Question

The US has one-fourth of our population but 50 states. Why can’t India have more than 100 states?

Answer 1

The number of states is not decided by population alone. It depends on history, geography, language, culture, administration, economic viability and national security. India has reorganised its states several times to recognise linguistic and regional aspirations, for example, Andhra, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Telangana and the North-Eastern states. Smaller states may improve administration, but creating too many states can increase costs, disputes over resources and administrative difficulties. Therefore, new states should be created only when they serve genuine regional and democratic needs without weakening national unity.