Prudential reasons for power-sharing
Topic: Power-sharing: Majoritarianism versus Accommodation · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 1 "Power-sharing"
Meaning
Prudential reasons for power-sharing come from weighing gains against losses. Sharing power lowers the chance of conflict between social groups, and so cuts the risk of violence and instability. Forcing the majority's will may look attractive in the short run, but it undermines the country's unity in the long run.
Example
India signed the Punjab Accord (1985), the Assam Accord (1985) and the Mizo Accord (1986). Each one shared power with an unhappy group to end conflict and bring stability. In NCERT's Exercise 5, less corruption and better administration are the prudential reasons.
Don't confuse with
- Moral reasons for power-sharing: these say sharing is right in itself, because people have a right to be consulted. For example, "reduces conflict" is a prudential reason, and "right to be consulted" is a moral one.