Haryana: A State in Search of its Identity
POLITICS
For over five decades, the Indian state of Haryana has been grappling with an identity crisis, stemming from its shared capital and High Court with neighbouring Punjab. This arrangement, a relic of the state's partition from Punjab in 1966, has been a source of resentment and frustration among Haryana's residents, who yearn for a capital and judicial system that truly represents their unique heritage and aspirations. The 'Haryana Banao Abhiyaan', a movement spearheaded by lawyers and retired civil servants, has emerged as a powerful voice for this cause, highlighting the urgent need for Haryana to assert its distinct identity and address the long-standing grievances of its citizens.
The Demand
The movement's central demand – a separate capital for Haryana – stems from the belief that Chandigarh, currently the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana, has not fully served the interests of the state. A capital city goes beyond just housing the government. It acts as a symbol of a state's cultural spirit, economic strength, and the ambitions of its citizens. This cultural identity, built on shared history, values, and traditions, unites the people and fuels their drive for success.
Despite contributing significantly to the development of Chandigarh, Haryana's identity and cultural heritage have been overshadowed, its economic opportunities have been limited, and its administrative efficiency has been compromised. For instance, the railway station in Panchkula, built within Haryana's borders, is erroneously referred to as the Chandigarh Railway Station on world maps. Similarly, Haryana's contributions to the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali are overshadowed by its association with Punjab.
The movement also draws parallels with other states like Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, which, upon separation from their respective parent states, established their capitals and High Courts, thereby fostering a sense of autonomy and cultural pride. Besides a separate capital, the movement also advocates for a separate High Court for Haryana, emphasizing the need for timely and accessible justice for its residents. With a staggering 4.5 lakh cases pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, of which an estimated 60% are from Haryana, the state's legal system is overburdened and its citizens face delays in seeking redressal. People living in far-off areas of Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Rewari, etc. have to come to Chandigarh to get their matters resolved in the High Court.
Why Haryana needs a new capital?
There are compelling reasons as to why Haryana should have its separate capital. The State is facing so many challenges that a new capital city could help address. Some of those primary challenges are:
Youth Unemployment: The state's high unemployment rate, particularly among educated youth, leads to frustration and migration. A new capital could attract massive investments, creating millions of jobs in futuristic infrastructure and knowledge-based industries.
Shifting Economy: While agriculture remains important, incomes are falling due to shrinking land holdings. A knowledge hub in the new capital could diversify the economy, transforming it from "grain" to "brain" focused.
Cultural Identity: Lacking control over its current capital hinders Haryana's ability to preserve its cultural heritage and promote its historical figures. A new capital would act as a symbol of Haryana's cultural resurgence and serve as a platform to showcase its unique identity.
By fostering economic opportunities, promoting knowledge-based development, and preserving its cultural heritage, a new capital city could genuinely act as a catalyst for Haryana's progress. There is no doubt that Haryana remains incomplete in its statehood and that to truly flourish, it needs a new, modern capital city. This will not only safeguard its unique cultural identity, which risks being overshadowed by Punjab and the nearby National Capital Region but will also unlock its full economic potential. This proposition indeed raises a plethora of questions though.
What about Chandigarh?
While Chandigarh may be an apt choice for politicians, it’s certainly a hassle for an average citizen who will have to undergo long and expensive journeys even for small administrative or judicial tasks. This has been causing severe inconvenience to the citizens of Haryana for a long time.
Before delving deeper into the issue, it is important to take a small detour and revisit the history of Chandigarh which has been a major bone of contention between Punjab and Haryana for a long time. In the wake of partition, Chandigarh rose from the ground in the 1950s to serve as Punjab's new capital, replacing Lahore which had become part of Pakistan. By 1966, the landscape changed again with the creation of Haryana from Punjab. However, both the new states laid claim on Chandigarh, sparking a dispute. The city's fate hinged on arguments about historical ties and the language spoken by the majority according to the 1961 census.
