Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17 Regional Aspirations Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation.
Regional Aspirations NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17
Regional Aspirations Questions and Answers Class 12 Political Science Chapter 17
Question 1.
Match the following : (Imp.)
A – B
Nature of Regional aspirations States
(a) Socio-religious identity – (i) Nagaland/Mizoram, leading to statehood.
(b) Linguistic identity and Chhattisgarh. – (ii) Jharkhand/tensions with centre.
(c) Regional imbalance – (iii) Punjab, leading to demand for statehood.
(d) Secessionist demands – (iv) Tamil Nadu,on account of tribal identity.
Answer:
(a) – (iii), (b) – (iv), (c) – (ii), (d) – (i).
Question 2.
Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different ways. These include movements against outsiders, movement for greater autonomy and movement for separate national existence. On the map of the North-East, using different shades for these three, show the states where these expressions are prominently found.
Answer:
- Assam — Movement against outsider.
- Meghalaya — Movement for greater autonomy.
- Mizoram — Movement for Separate State.
.
Question 3.
What were the main provisions of the Punjab Accord ? In what way can they be the basis for further tensions between the Punjab and its neighbouring states ? (Imp.)
Answer:
Akali Dal is a regional party and holds a prominent place in Punjab politics. It is the only organisation representing the Sikhs. Punjab was reorganised on the basis of language on 1st November, 1966 and so the aim of Akali Dal to have Punjabi Suba was achieved. But Akali Dal was not happy as some Punjabi speaking areas were included in Haryana and Chandigarh was declared a Union territory. Sant Fateh Singh again started agitation to include Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas in Punjab. During 1970 a section of Akalis began to demand political autonomy for the region. In June 1984,
Mrs. Indira Gandhi carried out ‘Operation Blue Star’ code name for army action in the Golden Temple. Mrs. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984 outside her residence by her sikh bodyguards. In Delhi and in many other parts of northern India violence took place against the sikh community. More than two thousand sikhs were killed in Delhi only.
After the death of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India. In July 1985 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi reached an agreement with Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, then the president of Akali Dal. This agreement is known as the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord or the Punjab Accord. The aim of the Punjab Accord to bring normalcy in Punjab. Main provisions of Punjab Accord were as follow :
- Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
- To resolve border dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a commission would be established.
- A tribunal would be set up to decide the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Armed Forces special powers action Punjab would be withdrawn.
- Those who are affected by militancy in Punjab would be given better treatment.
Question 4.
Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial ?
Answer:
During the 1970s a section of Akalis began to demand political autonomy for Punjab. In 1973 Akalis passed a resolution at their conference at Anandpur Sahib, in which demand for political autonomy was made. Anandpur Sahib resolution, as such constitutes a statement of the main principles, policies and programme of the Akali Dal. Anandpur Sahib resolution became controversial because resolution was passed in Gurmukhi Script.
Resolution was not very clear because some words can be interpreted in more than one ways. This confusion was made worst by different interpretations given by the leaders of various political shades and at times by the leaders of the Akali Dal itself. For moderates this resolution means merely more autonomy for Punjab whereas for some leaders it was a way of securing sovereignty for Punjab. Anandpur Sahib resolution spoke of the aspiration of the Sikh Qaum and declared its goal as attaining the bolbala i.e. dominance of the Sikh. However, this resolution has a very limited appeal among the Sikh masses.
Question 5.
Explain the internal divisions of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and describe how these lead to Multiple regional aspirations in that state.
Or
What is the Social and Political Composition of Jammu and Kashmir? Describe the roots of ‘Kashmir issue’ which compelled the Indian Government to maintain autonomy in this state. (Imp.) (C.B.S.E. 2016)
Answer:
Kashmir issue is a major issue of tension between India and Pakistan. The accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was brought into being on 26th Oct. 1949, Article 370 was included in the Indian Constitution in order to satisfy the political aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has its own constitution, separate flag and separate law of citizenship. Article 370 is very important for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir comprises three social and political region i.e. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Kashmir Valley is the heart of Kashmir region and this region is dominated by Muslim Kashmiri.
Hindu Kashmiris are in a minority in Kashmir region. Jammu region is dominated by Hindu and Muslims are in a minority. Various languages are spoken in Jammu region. The Ladakh region is mountainous and population of this region is very small. The population of this region is almost equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims.
Separatist politics which surfaced in Kashmir from 1989 has taken different form and is made of various strands. Firstly, there are some separatists who want Kashmir as an Independent state. Secondly, there are some separatist groups who want merger of Kashmir with Pakistan. Thirdly, there are many groups who want greater political autonomy for the people of Kashmir within the Indians Union.
The idea of political autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir has greatly affected the people of Jammu and Ladakh. The people of Jammu and Ladakh often made complaints of their backwardness and neglect. Therefore, they demand autonomy for Jammu and Ladakh region within the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The demand for intro-state autonomy is as strong as the demand for state autonomy. On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from Indian constitution Ladakh separate from J&K. Both J&K and Ladakh become Union territory. Therefor now in India there is 28 states and 9 union territories.
