Daily Current Affairs : 14-November-2023

The borderlands between Maharashtra and Telangana are witnessing a peculiar situation, where 14 villages find themselves with the right to vote in both states. This phenomenon stems from a historical boundary dispute, leading to a complex scenario of dual citizenship.

Background:

The 14 villages, nestled in the challenging terrains of Jivti taluk in Chandrapur district (Maharashtra) and Kerameri mandal in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district (Telangana), have a combined population of nearly 5,000. The residents, predominantly Marathi-speaking Scheduled Caste communities, including Lambada tribespeople and Muslims, have been entangled in this unique voting scenario.

Shared Governance:
  • Both gram panchayats, associated with Maharashtra and Telangana, coexist in these villages.
  • Residents actively participate in elections on both sides, reaping benefits from social welfare schemes of both states.
  • Essential facilities such as Anganwadi centers, primary healthcare centers, water tanks, and schools (offering Marathi and Telugu medium) are provided by both Maharashtra and Telangana.
Multiplicity in Services:
  • Each village boasts two MGNREGS job cards in a country where employment opportunities are limited.
  • The governance structure includes two sarpanches for each village, reflecting the complexity of shared administration.
Historical Context:

The roots of this dilemma trace back to the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956. Tensions rose during the 1989 elections when Andhra Pradesh set up polling stations in these villages. The matter intensified in 1999 with the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruling in favor of Telangana. The issue lingered through the bifurcation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh in 2014, with the Supreme Court yet to provide a resolution.

Important Points:
  • Location and Population:
    • 14 villages on Maharashtra-Telangana border (Jivti taluk, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, and Kerameri mandal, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Telangana).
    • Population of nearly 5,000, mainly Marathi-speaking Scheduled Caste communities, including Lambada tribespeople and Muslims.
  • Dual Voting Rights:
    • Residents in these villages have the right to vote in both Maharashtra and Telangana elections.
    • Rooted in an unresolved boundary dispute, leading to a unique situation of dual citizenship.
  • Shared Governance and Services:
    • Both gram panchayats (Parandoli and Anthapur) coexist, with residents participating in elections on both sides.
    • Social welfare benefits from both Maharashtra and Telangana governments.
    • Essential facilities provided by both states, including two Anganwadi centers, two primary healthcare centers, two water tanks, and schools in Marathi and Telugu mediums.
  • Multiplicity in Government Services:
    • Each village has two MGNREGS job cards, addressing employment challenges.
    • Governance structure includes two sarpanches for each village, reflecting the complexity of shared administration.
  • Historical Context:
    • Dispute traces back to the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956.
    • Tensions escalated during the 1989 elections when Andhra Pradesh set up polling stations.
    • Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled in favor of Telangana in 1999.
    • Maharashtra contested the decision in the Supreme Court.
    • Issue persisted through the bifurcation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
  • Awaiting Resolution:
    • Despite historical developments, the matter remains unresolved, with the Supreme Court yet to provide a definitive resolution.
    • Residents continue to navigate the complexities of dual voting rights, highlighting the challenges arising from historical disputes and administrative ambiguities.
Why In News

There are 14 villages on the border of Maharashtra and Telangana that possess the unique privilege of exercising their voting rights in both states. This dual voting eligibility is a result of their geographical location, straddling the boundary between Maharashtra and Telangana. As a consequence, residents of these villages actively participate in the democratic processes of both states, contributing to the intricate dynamics of regional governance.

MCQs about Border Villages Dual Votes

  1. Which communities predominantly inhabit the 14 villages on the border?
    A. Marathi-speaking Scheduled Caste communities
    B. Telugu-speaking tribes
    C. Gujarati-speaking Muslims
    D. Hindi-speaking Brahmins
    Correct Answer: A. Marathi-speaking Scheduled Caste communities
    Explanation: The villages are primarily occupied by Marathi-speaking Scheduled Caste communities, including Lambada tribespeople and Muslims.
  2. What essential facilities are provided by both Maharashtra and Telangana governments in these villages?
    A. Two shopping malls
    B. Two IT centers
    C. Two Anganwadi centers, two primary healthcare centers, two water tanks, and two schools
    D. Two golf courses
    Correct Answer: C. Two Anganwadi centers, two primary healthcare centers, two water tanks, and two schools
    Explanation: The villages receive essential facilities from both Maharashtra and Telangana governments.
  3. What historical event escalated tensions in 1989, leading to the setting up of polling stations in the border villages?
    A. Formation of Telangana
    B. Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh
    C. Linguistic reorganization of states in 1956
    D. Supreme Court ruling in 1999
    Correct Answer: B. Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh
    Explanation: Tensions escalated in 1989 when Andhra Pradesh set up polling stations in these villages, contributing to the historical dispute.

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