MAHARASHTRA AS A LINGUISTIC PROVINCE
PART I
THE PROBLEM OF LINGUISTIC PROVINCES
The question of Linguistic Provinces has not only led to a great deal of controversy born out of party prejudices and party interests but it has led to a difference of opinion as to the merits thereof. The points of controversy relate to claims and counter-claims as between contiguous Provinces to territories as well as to the terms of their inclusion. I shall deal with them at a later stage in so far as they relate to the creation of the Maharashtra Province. I shall first take up the question of the merits of the proposal for Linguistic Provinces.
Purposes behind the demand for Linguistic Provinces
- What is the purpose which lies behind the demand for Linguistic Provinces ? The generality of those who advocate the creation of Linguistic Provinces do so because they believe that the Provinces have different languages and cultures. They should therefore have the fullest scope to develop their languages and their cultures. In other words, the Provinces have all the elements of a distinct nationality and they should be allowed the freedom to grow to their fullest in nationhood.
Difficulties arising out of Linguistic Provinces
- In discussing the question of creating such Linguistic Provinces it would be very short-sighted to omit from one’s consideration the fact that the structure of Government of India of the future is to be cast in a dual form : ( a ) a Central Government and ( b ) a number of Provincial Governments inextricably inter-linked and inter-woven in the discharge of their respective Legislative, Executive and Administrative functions. Before one could agree to the creation of Linguistic Provinces, one must, therefore, consider the effects which Linguistic Provinces would have on the working of the Central Government.