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Federal Structure

India’s federal structure is a key feature of its constitutional framework, dividing powers between the Union government and state governments. The states have their own elected legislative assemblies, executive branches, and judicial systems, granting them significant autonomy in policy decisions.

This balanced federalism, with a system of checks and balances, ensures effective governance and accommodates the diverse needs of India’s vast and heterogeneous population.

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Home/Indian Polity/Federal Structure/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

devyani gusain
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devyani gusainBegginer
Asked: July 21, 2024In: , , , ,
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Cooperative Federalism entails dispute redressal. Discuss the role of Interstate Council in resolution of states related disputes and the challenges associated. (Address how ISC facilitates dispute resolution under first heading, challenges in second heading)

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  1. Shivanjali S
    Shivanjali S Begginer

    Role of Interstate Council in Dispute Resolution The Interstate Council plays a crucial role in fostering cooperative federalism by facilitating the resolution of disputes between states. It serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, allowing states to discuss and negotiate their differencRead more

    Role of Interstate Council in Dispute Resolution

    The Interstate Council plays a crucial role in fostering cooperative federalism by facilitating the resolution of disputes between states. It serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, allowing states to discuss and negotiate their differences amicably. The ISC conducts meetings where representatives from various states come together to address common concerns and conflicts. By providing a structured forum, the ISC encourages states to seek mutual agreements and solutions, reducing the need for prolonged legal battles. The ISC also assists in harmonizing policies across states, promoting uniformity and cooperation.

    Challenges in Dispute Resolution

    Despite its pivotal role, the ISC faces several challenges in effectively resolving state-related disputes. One challenge is the lack of mandatory enforcement power; the ISC can only recommend solutions, which states may choose to ignore. Political differences and regional interests hinder consensus-building, making it difficult to achieve lasting resolutions. The ISC’s infrequent meetings and limited resources impedes its ability to address disputes promptly and comprehensively. Ensuring equal representation and addressing power imbalances between states further complicates the ISC’s efforts to mediate conflicts effectively. Strengthening the ISC’s authority and enhancing its operational capabilities are essential to overcoming these challenges.

     

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Ekta Gupta
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Ekta GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 19, 2024In: ,
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To what extent can it be argued that regional parties have strengthened the Indian federal system?Substantiate with suitable examples.

  1. Anishka Ray
    Anishka Ray Begginer

    Regional parties have significantly strengthened India's federal system by promoting decentralization, representing regional interests, and fostering political diversity. Promoting Decentralization: Parties like the All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil NRead more

    Regional parties have significantly strengthened India’s federal system by promoting decentralization, representing regional interests, and fostering political diversity.

    Promoting Decentralization: Parties like the All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu empower state governments to assert autonomy and demand greater fiscal and administrative powers.

    Representing Regional Interests: The Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh advocates for state-specific needs, ensuring national policies consider regional priorities.

    Fostering Political Diversity: Strong regional parties have necessitated coalition governments at the center, like the United Progressive Alliance and National Democratic Alliance, leading to more inclusive governance.

    Strengthening Federalism: The Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab opposes central overreach, contributing to a balanced power dynamic between the center and states.

    Enhancing Cultural Representation: Shiv Sena in Maharashtra promotes Marathi culture and language, reinforcing the federal principle of unity in diversity.

    Policy Innovations: The Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi introduces innovative governance models, fostering competitive federalism where states learn from each other’s successes.

    Grassroots Democracy: Movements led by regional parties, such as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, empower local populations and bring governance closer to the grassroots level.

    In summary, regional parties ensure that India’s federal structure remains dynamic and responsive to diverse needs.

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Rimshi Shaw
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Rimshi ShawBegginer
Asked: July 19, 2024In: , ,
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  1. Meerab Mehata
    Meerab Mehata Begginer

    The Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification given by the central government of India to assist states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. States with SCS receive preferential treatment in the form of central assistance for development programs, tax concessions, and othRead more

    The Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification given by the central government of India to assist states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. States with SCS receive preferential treatment in the form of central assistance for development programs, tax concessions, and other financial benefits.

    The increasing demand for SCS by various states can be attributed to several factors:

    1. Fiscal Imbalance: Many states, particularly in the North-Eastern and hilly regions, face severe fiscal constraints due to their geographical disadvantages, limited resources, and higher costs of infrastructure development. They believe that SCS can help address this fiscal imbalance and accelerate their development.
    2. Political Factors: The demand for SCS often has political undertones, with regional parties and state governments using it as a bargaining chip to exert pressure on the central government and gain more autonomy and resources.
    3. Perceived Inequality: States that do not have SCS often feel that they are being treated unfairly and are not receiving their fair share of resources and attention from the central government.

