How Regionalism Propels Equity and Welfare?

Regionalism can be defined as a phenomenon in which people’s political loyalties become focused upon a region. In other words, it implies people’s love of a particular region in preference to the country and in certain cases in preference to the state of which the region is a part.In India regionalism if often seen from the lens of secessionism,balkanization and obstruction to national integration. However regionalism in diverse country like India can provide manifold benefits.

• Regionalism aims to combine aspirations of many people towards same goal thus upholding utilitarianism. eg the jaat,Maratha,Patidar stir combines their  aspirations for reservation and promotes attributes of solidarity,self respect,self identity etc. Also Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council that was formed in 1985 has served to protect an otherwise endangered tribal identity in the state by providing a democratic platform for former separatists and has reduced the bases of political extremism in the state.
• Indian Constitution also supports Regionalism in the form of Special provision with respect to some states as per Article 371.
• It promotes ideal of competitive federalism where every state strives to compete with each other for prosperity.
• Promotes democratic interests as Democracy is nothing without active citizens and regionalism promotes it.
• The tendency to unite and fight for the common reason is not always anti national. In certain cases it may represent one of the most disadvantaged sections of the society and thus opens new avenues for their socio cultural upliftment.
• In history as well one may observe such instances many times. The anti-Brahmin movement in South India brought the unity among remaining sections of society to fight against caste oppression.
• Another reason is the huge area of the country with large states as its components. There is vast disparity within states itself in terms of socio economic development.
• Given the increasing uncertainty in the contemporary globalized world, regionalism has become a source of identity among people. The accommodation of such identities is healthy for maintaining the socio-cultural fabric of India.
•  It may induce competition among people of a region and propel them to do better to improve the status of their region. Eg. Competitive federalism in India and ensuing competition among states regarding resources, setting up of industries, infrastructural facilities, etc

However the regionalism movement must ensure that national flag fly above the subnational flag and it itself become tool for promoting national integration.

By: ABHISHEK KUMAR GARG