remain in operation for a
long period of time, in a certain territory, from the concept of
regionalism, such as, geography, topography, religion, language;
customs and mores, political and economic stages of
development, way of living and commonly shared historical"
experiences etc. Regionalism to be sure needs All these
:ingredients, but the concept is much more inclusive and even
when all is said and done, it remains at least
.
Partially elusive.
The essential fact is that region is characterized more than anything
else, by a widely shared sentiment of , `togetherness' in the people,
internationalized from a wide variety of sources, which might even
include Common prosperity, common development etc.
Regionalism in context of India is a vague concept and has
both positive and negative dimensions. Positively, it embodies a quest
for fulfillment on the part of an area from this perspective it
constitutes a true expression of federation and democracy and
therefore it is not be suspected and considered as an alibi for the
balkanisation of the country.
Negatively, regionalism, 'reflects a psyche of relative
deprivation' on the part of a people or an area. It is not always
possible to analyse such deprivation in rational economic analysis.
This 'deprivation psyche' is exploited by the regional elite, who
taking the benefits of negative consciousness whip up the
feelings of the people in the region and manufacturing the
ideology of regionalism. Taking advantage of the culturally
hetrogenous society in India, the regional elite articulate a regional
identity and later on use it for strengthening their political
position. Such regional movement if not tackled by political-
bureaucratic elite may result in the demands of secession if the
quest for regional identities is satisfied at the managerial level
they may mean relative autonomy for the region.
REGIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN
MAHARASHTRA:-IT'S EMERGENCE AND
DEVELOPMENT
Marathi speaking population was divided into three different
administrative units and lacked the distinct regional identity.
Maharashtra, as a distinct geo-political entity, had existed for more
than one thousand years. However, the distinct regional
consciousness acquired sharpness during the seventeenth
century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established his 'Hindvi
Swaraj' in defiance of the mighty Mughal Empire. The hegemony
of Maratha rule ended in 1818 after the defeat of Second
.
Bajirao
by Britishers. The territory of and around Mumbai became a
part of the Bombay Presidency and later on Bombay Province.
Mumbai was the leading centre of trade and commerce and
Pune was the nerve centre of intellectual activities during the 19
th
century. The socio-political and economic affairs of Mumbai city
were dominated
.
by non-Maharashtrians, particularly the Gujratis and
Parsis. This phenomena has persisted over a period of time and
today the non-Maharastrian population out-numbers the
Maharastrian but Maharashtra is not in Mumbai.
Similarly, Vidarbha region was under Bhonsale, a prominent
Subhedar of Marathas till 1818. Afterwards sovereignty of this
region was in the hands of East India Company. Nagpur state was
annexed by Lord Dalhousie it 1848 and was integrated into the
central province and made its capital. The Vidarbha's sub region,
comprising of four districts of Arnravati, Akola, Yeotmal and
Buldhana, was a part of Hyderabad State till 1861. Even the region
known as Marathwada was a part of the princely state of
Hyderabad. Therefore, the political aspirations of the Marathi speaking
population in the above discussed areas were distinctly different.
The first reference, in the recent times, to the distinct regional
identity was made by Tamhankar in 1920. He advocated
integration of the western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and
Marathwada into single administrative entity. Occassional
reference to the distinct Marathi identity and Samyukta
Maharashtra were made by literates. The categorical
statement regarding 'the geographical region of the Samyukta
Maharashtra was made as late as in 1946 at the Belgaum
Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. Therefore, it will not be wrong to
say that the distinct regional consciousness was absent in
Maharashtra in the pre-independence period. In any case, the
regionalism had taken the back seat due to the struggle for the
national independence. The regional consciousness surfaced in
Maharashtra on the threshold of the independence and
gathered momentum during the next decade in the form of the
demand for Samyukta Maharshtra. The struggle for the
Samyukta Maharashtra increases regional consciousness and
persisted even today. The manifestation of the regional
consciousness was the establishment of Shiv Sena in
1966 and very recent establishment of Maharashtra
Navnirman Sean.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR REG
,
IONAL
CONSCIOUSNESS IN MAHARASHTRA
Congress party 'rules in Maharashtra
.
till 1995 but despite
of it regional' consciousness. .has . flourished in Maharashtra.
