For better governance, India should be divided into 50 states: Sikkim CM

16 January, 2013

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has advocated the creation of at least 50 separate states in the Indian union for better governance and development. Having been the longest serving CM of a small state since 1994, Chamling told a TV news channel that he supports the idea of small states 'for better governance'.

“WITH MY long experience of having served a small state, I can say that small states are easy to govern and prove beneficial for both the people and the governments. Therefore I believe in small states and at least 50 states should be created in India. Those states will provide better governance is what I believe,” Chamling said in the TV interview.

Chamling’s statement favoring small states comes amidst a long standing movement for carving out of separate state of Gorkhaland in neighbouring Darjeeling along side demands for small states like Bodoland, Telangana, Harit Pradesh and Bundelkhand in other parts of the country. Extending support to small states contrary to the ongoing Darjeeling-Sikkim merger issue is seen as Chamling’s clear indicator of his anti-merger stance.

Experts said Chamling’s comment on the creation of small states has upped the ante at a time when various regional forces are pressing similar demands with the centre. The centre’s experience in carving out small states hasn’t been positive given the political instability and virtual failure of law and order in newer states like Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh and Uttarakhand. Jharkhand has seen at least nine governments during the past 12 years of its formation, they said.

The Chief Minister while recalling Sikkim’s achievement being a small state since its merger in 1975 termed joining the Indian union ‘a positive move as per the wishes of the Sikkimese people’. ‘Sikkim’s contribution to nationalism and integrity will inspire all other states forever. Despite being 28 years younger than other states, Sikkim has made great strides in terms of development, Chamling said.

On centre-state relations, Chamling opined police reforms merely would not suffice in maintaining law and order. Both the centre and state should take responsibility, he suggested. He further stressed on the need of a change in mindset to maintain peace and tranquility.

In an indirect snub to the centre apparently on the delay in release of earthquake relief funds, Chamling said the centre should be prompt enough in providing relief to the states in times of disasters and natural calamities. Both sides should work in tandem during such times. “There is off course delay in the centre’s action,” maintained Chamling.