Question

List down the major economic factors responsible for regionalism in India

Answer 1

(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 net work 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.

Of course, the British administration may be held responsible for causing such wide regional variations due to their suitability for the purpose of administration, trade and commerce. But in the post-Independence era, efforts should have been made for regional balance in matters of industrial, agricultural and above all, economic development. This disparity has caused the feeling of relative deprivation among the inhabitants of economically neglected regions. It has manifested itself in the demand for separate states such as Bodoland or Jharkhand land, Uttarakhand, etc.

(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.

Answer 2

Regionalism is the method or approach of provincial rather than the central practices of government, economic or cultural association.

In politics, it is a philosophy which concentrates on the standardizing or nationwide significance of a relevant area, a group of supporters or a subnational existence. It strives to increase the event of nations.

In global relations, it is a theory of a general sense of personality and purpose correlated with the formulation and implementation of institutions that earmark an appropriate resolution. It is the method of control of distributing a capital or state into separate administrative spheres.

Factors which are responsible for regionalism in India are;

Language. It is an essential factor in uniting people and sentimental affections are developed, and the need of linguistic states began.

Religion. It is also one of the important determinants of the regionalism. People feel more comfortable in the societies belonging to their own religion and culture.

Economic Backwardness; Backwardness is a lack of development by an individual or group to some recognized social norm of progress which also is the major factor of regionalism.