    The increasing demand for SCS can lead to center-state strife in the following ways:

    1. Conflicts over Resource Allocation: The central government has limited resources, and the allocation of these resources among states with and without SCS can become a point of contention, leading to political tensions and conflicts.
    2. Weakening of National Unity: The differential treatment of states based on SCS can be perceived as a violation of the principle of cooperative federalism and may contribute to a sense of regional disparities, potentially undermining national unity.
    3. Negotiation Challenges: The central government may be reluctant to grant SCS to more states due to the fiscal implications, leading to prolonged negotiations and disputes between the center and the states.
    4. Legal Challenges: Some states may even approach the courts to seek legal redress for their demands, further complicating the center-state relationship.

    To address these challenges, the central government and the states need to engage in constructive dialogue, focusing on developing a more equitable and transparent system of resource allocation. This may involve revisiting the criteria for granting SCS, exploring alternative mechanisms for supporting development in disadvantaged regions, and strengthening the overall framework of cooperative federalism.

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Pragati Jagarwal
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Pragati JagarwalBegginer
Asked: July 18, 2024In:
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How does federalism work in countries like the United States or India?

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  1. PRIYANSHU KUMAR
    PRIYANSHU KUMAR Begginer

    The USA and India are federalist states which mean powers are shared between the central (or federal) government and regional (state) governments. This arrangement allows for a balance of power in that each level of government can work independently in some areas while taking up shared responsibilitRead more

    The USA and India are federalist states which mean powers are shared between the central (or federal) government and regional (state) governments. This arrangement allows for a balance of power in that each level of government can work independently in some areas while taking up shared responsibility on others.

    In America, the Constitution gives specific powers to the national government (e.g. defence, foreign policy, commerce between states) and reserves all other powers to the states. In terms of education, transportation and public safety, these matters are dealt with by individual states who have their own constitutions, legislatures and courts. The Tenth Amendment confirms such separation by saying that all powers not granted to Congress or denied to it by the Constitution belong either to the States or to the people.

    India’s federal system established under its constitution is more centralized but still divides powers among central and state governments. There are three lists provided for in the Constitution: Union List, State List and Concurrent List. Even if there is much control exerted by the national authorities over local governance especially on issues concerning national interests; state governments still handle police forces as well as agriculture and public health issues.

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Thrisha Pradeep
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Thrisha PradeepBegginer
Asked: July 17, 2024In: ,
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  1. Shreeti
    Shreeti

    The British divided India into provinces in a way that disrupted linguistic and cultural balances. Since the 1920s, nationalist congress leaders have wanted to reorganise provinces based on language. At the 1920 Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress, they agreed to this idea. However, afterRead more

    The British divided India into provinces in a way that disrupted linguistic and cultural balances. Since the 1920s, nationalist congress leaders have wanted to reorganise provinces based on language. At the 1920 Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress, they agreed to this idea. However, after India gained independence in 1947, the new leaders, including the Constituent Assembly, hesitated to this idea of linguistic reorganisation of the state. Historian Bipin Chandra says at the time of Independence the leaders felt that national unity was their top priority.

    The push for linguistic reorganisation came back with the demand for a separate Andhra state. This led to the creation of Andhra Pradesh in October 1953, the first state reorganised based on language after independence. The States Reorganisation Committee (SRC) supported this principle and in 1955 recommended redrawing state boundaries based on language, while also considering administrative and economic factors and national unity. The States Reorganisation Act, passed in November 1956, created 14 states and 6 centrally administered territories. This was followed by the division of Bombay State into Gujarat for Gujarati speakers and Maharashtra for Marathi speakers.

    You may further read  “Interrogating Reorganisation of States: Culture, Identity, and Politics in India” by Asha Sarangi and Sudha Pai.

     

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Ananya Patel
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Ananya Patel
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Talk about the federal framework’s provisions for the autonomy of local self-government organizations like municipalities and panchayats. Examine the difficulties and arguments surrounding the transfer of authority to these organizations at the local level.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Ishaan Chopra
    Ishaan Chopra Begginer

    The autonomy of local self-government institutions, such as Panchayats and Municipalities, within India's federal framework is enshrined in the Constitution through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These amendments aimed to decentralize governance and empower local bodies to promote demoRead more

    The autonomy of local self-government institutions, such as Panchayats and Municipalities, within India’s federal framework is enshrined in the Constitution through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These amendments aimed to decentralize governance and empower local bodies to promote democratic participation and socio-economic development at the grassroots level. However, the devolution of powers to these institutions has faced several challenges and debates.

