BPSC Mains PYQs

The Role of the President of India: An Evaluation

The President of India holds a unique role within India’s democratic framework, often likened to the respected elder in a family. Although the President is officially the head of state, many of their powers are exercised only with the advice and approval of the elected government.

1. Constitutional Powers of the President

• Executive Powers: The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces and oversees major appointments, such as the Prime Minister, judges, and governors.
• Legislative Powers: Can summon or dissolve Parliament, and gives final assent to bills, which is essential to enact laws.
• Judicial and Diplomatic Powers: Includes appointing judges and representing India internationally.

2. Role in Practice

• Bound by Advice: The President acts based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister. If the President disagrees, they may ask for reconsideration, but if the Council insists, the President is constitutionally obliged to comply.
• Guardian of the Constitution: While largely a ceremonial role, the President can act as a guardian during constitutional crises or in rare situations where government actions conflict with the constitution.

3. Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Independent Power: Like an elder with wisdom but limited authority, the President cannot override the decisions of the elected government unless constitutional norms are at risk.
• Moral Authority: The President’s influence often stems from moral authority rather than practical power. This position provides guidance but is effective only if the “young members” (government officials) respect this authority.

Example: President’s Role in a Hung Parliament

In case of a hung Parliament, the President may play a decisive role in selecting the Prime Minister, exercising discretion. However, this influence is rare and typically comes into play only when political structures are unstable.

Indian Federal Structure: Central Orientation

India’s federal structure is often described as having a “tilt” towards the central government, meaning that while India is a union of states, the central government holds more power than the states in several key areas.

1. Constitutional Provisions

• Single Constitution: India has one unified Constitution for both the Union and the states, unlike countries with separate state constitutions.
• Division of Powers: The Constitution divides powers into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. However, the Union List, which includes critical areas like defense, foreign affairs, and finance, gives the central government greater authority.

2. Financial Control

• Revenue Distribution: The central government collects most major taxes (like GST and income tax) and then distributes funds to states, creating financial dependence.
• Finance Commission: Every five years, the Finance Commission allocates state funds, but this allocation still depends on central discretion.

3. Emergency Provisions

• President’s Rule: The central government can impose President’s Rule in a state, taking over its administration if there’s a perceived breakdown in constitutional governance.
• Emergency Powers: During national emergencies, the central government can override state autonomy, giving it vast powers over state affairs.

4. Concurrent List Advantage

• In matters under the Concurrent List (like education and criminal law), both states and the center can legislate, but in cases of conflict, central laws prevail, further centralizing authority.

Example: GST Implementation

The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) serves as an example of central dominance. Although states have representation in the GST Council, the center plays a crucial role in decision-making, affecting states’ fiscal independence.

Uneven Development Among Indian States: Socio-Economic and Political Challenges in Bihar

India’s states show significant differences in development, creating various socio-economic and political issues. Bihar, one of the least developed states, provides a case study of how these disparities contribute to social challenges and migration pressures.

1. Socio-Economic Issues

• High Poverty Levels: Bihar has consistently high poverty rates, with limited industrialization and employment opportunities.
• Migration: Due to lack of jobs and lower wages, there’s a large-scale migration of labor from Bihar to more developed states like Maharashtra and Delhi. This creates a “brain drain” and a workforce imbalance.

2. Education and Health Disparities

• Low Literacy Rate: Bihar has a lower literacy rate than the national average, with limited access to quality education, which impacts its workforce’s skill level.
• Healthcare Challenges: Poor health infrastructure and resources lead to substandard healthcare, affecting overall productivity and quality of life.

3. Political and Governance Issues

• Governance Challenges: Weak governance structures and frequent political instability have impacted Bihar’s development, limiting effective implementation of policies.
• Dependency on Central Support: Due to its weak tax base, Bihar relies heavily on central government assistance, which restricts its financial autonomy and development.

Impact on India as a Whole

Uneven development has fostered competitive federalism, with states like Bihar struggling to keep up. This contributes to growing inequality and stresses urban infrastructure in developed states due to migration, affecting social cohesion across India.