Why Mahe is Part of Puducherry and Not Kerala

Mahe, also known as Mayyazhi, is a small town and administrative enclave located on the west coast of India. Despite being surrounded by the state of Kerala, it is administratively part of the Union Territory of Puducherry. This unique situation can be traced back to historical events during the colonial period, particularly the French rule that shaped the region's landscape.

Historical Context of the French Rule

Both Mahe and Puducherry were under the rule of the French until 1954, making them the only French enclaves on the west coast of India. The decision to merge Mahe with Puducherry was taken as the French finally left India. In 1954, the Union Government of India decided to grant Puducherry the status of a Union Territory, thus including Mahe within its administrative boundaries.

Unique Privileges of Mahe

Mahe enjoys several unique privileges that set it apart from other regions. For instance, there is no state taxation in Mahe, resulting in significantly lower prices for essential goods such as petrol. The price of petrol is about 20% below the Kerala standard, making it an attractive destination for locals and tourists alike.

Another significant advantage is in the realm of alcohol pricing. Due to the lack of state taxes, alcohol in Mahe is much cheaper, leading to a steady stream of thousands of people from Kerala who often flock to Mahe's streets to take advantage of these discounts. This cheapness extends to other necessities like water, electricity, cooking gas, and even education. Free education up to the higher secondary level, including free books, laptops, and other educational aids, makes it an ideal location for students.

Additionally, Mahe offers a far less expensive registration fee for vehicles compared to Kerala, incentivizing a range of people, including celebrities and film stars, to register their vehicles there. Land taxes are also significantly lower, with practically no taxes for female residents, providing an extra push for the availability of property.

Advantages and Disadvantages

While the unique privileges are a significant allure, there are also some less favorable aspects. For one, the absence of local self-governance means that Mahe has not held local elections to the Mahe Municipality for decades. This has led to a situation where bureaucratic rule is the norm, and corruption is rampant. However, with the introduction of Aadhar as the primary record of domicile, many of the previous loopholes have been closed.

It's important to note that the residents of Mahe are deeply rooted in their unique identity and cultural heritage, despite their language, Malayalam, being similar to that spoken in Kerala. Their preference to remain part of Puducherry is driven not only by the advantages they enjoy but also by a sense of community and cultural continuity. Unlike many other regions, Mahe did not support the idea of linguistic states.

Conclusion

The historical and administrative connection of Mahe with Puducherry has created a unique situation in India. The benefits that Mahe residents enjoy, particularly in terms of lower taxes and pricing on essential goods, have cemented their desire to remain as part of Puducherry, albeit with the challenges of bureaucratic governance. Understanding the historical context and the unique privileges that Mahe enjoys can provide a clear picture of why it remains a distinct entity within the Union Territory of Puducherry.