Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a prominent social reformer, had distinct views on the States Reorganization Commission (SRC) and the question of smaller states. His perspective on these issues was shaped by concerns over governance, national unity, and the need for equitable representation of marginalized communities.

Ambedkar's Views on Linguistic Reorganization

Dr. Ambedkar was not opposed to the idea of reorganizing states on linguistic lines but had strong reservations about it being the sole criterion for state formation. His concerns included:

  1. Potential Threat to National Unity:
    Ambedkar believed that while linguistic states could promote administrative convenience and cultural harmony, there was a risk of regionalism undermining national unity. He feared that excessive emphasis on language might fragment India along narrow, parochial lines. Hence, he advocated for a balanced approach, where national interest and integration were prioritized over regional linguistic identities.

  2. Economic and Administrative Efficiency:
    Ambedkar argued that merely forming states on linguistic lines without considering economic viability and administrative efficiency would be problematic. He was concerned that some linguistic states might lack sufficient resources and infrastructure, leading to inefficient governance.

Ambedkar's Support for Smaller States

Dr. Ambedkar was a vocal proponent of smaller states and saw them as key to effective governance and inclusive representation. His rationale included:

  1. Better Governance and Administration:
    Ambedkar believed that smaller states would be easier to govern, as they would have better administrative control and could cater to the specific needs of their populations. He was concerned that large states with diverse populations and issues would face governance challenges, including the marginalization of certain groups.

  2. Promotion of Equity and Inclusion:
    Smaller states, according to Ambedkar, would allow for greater political representation of marginalized and minority communities. In large states, he feared that these groups could be sidelined by dominant regional elites. Creating smaller administrative units would ensure that governance could be more localized and responsive to their needs.

  3. Ambedkar’s Vision for Decentralization:
    Ambedkar also believed in decentralization of power. Smaller states, he argued, would foster a more decentralized political system, which was vital for promoting democracy at the grassroots level. This would prevent the over-centralization of power in large states, which could otherwise stifle democratic participation.

Ambedkar’s Proposals for States

In his essay “Thoughts on Linguistic States,” Ambedkar expressed specific views on how states should be reorganized:

  • He proposed the formation of a state of Maharashtra and Gujarat, which eventually happened in 1960.
  • Ambedkar also argued for the creation of Vidarbha, a separate state for the Marathi-speaking population of the eastern regions of Maharashtra, which remains an unresolved demand to this day.

He envisioned that smaller states would bring government closer to the people, reducing the gap between the rulers and the ruled.

Conclusion

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar supported the idea of reorganization based on a combination of linguistic, administrative, and economic factors, but he strongly favored the formation of smaller states to ensure good governance, administrative efficiency, and the political empowerment of marginalized communities. While not opposing the linguistic reorganization of states outright, Ambedkar emphasized that it should not threaten national unity and should be guided by pragmatic considerations of governance and equity.