New Delhi: What Dalhousie failed to achieve and what the Political Department was not able to do despite the recommendations of the Attlee Committee of the Simon Commission, Sardar Patel achieved during his two-day visit to Cuttack and Nagpur. The rulers of the states of Orissa and Chhattisgarh voluntarily surrendered their population of 80 lakhs and about Rs. 2 crores.
This arrangement materially alters the administrative map of India by doubling the size of Orissa Province and significantly increasing the size of CP and Berar. The princes have surrendered not to the compulsion of the Indian Government, but to the compulsion of circumstances. Their territories and revenues are not large enough for modern administration and the example of Nilgiri was an eye-opener for them. They can delay the “integration and democratization” of states, endangering their governance; But they have chosen the better option offered by the central government.
The people of the states will now get the opportunity to connect with the rest of India and schemes like the Mahanadi Project, which require common administration, will now start, making the entire region prosperous. It is likely that the example of merger set by these rulers will be followed in other parts of the country where similar conditions exist.
Explaining the policy of the Government of India underlying the agreement with the rulers of the States of Orissa and Chhattisgarh, the Deputy Prime Minister in a statement issued today explained that democratization of administration in the States, which had long been the main point of Congress policy, was a Has become. A serious problem has arisen since August 15. In many cases the princes themselves had begun to understand the spirit of the times and were gradually introducing popular reforms. But in the case of small states, which were unable to afford the modern system of government due to inadequate resources and backwardness of their people, both democratization and merger were inevitable.
Apart from the “B” and “C” category states of Orissa, which signed the merger agreement with the Indian Union government on Sunday night, seven of the 11 “A” category rulers today signed the merger agreement with Mr. kind of agreement signed. VP Menon. Secretary to the Indian Ministry of State. Four other states, whose rulers were unable to attend the conference, are expected to sign the agreement soon.
Eleven of the 14 Rulers of Class “A,” “B” and “C” States of Chhattisgarh in the Central Province have also signed the same agreement with the Dominion Government following yesterday’s conference between Sardar Patel and the Rulers of these States. The remaining three rulers are expected to sign the agreement in the next few days.
Patel’s statement
The text of Sardar Patel’s statement is as follows:
“The public has already got through the press and radio a fairly clear and detailed picture of the agreement reached with the rulers of the states of Orissa and Chhattisgarh during his visit to Orissa and CP and Berar.” The problem of integration of those states with their neighboring provinces. I feel. However, to properly appreciate this important event, it is necessary for me to explain the background and underlying policy of that agreement.
“Democratization of administration, which has long been the watchword of Congress policy towards the States, has become a serious problem since August 15. In many cases the Princes themselves have begun to feel the spirit of the times, and “We are gradually starting measures accordingly, in that spirit the progress has been slow in some states, fast in some, but it is certain everywhere.”
“However, it should be clear to everyone that democracy and even democratic institutions can function efficiently only where the entity implementing them can lead a fairly autonomous existence. Where, the smallness of its size, the isolation of its situation, the inseparable connection with a neighboring autonomous region, whether a province or a large state, leave it with the resources to open its economic position in practically all economic matters of everyday life. There is insufficiency of. Because of the prospects, backwardness of its people and inability to handle a self-reliant administration, a state is unable to afford a modern system of government, democratization and unification are both clearly and clearly indicated.
democratization inevitable
“In today’s world where distances are rapidly shrinking and people are gradually being brought in contact with the latest administrative facilities, it is impossible to postpone the introduction of such measures by more than a day, thereby making it easier for people to To make them realize their progress, at least it is progressing on the lines of its neighboring areas.
“Delay inevitably gives rise to discontent, resulting in anarchy; The use of force may stop the popular urge for reform for a time, but it can never succeed in eliminating it completely.
“In fact, in many of the states I had to discuss with during the last two days, large-scale unrest had already gripped the people; In others the thunder of the storm could be heard. Under such circumstances, after careful and concerned consideration, I came to the conclusion that for small states of this type, in the circumstances I have described above, there was no alternative but unification and democratization.
“At the same time I felt that their rulers had acquired, through heredity and history, certain claims upon the people whom they should respect. Their dignity and privileges and their means of living at a reasonable standard should be ensured. I have always believed that the future of kings lies in the service of their people and their country, and not in the continued assertion of their autocracy.”
“In line with those views, I felt that being freed from increasingly difficult and awkward responsibilities, but at the same time having their personal position and that of the ruling family completely secure, they would find opportunities of service which had hitherto been denied them. And many of them are really eager for that and really eager to secure, and they will stop being the target of constant bitter attacks and ill will.
“The agreement we have reached in Cuttack and Nagpur is inspired by these objectives, inspired by these ideas and governed by these principles. I have no doubt that this is in the best interests of the rulers, the people and the country as a whole. I am especially grateful to the Rulers of the States who have admirably appreciated the realities of the situation and shown generous regard for the public good.
“For all of them, undoubtedly, the decisions they have taken have involved a considerable sacrifice of powers and fortunes. He has happily and willingly accepted this sacrifice in the interest of his people and the entire country. I am sure his people will respond favorably to this generous response to the public interest.”
“During my discussions with the rulers I was careful to emphasize that the solutions we suggested to the difficult problems that we and they faced alike were not something they could willingly accept or accept. Had to reject. There were no constraints other than events, circumstances and problems specific to their states.”
“I also told them that in offering this solution we were motivated by nothing but the most friendly disposition towards them, but by the utmost goodness at heart towards the princes and their people.”
“I also said that his voluntary surrender of most of the powers which he had heretofore would enhance his prestige and would not diminish the prestige which he has acquired and would leave a place of permanent affection and respect in the hearts of his people who I am very happy that they all responded to these sentiments and asked the people of these states to play their part and extend unwavering goodwill towards each of them.
people’s responsibilities
“In future if the people of these states have any grievances they can only be against the popular representatives and leaders who will be charged with their interests and welfare and not against the princes. By their act of abdication these princes have purchased forever the right to claim the devotion of their people.
“I am sure that very soon the Provincial Governments, who will be acting for the Dominion Government in the discharge of administrative functions in these States, will devote their thoughts and energies to improving the conditions of the people and to devising ways and means of connecting the representatives State with a fashion of administrative measures.
“They should all realize the stakes involved – about 56,000 square miles of area, a population of about eight million, about Rs. Gross revenue of. 2 crores and immense possibilities for the future.”
“The people of these areas have an unquestionable right to the modern facilities of the Government, which must be a governing consideration in whatever we do for them. It will also be the duty of the people concerned to wholeheartedly help and cooperate with the provincial administrations concerned in this process of unification and reform so that they can take full advantage of this great achievement.
