4.2.3. Alternatives to Creation of New States

A third question for a new SRC is that if the ground for creation of new states is administrative efficiency then are there any other alternatives to creating new states that could address some of the concerns. In some cases, a better distribution of Central resources or a better devolution of power to Panchayati Raj Institutions at state level may give desired result rather than creating a new state. Here, it might be noted that states have extremely mixed records in the extent to which they have empowered sub-state institutions such as municipal corporations, autonomous regional councils or Panchayati raj institutions.

Other important issues include the administration of big cities and their relationship to state governments, which continue to address large rural electorates too. These questions also affect other metros, and we are likely to observe more demands in coming years for new administrative set-ups in big cities such as Mumbai or Bangalore in order to increase their autonomy from state governments. A future SRC could usefully consider the place of cities and mega-cities within new state set-ups.