The edit “The perils of smaller states” (November 22) puts forth a thoughtful argument against small states — the possibility of preponderance of dynastic rule. Indeed India is too big a country to be divided into small principalities to ensure effective governance. Small states miss on the big picture and narrow down a national perspective. They may accelerate the growth of more regional parties making a cohesive government more difficult. Such parties focus all their energies on local issues — in fact in bigger states like Tamil Nadu elections are won on sectoral gains. Size should not be the lone factor in carving out smaller states. The speed and accessibility for public grievance redressal, availability of natural and other resources to ensure fiscal sustainability, quality of the political class, impact on national integration and high administrative costs, among other factors should also matter.
Y G Chouksey, Pune
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