Question 6.
What are the various positions on the issue of regional Autonomy for Kashmir ? Which of these do you think are Justifiable ? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
The State of Jammu and Kashmir comprises three distinct geographical units i.e. Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October, 1947 and thus Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India. The Maharaja offered to accede on three subjects.
The ‘Kashmir issue’ is merely a dispute between India and Pakistan. This issue has external and internal dimensions. It involves the issue of Kashmiri identity known as Kashmiriyat and the aspiration of the people of J & K for political autonomy. Kashmir’s representative made it clear in the Constituent Assembly that Kashmir’s associations with India would be based only on the terms of the instrument of accession.
Article 370 is included in the Indian Constitution in order to satisfy the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Sardar Patel declared in the Indian Constituent Assembly, “In view of the special problem with which the Jammu and Kashmir government is faced we have made special provisions for the continuancy of the state with the Union on existing basis.
“The state of Jammu and Kashmir has its own Constitution, separate flag and separate law of citizenship.” Moreover, the Control of the Union Government over the state of Jammu and Kashmir is not as effective at it is in other states. Changes in Article 370 can be made by the Parliament but with the consent of the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Two opposite Views —This special status to Jammu and Kashmir has provoked two opposite reactions. One view is that Article 370 should be scrapped and should be removed from the Constitution whereas certain people favour retaining Article 370 in the Indian Constitution. Another view is that the ‘Autonomy’ conferred by Article 370 is not enough.
Mostly Kashmiris are demanding ‘Restoration of Autonomy’ or ‘Greater State Autonomy’.Which of the View is Justifiable ? In our opinion special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 should be maintained due to following reasons :
1. Scrapping of Article-370 would be a breach of faith not only with the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir ; particularly leaders of National Conference, but also with the Constituent Assembly of the state and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Article-370 can be scrapped only by the method of amendment in the Indian Constitution which is not so easy because National Parties like Indian National Congress, CPI and CPM favour the retention of Article-370. Thus, the scrapping of Article-370 is unrealistic.
3. The best way to delete Article 370 is to persuade and convince the people of Jammu and Kashmir. So that the demand for scrapping Article 370 comes from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Article-370 had made it easy to deal with Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, the problem of contents of accession, Sheikh Abdullah Leader of National Conference and with the problem of demand for plebicite.
5. With the passage of time many parts of the Indian Constitution particularly part-I, II, III and the Preamble are applicable to Jammu and Kashmir with certain modification.
6. Under-IV Amendment Act 1963 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir the judges of the High court can be transferred from one state to the other state.
7. The Supreme Court of India is supreme and final court for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Supreme Court exercises the same jurisdiction in Jammu and Kashmir as in other states.
8. By Sixth Amendment Act 1965 Sadar-i-Riyasat came to be known as Governor where as Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir was disignated as Chief Minister.
9. Article-356 and 357 of the Indian Constitution have been extended to Jammu and Kashmir.
10. The financial relations between the Union and Jammu and Kashmir are the same as those between the union and other states.
11. Moreover, the state of Jammu and kashmir has a separate constitution and separate flag.On the basis of the above discussion regarding article-370 it is clear that the Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India but it enjoys special status and a unique position in the Indian Constitution. Under the present circumstances it is not easy to scrap or to delete Article-370.
It is only possible when political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir demand the scrapping of Article-370. On 5-6 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated from Indian constitution. Ladakh separate from J&K. Both J&K and Ladakh becomeUnion territory. Therefor now in India there is 28 states and 9 union territories.
Question 7.
The Assam Movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Explain. (Imp.)
Or
Assam Movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. Justify the Statement.
Answer:
It is a hard fact that Assam Movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic backwardness. This can be justify on the basis of following facts :
1. The large scale migration into the North-East gave rise to a unique problem i.e. the local people pitted against outsiders or migrants. In many states of North-East local people started political and social movements against the outsiders because outsiders not only affect their culture but also exploit the natural resources for their benefits.
2. The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such movements against ‘outsider’. The foreigners against whom this agitation was directed were mostly migrant workers who had come in search of jobs from Bangladesh. The main contention of the agitators was that unless the foreigners were checked the state would be swamped by immigrants and the cultural identity of the state would be lost.
3. The Assamese felt that unless these foreign nationals are detected and deported they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into minority. Besides this, there were economic problems also due to foreigners. In Assam there was unemployment and poverty and Assamese considers foreigners responsible for economic problems.
4. In 1979 the All Assam Students Union (AASU), not affiliated to any party, led anti-foreigner movement. Students agitators insisted that the poll should be held only after the foreigners names are removed from the electoral rolls. They even prevented the candidates from filling their nominations.
5. The agitators demanded that all outsiders who had entered the state after 1951 should be sent back. The movement tried to blockade the movement of trains and supply of oil from Assam to refineries in Bihar.
6. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made serious efforts to solve the problems of foreigners. Negotiations took place in March, 1985. In these talks AASU (All Assam Students Union) adopted a realist approach and ultimately an agreement was signed on 15 August, 1985, by the Assam agitation leaders and Union Home Affairs Secretary.
Under this agreement the base date for detention and deletion of foreigners was fixed as 1 January, 1966. All the persons who came to Assam after 1 January, 1966 and before 24 March, 1971 were to be detected in accordance with the Foreigners Act, 1946.
The names of all such persons were to be deleted from the voters lists for ten years and thereafter these names were to be restored in the voters lists. All foreigners who came to Assam on or after 25 March, 1971 were to be detected and expelled. The agreement envisaged constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguard for the protection of the social, cultural and linguistic heritage of Assam.
The Government agreed tio take proper steps for the economic development of Assam. Assam Assembly elections were held in December 1986. Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), a party formed by the leader of AASU and Assam Gana Sangram Parishad, emerged victorious and formed government under Profulla Kumara Mahanta.
Question 8.
All regional movements needs not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving examples from this chapter.
Answer:
There is a great reality that all regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. The inhabitants of Mizo Hills in Assam demanded secession from the Indian Union and established Mizo National Front to get their demand conceded. The Mizos organised armed agitation and commenced guerilla warfare. The MNF was banned during Chinese aggression.
The government, keeping their aspirations in view decided to make Mizo hills area a Union Territory, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on 21st January, 1972. It was named Mizoram. However, Mizos headed by Laldenge were not satisfied with this arrangement. Ultimately in 1986, a peace agreement was signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenge. Under this agreement Mizoram was elevated from the status of a Union territory to be the 23rd state of India. Laldenge was made the Chief Minister of Mizoram.
Question 9.
Regional demands from different parts of India examplify the principle of unity with diversity. Do you agree ? Give reasons.
Answer:
We fully agree with the view expressed in this statement that regional demands from different parts of India examplify the principle of Unity with diversity. Following agruments support this view :
1. Regional Aspirations are part of Democratic System. India is a largest democratic country in the world. To make democratic system successful
it is essential that India should deal with regional aspirations on a regular basis because expression of regional aspirations is not a abnormal phenomenon. Even in small countries peoples are having regional aspirations.
2. Best Way. Democratic negotiations is the best way to respond to regional aspirations. Suppression of regional aspirations is not in the interest of Nation Unity. For example, Mizoram problem was solved by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi through negotiations.
3. Power Sharing. Regional aspiration can be fulfilled by sharing power. Every region should have an important role in deciding the destiny of the nation and to achieve this objective it is essential that regional parties or groups or leaders should share powers at the state level and even at the Centre.
4. Regional Imbalance in Economic Development. Regional inbalance in economic development contributes to the feelings of regional discrimination. In India regional imbalance has encouraged regional movements. For example, Assam movement on the issue of foreign nationals is the result of regional imbalance.
If some states economically developed rapidly and some states remain backward and poor, it leads to regional imbalance and inter-regional migration. People of backward states have lost faiths in democracy and they follow the path of agitations, protests, movements etc.
5. Wisdom and Farsightedness of the Makers of Constitution. Framers of Indian Constitution were not only wise but farsighted also in dealing with problem of diversity. Federal system is adopted with flexibility. Moreover, special provisions are mentioned in the Constitution to satisfy the regional aspiration.
For example, the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution allows different tribes, complete autonomy of preserving their culture and customary laws. These provisions have proved very useful in resolving political problems of North-East. Special status is given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. We can conclude very safely that regional demands from different parts of India examplify the principle of unity with diversity.
Question 10.
Read the passage and answer the questions below : (Imp.)
One of the Hazarika’s songs ………………. dwells on the Unity theme, the seven states of north-eastern India become seven sisters born of the same mother ………… Meghalaya went own way ……………….. Arunachal too separated and Mizoram appeared in Assam’s gateway as a groom to marry another daughter ………………. .The song ends with a determination to keep the unity of the Assamese with other smaller nationalities that are left in the present day Assam ………………………….. . The Karbis and the Mising brothers and sisters are our dear ones ……………… SANJIB BARUAH.
(a) Which Unity is the poet talking about ?
(b) Why were the States of North-East created separately out of the erstwhile state of Assam.
(c) Do you think that the same Theme of Unity could apply to all the regions of India ? Why ?
Answer:
(a) The poet is talking of Unity of North-East. This region now consists of seven states also referred to as ‘seven sisters’.
(b) The states of North-East created separately out of the earstwhile state of Assam due to following factors.
- To maintain the cultural indentity of the people of particular area. Demands for political autonomy arose when the non-Assamese felt that the Assam government was imposing Assamese language on them.
- These states were created for their economic development.
(c) In our opinion for the growth of nation it is essential that the same theme of Unity should also apply to all the regions of India.