Why was Jharkhand separated from Bihar in 2000 and what impact did it have?

Jharkhand was created as a separate state by carving it out of the southern region of Bihar on November 15, 2000.49 This was done through the Bihar Reorganisation Act, 2000, passed by the Indian Parliament.

The separation was the result of a long-standing movement for statehood, driven by two primary factors: cultural identity and economic exploitation.

Why Jharkhand was Separated:

Distinct Tribal & Cultural Identity: The Chota Nagpur plateau and Santhal Parganas (which form Jharkhand) have a predominantly tribal (Adivasi) population. These communities (like the Munda, Santhal, and Oraon) have unique languages, cultures, and social structures that are distinct from the culture of the Gangetic plains of North Bihar. The Adivasi groups felt their identity was being marginalized and their political needs were ignored by the state government in Patna.

Economic Exploitation and Neglect: This was the most significant driver. The southern Bihar region (now Jharkhand) was, and is, one of the richest mineral belts in India, holding vast reserves of coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, and uranium.

Despite this immense natural wealth, the region remained one of the poorest and most underdeveloped.

The local Adivasi population felt a strong sense of grievance that the revenue from their land was being used to develop the rest of Bihar, while they saw little benefit, suffering from displacement, pollution, and poverty. This was often described as "internal colonialism."

Impact of the Separation:

Impact on Bihar:

• Economic Devastation: The separation was an economic catastrophe for Bihar. It lost over 40% of its land area but, more importantly, it lost ~75% of its revenue base, including all its major mineral deposits and industrial centers (like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad).
• Agricultural Dependency: Bihar was reduced to an almost purely agrarian economy, lacking industry and significant natural resources. This led to increased financial dependency on the central government, high unemployment, and economic stagnation for many years.

Impact on Jharkhand:

• Political Autonomy: The tribal population and local leaders gained political self-determination and control over their own state and its resources.
• Persistent Challenges: Despite statehood, Jharkhand has struggled to realize its potential. It has faced significant challenges with political instability, corruption, and the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency. The goal of ensuring that the mineral wealth benefits the local tribal population remains a major work in progress.