Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. Growing feeling of regionalism can be a real threat to India's unity and integrity.

Regionalism is an ideology and political movement that seeks to advance the causes of regions. It is
driven by the conscientiousness of loyalty to a distinct region with homogenous population in terms
of cultural, social, political, economic aspiration or ethnicity.
It can be at national level ( Dravidian movement, violence against northindians in maharastra, naga
movement, assam movement, demad of separate state for Vidhabha region, khalistan movement)
or international level (Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO), BIMSTEC, RCEP, IORA, Europian
Union).

Trends of regionalism in india

1950s and 1960s - intense (ethnic) mass mobilisation in south india. For separate statehood for the
Telegu-speakers out of the composite Madras Presidency. Potti Sriramulu was the leader he went on
unto death in 1952 for his demand. Result- State Reorganization Act, 1956.
1970s and 1980s - tribal insurgency for separation and statehood in NE India. Result - North-eastern
States Reorganisation Act, 1971 which upgraded the Union Territories of Manipur and Tripura, and
the Sub-State of Meghalaya to full statehood, and Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (then Tribal
Districts) to Union Territories. The latter became states in 1986. Goa (based on Konkani language
(8th Schedule)), which became a state in 1987, was the sole exception.
During 1990s - demand for Chhattisgarh out of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand out of Bihar and
Uttaranchal out of Uttar Pradesh. Regional backward ness was the reason. In 2000 all three states
were carved out of parent state.
Most recent - the division of Andhra Pradesh, giving a separate state of Telangana in 2014.
Causes of regionalism in India are as follows:
(i) Geographical Factor: The territorial orientation based on geographical boundaries relate to the
inhabitants of a particular region which are symbolic, at least in the Indian context. This is more so
because of the linguistic distribution along geographical boundaries. The topographic and climatic
variations along with differences in the settlement pattern induce in people the concept of
regionalism.
(ii) Historical and Cultural Factors: In the Indian scenario the historical or cultural factors may be
considered the prime components of the phenomenon of regionalism. The historical and cultural
components interpret regionalism by way of cultural heritage, folklore, myths, symbolism and
historical traditions. People of a particular cultural group also derive inspirations from the noble
deeds and glorious achievements of the local heroes. Nevertheless there are sudden political and
economic realities which can be covered under the gamut of historical and cultural factors.
(iii) Caste and Region: Caste system and religion in Indian society play only a marginal roll in causing
regionalism. Only when caste is combined with linguistic preponderance or religion it may cause
regional feeling. In the like manner religion is not so significant except when it is combined with
linguistic homogeneity or based on dogmatism and orthodoxy or linked with economic deprivation.
However, regionalism is usually a secular phenomenon in a relative sense and it can cross-cut the
caste affiliation or religious loyalties.
(iv) Economic Factors: In the present times, uneven developments in different parts of the country
may be construed as the prime reason for regionalism and separatism. There are certain regions in
the country where industries and factories have been concentrated, educational and health facilities
are sufficiently provided, communication network has been developed, rapid agricultural
development has been made possible. But there are also certain areas where the worth of
independence is yet to be realized in terms of socio-economic development.
(v) Political-Administrative Factors: Political parties, especially the regional political parties as well as
local leaders exploit the regional sentiments, regional deprivation and convert them to solidify their
factional support bases. They give place to the regional problems in their election manifesto and
promise for political and regional development.
(vi) Scarcity of resources: Due to scarcity of resources which is shared by two or more regions often
the competition is fuelled by regional aspirations. Example Cauvery water dispute
Pros of regionalism
 Preservation of distinct identity of the region. Hence preserves the rich diversity e of India
 Example Naga movement was to preserve the distinct identity of their proposed Nagalim.
 Economic development of backward regions.
 Example demand for vidharba in Maharashtra solely to deal with Economic distance present in
the region
 It boosts Federal character of the nation
 Example rise of regional party and collision government at centre pushes for more state
autonomy
 Example - state reorganisation Act 1956 was proposed at earliest even though the centre had
apprehension about it and prevented our country E from getting divided just after
independence.
Cons of regionalism
 Regionalism puts the regional priority above the national priority. Therefore it may impair the
national development.
 It breeds hatred among the region. Example violence against Bihari workers in North East by
ULFA
 It impacts the integrity of nation . Over motivated regionalism sometime turns into secessionist
movement. example Khalistan movement.
 Violence is a very common character of regionalism. To protect regional identity people may
take violent means. Example Naellie massacre during Assam movement.
 It discourages the cultural exchange and often breeds intolerance towards other region.
 Example branding of Bihari and UP people as Bhaiyas in Maharashtra and generalising Bihari as
uncivilized.
 It discourages migration. Due to hostility towards people from other region workers reference
from moving out and settling there
 It impact ease of doing business. Due to regional aspiration local people pass difficulties for
private investors to hire freely as per their own requirement private companies are often forced
to reserve job and contract only for local people son of the soil
 It also impact International relationship example West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is
obstructing Teesta deal between India and Bangladesh only to quench her regional thirst.
Constitutional provisions regarding regionalism
 Fundamental right to preserve culture under article 29 and 30
Freedom of speech and expression to express regional priorities and criticize government if a
region is being neglected
 Fifth and sixth schedule to preserve tribal identity
 DPSP article 38 to deal with inequality in income status and opportunity among individuals and
regions
 Schedule 7 division of power between centre and state to give more regional autonomy through
state
 Eighth schedule recognised different regional languages in constitution of India
 Article 79 and 80 provision of Rajyasabha as Council of States
 Article 368 amendment procedure for having ratification by half of the States if amendment is
affecting federalism
Other action by the government
Implementation of industrial policy of 1956, constitution of National Integration Council, Niti Aayog,
Assam Accord, Bodo Accord, Naga Accord, enactment of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act, Pradhan Mantri gram Sadak Yojana, mid day meal, nationalisation of
bank, establishment of NABARD, priority sector lending norms, regional councils and Jammu and
Kashmir reorganisation bill are some of the majors which promotes healthy use of regionalism.
Provisions to deal with excessive regionalism
 Preamble - promotion of unity and integrity of nation
 Article 19 (2) under reasonable restriction of fundamental right one of the restriction is to
preserve unity and integrity
 Fundamental duties article 51 A (c) - duty of every citizen to uphold the unity and integrity of
India
 Emergency provisions - Article 356 presidential rule; Article 352 against war, external aggression
and armed rebellion.

Conclusion
Hence regionalism can be regarded as double edged sword. If not what use properly it can
disintegrate the nation and can cause chaotic situation. If used properly it can help bringing down
regional inequalities and can strengthen unity in diversity.