Unable to reach an agreement, Chandigarh became a Union Territory, a unique administrative division under the Central Government’s control, shared by both Punjab and Haryana and properties were divided between the two states in a ratio of 60:40. The Central government had promised Haryana a new capital and the eventual return of Chandigarh to Punjab. This was meant to be a temporary solution, but resolving the issue proved trickier than anticipated. Proposals like dividing the city or offering Haryana alternative territories were explored. An accord in 1985, namely the Rajiv–Longowal Accord, promised Chandigarh to Punjab, but it ultimately fell through. To date, several attempts have been made but the status of Chandigarh remains unresolved, something which also stands as a reminder of the complexities that arose from partition.
The dispute about Chandigarh boils down to three key issues. First, there's a deep emotional connection to the land. Punjab considers Chandigarh its cultural hub and a vital part of its economy. They also point to historical claims and past promises from the central government that Chandigarh would eventually be theirs. Haryana, on the other hand, sees it as part of its territory and has developed major financial centres nearby. Both states view Chandigarh as a point of pride and a symbol of their rights.
Second, resources play a big role. Both Punjab and Haryana want a bigger piece of the pie when it comes to managing Chandigarh and its resources. Punjab feels they're losing control, while Haryana wants more influence and even a separate high court. This competition for resources adds fuel to the fire.
Third, there are strong reasons suggesting that politics is also at play. Recent changes in how Chandigarh is run and potential benefits for government employees working there might be timed for upcoming elections. Each party is trying to win favour with voters by taking a strong stance on the issue. So, the dispute over Chandigarh is a complex mix of emotions, economics, and political manoeuvring. It's a long-standing issue with no easy solution.
Way Forward
The 'Haryana Banao Abhiyaan' is not merely a demand for administrative convenience; rather it is a call for recognition of Haryana's unique cultural identity and its aspirations for self-governance. The movement's significance lies in its ability to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the government to address the state's long-standing concerns. In a democratic society like India, pressure groups and movements play a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the government remains accountable to its citizens. The 'Haryana Banao Abhiyaan' stands as an exemplar of this democratic spirit, demonstrating the power of collective action to bring about positive change. The movement's success hinges on its ability to galvanize public support and maintain momentum. By engaging with the community, organizing protests and demonstrations, and utilizing social media platforms, the campaign can continue to raise awareness and put pressure on the government to act.
The state deserves a capital city that truly reflects its unique identity and fuels its future growth. Here's a look at three promising options:
Rohtak: Situated strategically in Haryana's heart, Rohtak boasts excellent connectivity. National highways and upcoming expressways link it to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. Rohtak's historical significance and educational institutions like IIT Rohtak and IIM Rohtak can contribute to a vibrant capital with a strong cultural and intellectual foundation. Additionally, the availability of land allows for planned development, creating a modern capital with efficient infrastructure.
Panchkula: Sharing its border with Chandigarh, Panchkula offers a significant advantage- existing infrastructure. Government buildings already present in Panchkula could be readily utilized, minimizing initial capital investment. This proximity also simplifies the transition for state employees currently residing in Chandigarh. Furthermore, Panchkula's scenic beauty and proximity to the Shivalik hills offer a chance to create a capital that balances urban development with natural charm.
Gurugram: Haryana's economic powerhouse, Gurugram, possesses undeniable advantages. Its established corporate presence and strong connection to the Delhi NCR region can propel Haryana's economic development further. Gurugram's international airport and existing business ecosystem make it an attractive destination for global investment. However, infrastructure development in Gurugram might be challenging due to its already dense population.
Each city offers a unique set of advantages. Rohtak provides a central location and room for growth, Panchkula offers a smooth transition and existing infrastructure, and Gurugram boasts economic clout and global connections. The choice ultimately depends on Haryana's specific priorities for its future capital. However, thanks to movements like ‘Haryana Banao Abhiyaan’, there’s begun a healthy discourse which is directed towards the betterment of the state and its citizens. The 'Haryana Banao Abhiyaan' represents a pivotal moment in Haryana's journey towards self-determination. Its success would not only fulfil the aspirations of the state's citizens but also serve as an inspiration for other regions seeking greater autonomy within the Indian Federation.