Why Vidarbha State?Failure of Article 371(2) of the Constitution:Vidarbha State is the Only Alternative

Marathi speaking eight districts of former Madhya Pradesh known as Vidarbha became integral part of Maharashtra State under "one language one state" formula in new linguistic reorganisation of States in November 1956. As the States Reorganisation Commission recommended the creation of Vidarbha State, the demand for Vidarbha State is raised from time to time. The leaders of newly created State of Maharashtra started with great fervour to develop all the regions but in the process Vidarbha lagged behind. This regional imbalance was studied by the Fact Finding Team of the Planning Commission in March-May 2006. The paper reviews the findings of the Report of this team to consider the future course of action. The paper makes a case for developing Vidarbha within Maharashtra and suggests that a time bound Development Plan for Vidarbha in the next three years should remove the feeling of economic injustice done to Vidarbha. Much will depend on changing governance pattern of Maharashtra in favour of Vidarbha Region. In this interim period, the development efforts of Maharashtra will be tested and if economic backlog and imbalance continue then there will be justification for the creation of Vidarbha State.