Ambedkar favoured smaller states, proposed division of Bihar, MP, UP

Key Takeaways:

• Ambedkar advocated for dividing large Indian states to improve governance.
• He believed that large states were “too large and not administrable.”
• Supported the creation of linguistic states but opposed excessively large units.
• Argued that big states are incompatible with democratic principles.
• Emphasized preventing marginalization through state division.

Advocating for Manageable States

B R Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution, believed that the size of India’s states had profound implications for governance and democracy. He asserted that large states posed serious challenges, making them “too large and not administrable.” His advocacy for smaller states was rooted in the conviction that they would be more manageable and capable of ensuring equitable development.

Insights from “Thoughts on Linguistic States”

In 1955, Ambedkar articulated his views comprehensively in his book, “Thoughts on Linguistic States.” He strongly advocated for the division of big provinces like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. While he supported the creation of states based on linguistic lines to respect cultural and linguistic identities, he was deeply concerned about the formation of excessively large units.

Opposition to Big Linguistic States

Ambedkar challenged the notion that bigger linguistic states were beneficial. He wrote, “The idea of having bigger linguistic states is not a democratic idea at all. It is a clear departure from the fundamentals of democracy. It is an idea wholly incompatible with the idea of democracy.” His apprehension was that oversized states could undermine democratic processes and accountability.

Proposals for Division

Beyond theory, Ambedkar provided concrete proposals. He suggested that “Bihar should be divided into two states. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh…” His recommendations were aimed at creating administrative units that were efficient and responsive to the needs of their populations.

Preventing Marginalization

A key aspect of Ambedkar’s argument was the prevention of marginalization. He believed that dividing large states would ensure that no region or group felt sidelined. “He suggested that states should be divided not only for administrative efficiency but also to ensure that no region or group felt marginalised,” highlighting his commitment to inclusivity and equitable governance.

Relevance in Contemporary India

Ambedkar’s foresight into the challenges posed by large states remains relevant. His emphasis on manageable administrative units and preventing marginalization speaks to ongoing debates about governance and regional autonomy in India. Reflecting on his vision invites a reconsideration of how state boundaries and sizes impact democracy today.