India is plagued by scandals, one after the other. Ranging from 2G spectrum to mining scams to Lokpal bill, the problems have come in different magnitudes and forms. Besides these, another major issue concerning entire nation is the issue of separate regions — based on various whims and fancies.
Rail roko, road roko and all sorts of bandhs are being imposed in Andhra Pradesh. Recently, I happened to visit Hyderabad and realised the intensity of this movement. Our train was cancelled thanks to the bandh and we had to pay a hefty amount to get a bus arranged. This was just the beginning of our misery. In Hyderabad we were allowed to travel only during the day and there were other restrictions too.
The one sight which made me sit up and think about this situation was the procession at OSMANIA University. Students with placards were shouting slogans “Jai Telangana!” with great fervour and intensity. “This is for a good cause. Telangana is the future,” most of the students seemed to have similar views.
What should be the basis for separation of states? Should it be caste and language based? Or it should be based on geographic area and economy like the case with Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Should there be separatism at all? We look into some reactions…
Gaurav is a III year at SRM University
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The partition of states should be done only on the basis of geographical components and not on the basis of caste or religion as it is contrary to the principles of equality and secularism that India follows. It is difficult to manage states with a large area and hence their partition can improve the management, ease the administration process and also boost the economy of that area. On the other hand, partition on the basis of caste and religion will only create a negative image, communal tension and impact the thinking and mentality of the people. So it's better to spare the common man of the politics and the ordeal that follows the division of states based on caste and religion and go for the much better solution.
MD. JAMAL, Pursuing engineering in Chennai
I think division of states is and should be done according to how a group of people have over time occupied a particular area suiting their lifestyles and consequently demarcated. I don't think economy should be a criterion for division as it is dynamic and bound to change. Also, geography is a very good option. Whatever may be the reason, the people have to be happy. Only if the people are happy can the country progress in the right direction.
SUMAN CHABRIA, Sastra University, Thanjavur
When a country is so dependent on its youth for its growth and development, and where the youth are so involved in the Telangana issue; I would prefer that the division be implemented. Educational institutions being closed down for days, people setting themselves ablaze is leading the state to no prosperity. When the people aren't happy or rather not left with any emotions and sentiments, a division on the basis of caste and religion or economy and geographical area wouldn't matter. If division is what they seek, then let that be given; the only way now of minimising violence, hatred and most importantly, the loss of lives.
SUNAYNA TUNGA, resident of Bhubaneshwar
I believe that further division of states is not in the interest of the growth and development of our country. Separatism would only spur further fragmentation as there will be demands for division by Maharashtra, West Bengal, etc. This will result in emotional resentment followed by internal conflict and destabilization. It is better to provide separate developmental packages to boost growth and employment in Telangana, Gorkhaland and Vidarbha.
SNEHASRUTHI V., III Year, B.Tech Nanotechnology, SRM University
Separatism should not exist at all, but in a multi lingual country like India and in the age of globalisation, separatism is bound to happen. That doesn't mean that separatism takes place on the will of the politicians and like minded people. The question to be considered is: will it result in the upliftment of the people of that region?
The issue of Telangana is a complicated one and it is to be solved only by discussions and not through protests and bandhs . And even if a separate state is at all decided, one needs to look at the provision it gives to other states for a “divide and rule” policy and also to keep in mind the millions of crores of rupees to be spent from the exchequer.
BHAVIK DOSHI, pursuing Chartered Accountancy.
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In my view, separatism is not needed at all. Technology has helped man overcome geographical and economic problems. Globalisation has enabled him to outgrow limitations such as language, caste and religion. If real development has to be made, then it can be done by selfless service and with the help of modernisation. Separation would create more problems than being the solution.
P. KUSUM, resident of Hyderabad
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The topography shall be such that the dry as well as the wet lands are to be divided equally in coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema as well as in Telengana. The rivers flowing in both the regions can be shared for the benefit of the farmers as well as for the crops. Economically, Telengana is a bit under-developed. Industries can be set up, so that more people could get employment in these dry regions. Cottage Industries should be provided to backward class people living in village in Telengana region like Pochampally so that they can earn a better living hood, for their families (prevent farmer's suicides).
UDAYASRI, resident of Hyderabad
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I am not for a separate Telangana state. The reason is India is a vast country with many cultural and lingual differences. When India was divided in to the 26 states and seven union territories, just after independence, it was done to avoid cultural and lingual conflict. We must take into account that this was not done to disintegrate the country.
Here are some of the reasons cited in the past by people who want a separate state.
Lingual difference: We, the people of Andhra Pradesh, are mostly Telugu speaking with very minute difference in the way we speak. Yes, we have different ways of speaking the same language but if we ourselves cannot stand in unity and want disintegration of ourselves then what will be the state of India as a whole.
Economic empowerment: This is not as simple as providing more job opportunities to the people. To provide jobs as such the government needs revenue and the revenue will flow in only if there are resources. With almost no resources, the Telangana region cannot survive independently and due to the same economic empowerment is completely out of question. United we stand, divided we fall.
ABHINAV IRUVANTI, 16, resident of Hyderabad
