Southern States Getting the Short Shriff in Devolutions: BRS
The debate on devolutions to states has been a contentious issue in India for a long time. The Centre has been accused of not giving sufficient autonomy to the states, particularly in the southern region. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has recently joined the chorus, calling for an all-party meeting to discuss devolutions to states. According to the party leader, KR Suresh Reddy, southern states are getting far less than what they contribute to the national kitty.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Reddy pointed out that for every rupee that the southern states contribute to the national exchequer, they receive far less than their northern counterparts. This, he said, is a clear indication of the Centre’s bias towards the northern states. Reddy’s remarks have sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the Centre’s intentions and the fairness of the devolution process.
It is a well-known fact that the southern states are among the most revenue-rich regions in the country. They contribute a significant portion of the country’s tax revenue, but the returns are not commensurate. The BRS leader’s statement has highlighted the long-standing issue of regional imbalance in the distribution of resources.
The southern states have been complaining about the Centre’s apathy towards their demands for more autonomy and resources. The states have been seeking more powers to govern themselves, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. However, the Centre has been slow to respond to these demands, leading to growing resentment among the people of the region.
Reddy’s statement has also raised questions about the Centre’s decision-making process. The Centre has been accused of not consulting the states adequately before taking major policy decisions. This has led to a sense of alienation among the states, which feel that their voices are not being heard.
The issue of devolutions is not new to the southern states. In the past, there have been several instances of the Centre reneging on its promises to the states. The most recent example is the scrapping of the Telangana Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2014. The Bill was meant to grant more autonomy to the newly formed state of Telangana, but the Centre’s decision to scrap it has left the people of the region feeling betrayed.
The Centre’s attitude towards the southern states has also been criticized by other parties. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has been vocal in its criticism of the Centre’s policies, accusing it of being biased towards the northern states. The TRS has also been demanding more autonomy for the state, particularly in areas like irrigation and education.
The BRS’s call for an all-party meeting to discuss devolutions to states is a step in the right direction. It is essential that the Centre engages with the states and listens to their concerns. The southern states have a right to demand more autonomy and resources, and the Centre must respond to these demands in a constructive manner.
In conclusion, the BRS’s statement has highlighted the long-standing issue of regional imbalance in the distribution of resources in India. The Centre must take concrete steps to address this issue and ensure that the southern states receive their due share of resources. The people of the southern states deserve better, and it is the Centre’s responsibility to ensure that their demands are met.
