23-July-2024-Editorial

BHIL PRADESH

The Bhils, one of India’s oldest tribes, are advocating for a separate state called “Bhil Pradesh.” This demand has gained momentum in Rajasthan and neighboring states.

Who are the Bhils?

• Oldest Tribe: Bhils are among India’s oldest tribes, belonging to the Dravidian racial group of Western India and the Austroloid group of tribes.
• Language: They speak Bhili, a language of Dravidian origin.
• Historical Rulers: Historically, they ruled parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

• Population: According to the 2011 Census, there are 1.7 crore Bhils across India.

• Madhya Pradesh: 60 lakh
• Gujarat: 42 lakh
• Rajasthan: 41 lakh
• Maharashtra: 26 lakh

• Religion: Bhils are predominantly Hindu, worshipping forest deities, evil spirits, Lord Shiva, and Durga.

Demands of Bhil Pradesh

• Historical Context: The demand dates back to 1913, initiated by Govind Giri Banjara, a tribal activist, and social reformer.
• Mangarh Hill Massacre: The British killed around 1,500 tribals during a protest, cementing the demand’s roots.
• Geographical Proposal: The proposed state includes 49 districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

• Rajasthan: 12 districts

Reasons for the Demand

• Cultural and Linguistic Homogeneity:
  • Common language (Bhili) and cultural practices.
  • Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
• Geographic Considerations:
  • Significant tribal populations with historical and cultural ties.
• Political Marginalization:
  • Existing political structures inadequately address Bhil community needs.
  • Separate state seen as a solution for focused governance and development.
• Developmental Focus:
  • Tailored development policies and resource utilization for tribal welfare.
  • Historical neglect and sluggish enforcement of laws such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.

Criticism of the Demand

• Fragmentation and Instability: Critics argue that creating states based on caste or community could lead to further fragmentation.
• Fazl Ali Commission: Emphasized the unity of India in redrawing political units.
• Resistance from Established Political Parties: Complex stakes in maintaining the status quo.
• Social Divisions: Formation based on tribal identity could exacerbate divisions.

Other Regions Demanding Separate States

• Vidarbha:
  • Location: Includes the Amravati and Nagpur divisions in eastern Maharashtra.
  • Historical Recommendation: The State Reorganisation Act of 1956 suggested the formation of a Vidarbha state.
  • Neglect: Perceived neglect by successive state governments fuels the demand.
• Bodoland:
  • Location: Northern Assam, largest ethnic and linguistic community.
  • 2003 Agreement: Bodos granted the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) after agitation.
• Other Demands:
  • Gorkhaland, Kukiland, Mithila, etc.

Issues Arising Due to the Creation of New States

• Dominant Community Hegemony: New states might lead to dominance by one community/caste/tribe.
• Intra-Regional Rivalries: Emergence of rivalries among sub-regions.
• Political Consequences: Small groups of legislators could destabilize governments.
• Inter-State Disputes: Increase in water, power, and boundary disputes.
• Economic Burden: Significant funds required for new capitals and administrative structures.
• Power Centralization: Power may shift to new state capitals without empowering local institutions.

Way Forward

• Strengthening National Integration Council: Address regionalism challenges.
• High-Powered Commission: Assess existing laws and propose necessary amendments.
• Strengthening Local Governance:
  • Capacity building and financial empowerment of Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies.
• Equitable Distribution:
  • Use Finance Commission’s recommendations as benchmarks.
  • Strengthen performance-based budgeting.
• Special Packages:
  • Tailored packages similar to Telangana’s post-creation package.
• Economic Parameters:
  • Use per capita income, infrastructure index, and human development indicators to identify deserving regions.
• NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme: Implement comparable initiatives for regions seeking statehood.
• Regional Dialogue Mechanisms:
  • Create platforms for center-state and regional dialogue.
• Cultural Preservation Initiatives:
  • Expand programs like the National Cultural Fund and Sahitya Akademi for region-specific cultural support.