The development of 'regional 'consciousness in Maharashtra can
be attributed to the following factors :
•
1. Economic and Political Factors
2. Psychological Factor
First, let us deal with
Economic and Political Factors behind it :
From the beginning of the State in 1960
to 1995 the relations of the Govt. of Maharashtra with .the union,
were cordial and that there were no 'outward manifestations of
conflicts. But state of Maharashtra has a number of grievances'
towards the centre.' I-ha following grievances have fuel the regional
consciousnes:-
I) Problem with Overdraft Facility and Financial Resources :-
One if the financial irritant has been the problem of
overdraft facility availed by the states. The 'ways and means’
advances are given by the RBI to meet temporary contingencies or
gaps between receipts and expenditure. However, most of the states
diaws in advance their share in central assistance for development.
The overdraft Regulation Scheme provides for a very strict watch on the
withdraw! of overdraft by the states. This is not liked by most of the
states. States are having meager sources of revenue in comparison with
the union. The states 'shift the blame for their financial difficulties on
the Union and object to restrictions on
‘
overdraft' which enable them
to meet their ends meet.
ii) Development schemes and projects :
A difference in the perception of the centre and state causes
some tension between the two. The centre was, to start with, not
favorably inclined and later not too enthusiastic about Maharashtra
Govt.'s Monopoly Procurement of cotton Scheme. Therefore, the
financial assistance from the Centre to this favourite-populist project. The
licenses and quota for the sugar factor are issued by centre and state is
not happy with it. The Konkan railway project has not received. adequate
attention from the centre. The long pending demand for the replacement of
metre-gauge trains by 'the Broad-gauge in Marathwada region has been
neglected. Though Mumbai contributing the maximum to the national
revenue’ no additional fund is made available for .solving the civic
problems. of Mumbai city. Thus, the political class feels-slightly
humiliated as their proposals for the economic Development: do.
not receive sympathetic consideration from the planning
commission and the Union Government.
Political Causes :
i) Boundary dispute with Karnataka :
The reorganization of states brought about in 1956 resulted in
loss of Marathi-speaking
,
areas of .Belgaum, Nipani, karwar etc.
alongwith other Kannada-speaking areas to Karnataka. The Political
.
class as a whole want this injustice to be corrected as in the election
after election since 1957, the candidates of Maharashtra, Epicurean
Samiti from the dispute area have been getting elected on Karnataka
Assembly and Lok Sabha. This issue has been exploited by the non-
congress parties, especially the regional parties like the Peasants and
workers party, Shiv Sena and new to join this bandwagon in Maharashtra
Nav-nirman sena to gain some political advantage.
ii) Congress Leadership and Party High Command :
In order to deal with the process of internal
disintegration and provincial chieftans the party high-command
started the practice of nominating the Chief Minister. The same
principle was adopted in case of and bearers of the Pradesh
Congress Committee, hired and fired at will by the High Command.
iii) Samyukta Maharashtra's Formation :
The pressure in favour of linguistic states intensified
during the initial period in the provincial congress
organization in the non-hindi regions. The ruling national elite
established a double standard in measures to adopted to deal
with mass agitations. Thus 'political class' in Maharashtra had its
first political conflict, within the party fold, with the centre on
the issue of formation of Maharashtra.
Psychological Factor :
The state of Maharashtra has a peculiar type of 'no
=
trust'
relationship with union, the origin of which can be traced back to the
pre-independence 'period
.
. After the end of Tilak era, there was
hostility of leaders of the MPCC to the national leadership.' The
Brahmin leadership switched over from congress to Hindu