Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Former IAS officer Anil Swarup said last week that the proposed delimitation of constituencies could “create very serious problems for the country”, and warned that the growing economic, social, and political divides between North and South India could also threaten national unity.
Swarup was addressing a gathering at the ‘4th Late B G Deshmukh Memorial Lecture 2025’, organised by the Department of Economics and Public Policy at MIT World Peace University (MIT- WPU), Pune, in collaboration with the Public Concern for Governance Trust (Pune Chapter).
The lecture held on August 23 was centred on the theme ‘Redrawing Lines, Shaping Politics: Delimitation and the North-South Sensitivities’. Swarup, a former coal secretary and founder-chairman of non-profit Nexus of Good, framed his talk on two levels of delimitation: political, and what he described as “delimitation of the mind”. He also examined the social and economic implications of the North-South divide, while urging students to transcend conventional frameworks through critical thinking.
Talking about political delimitation, Swarup said, “We are oblivious to the growing divide between North and South India. This divide is not just natural but increasingly economic, social, and political, and it is creating serious challenges for the country. Government of India data shows that southern states are growing at eight to 10 per cent, while in the north, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, growth is only four to six per cent.”
Speaking about how the economic gap was widening, he said, “Social indicators also show stark differences — southern states have lower infant and maternal mortality rates and higher literacy levels. Even politically, the colours in the north and south are different. Yet, through delimitation, greater political authority is being proposed for the north. Should we punish states that controlled population growth and reward those that did not? This process of delimitation could create very serious problems for India. If the country gets divided along communal, caste, or political lines, how will it remain united?”
Moving beyond political delimitation, Swarup also spoke about “delimitation of the mind”. He urged individuals to unlock their true potential by focusing on self-improvement rather than blaming circumstances. Emphasising that ideas gain value only when communicated effectively, he underlined the importance of clarity and acceptance in leadership.
Swarup reminded the audience that while honesty is vital, true leadership comes from combining honesty with efficiency. Advising civil services aspirants, he stressed the need to build analytical, communicative, and confident personalities, alongside knowledge.
