Page:White Paper on Indian States (1950).pdf/61

 During the course of discussions it was found that there was a body of local opinion both at Gwalior and Indore opposed to the formation of one Union in which the identity of Gwalior and Indore would be completely merged. It was, therefore, suggested as a possible alternative to a single Union scheme that two Unions might be formed, one around Gwalior and the other around Indore. After giving the proposal due consideration the Government of India felt that from the point of view of geographical integrity as well as administrative efficiency, the balance of advantage was in favour of the immediate formation of one Union rather than two.

129. A Conference of the Rulers of Central India was accordingly held in Delhi on 20th, 21st and 22nd of April, 1948, and as a result of these discussions agreement was arrived at for the formation of one Union to be known as the United State of Gwalior, Indore and Malwa (Madhya Bharat). The following are some of the distinctive features of the Covenant forming this State:

(i) For the purposes of the election of the Rajpramukh every Ruler will have such number of votes, as is equal to the number of lakhs in the population of his State.

(ii) The present Rulers of Gwalior and Indore will be the first Rajpramukh and the senior Up-Rajpramukh respectively during their life time.

(iii) The senior Up-Rajpramukh will also receive an appropriate allowance.

(iv) The privy purse of the Rulers of Gwalior and Indore has been fixed for the life-time of the present Rulers at a figure higher than the maximum fixed in other cases.

(v) In Central India there are a number of States whose population is predominantly Bhil. The Bhils are an extremely backward tribe and it was realised that it would be inexpedient to entrust them to the care of the new Government. It was, therefore, decided to treat those States where more than 50 per cent. population is of Bhils as Scheduled Areas and to confer the authority to make laws for the peace and good government of these areas on the Rajpramukh, subject to any directions or instructions that may from time to time be given by the Government of India.