    Provisions for Local Self-Government Autonomy
    Panchayats (73rd Amendment Act, 1992)
    Three-Tier System:
    Village Level (Gram Panchayat), Intermediate Level (Panchayat Samiti), and District Level (Zila Parishad).
    Elections:
    Direct elections to all seats in Panchayats at all levels (Article 243C).
    Reservation of Seats:
    Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population.
    Reservation of one-third of seats for women (Article 243D).
    Powers and Responsibilities:
    State legislatures to endow Panchayats with the powers and authority necessary to function as institutions of self-government (Article 243G).
    Preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
    Implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice.
    Finance:
    Constitution of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of Panchayats and recommend measures to improve their finances (Article 243-I).
    Municipalities (74th Amendment Act, 1992)
    Three Types of Municipalities:
    Nagar Panchayat for a transitional area (rural to urban).
    Municipal Council for a smaller urban area.
    Municipal Corporation for a larger urban area (Article 243Q).
    Elections:
    Direct elections to all seats in Municipalities (Article 243R).
    Reservation of Seats:
    Reservation for SCs and STs in proportion to their population.
    Reservation of one-third of seats for women (Article 243T).
    Powers and Responsibilities:
    State legislatures to endow Municipalities with the powers and authority necessary to function as institutions of self-government (Article 243W).
    Preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
    Implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice.
    Finance:
    Constitution of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of Municipalities and recommend measures to improve their finances (Article 243Y).
    Challenges and Debates Surrounding Devolution of Powers
    Inadequate Devolution of Powers:

    State Control: Many states have been reluctant to devolve significant powers, functions, and resources to Panchayats and Municipalities, maintaining substantial control over these bodies.
    Unfunded Mandates: Local bodies are often assigned responsibilities without adequate financial resources, leading to ineffective functioning.
    Capacity and Training:

    Administrative Capacity: Local bodies frequently lack the administrative capacity and skilled personnel needed to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
    Training: There is a need for comprehensive training programs for elected representatives and functionaries to enhance their capabilities.
    Financial Autonomy:

    Revenue Generation: Local bodies have limited sources of revenue and rely heavily on grants from state and central governments.
    State Finance Commissions: Recommendations of State Finance Commissions are often not implemented effectively, undermining the financial autonomy of local bodies.
    Political Interference:

    Interference by State Governments: Excessive interference by state governments in the functioning of local bodies undermines their autonomy and effectiveness.
    Partisan Politics: Local governance is sometimes influenced by partisan politics, affecting the neutrality and efficiency of local institutions.
    Implementation of Plans:

    Coordination: Lack of coordination between various levels of government (central, state, and local) hampers the effective implementation of development plans and schemes.
    Monitoring and Accountability: Weak mechanisms for monitoring and accountability lead to inefficiencies and corruption.
    Inclusivity and Representation:

    Social Inclusion: Ensuring effective participation and representation of marginalized communities, including women, SCs, STs, and OBCs, remains a challenge.
    Awareness: Low levels of awareness and participation among citizens about the roles and functions of local bodies reduce their effectiveness.

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Mansi Gautam
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Mansi GautamLearner
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Analyze the Union government’s role in managing national infrastructure, including roads, trains, and telecommunications, and in regulating interstate commerce.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Mohit Sharma
    Mohit Sharma Begginer

    The Union government plays a significant role in regulating interstate commerce and managing national infrastructure in India. Here are some of the key areas where the Union government is involved: Regulation of Interstate Commerce: Trade and Commerce: The Union government regulates trade and commerRead more

    The Union government plays a significant role in regulating interstate commerce and managing national infrastructure in India. Here are some of the key areas where the Union government is involved:

    Regulation of Interstate Commerce:

    Trade and Commerce: The Union government regulates trade and commerce through various laws and institutions, such as the Customs Act, 1962, the Central Excise Act, 1944, and the Income-tax Act, 1961.
    Interstate Trade Agreements: The Union government negotiates and signs interstate trade agreements with neighboring countries to facilitate trade and commerce.
    National Trade Policy: The Union government formulates and implements national trade policies to promote exports, imports, and domestic trade.
    Management of National Infrastructure:

    Railways: The Indian Railways is a nationalized sector, and the Union government has the responsibility to manage and regulate rail infrastructure, including track maintenance, signaling systems, and train operations.
    Highways: The Union government is responsible for constructing, maintaining, and regulating national highways, which connect major cities and towns across the country.
    Telecommunications: The Union government regulates telecommunications through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which sets standards for network infrastructure, services, and tariffs.
    Airports: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is responsible for managing and developing civil aviation infrastructure, including airports, air traffic control systems, and air navigation services.
    Seaports: The Indian Ports Act, 1907, gives the Union government control over seaports, which are responsible for handling international trade cargo.
    Key Challenges:

    Corruption: Corruption is a significant challenge in the regulation of interstate commerce and management of national infrastructure.
    Inadequate Funding: Insufficient funding can hinder the development and maintenance of national infrastructure.
    Regulatory Overreach: Excessive regulation can lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies.
    Coordination Challenges: Coordination between different ministries and agencies can be challenging, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
    To overcome these challenges, the Union government can:

    Strengthen institutional mechanisms for regulation and management of national infrastructure.
    Increase transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
    Enhance public-private partnerships to attract investment in infrastructure development.
    Simplify regulations to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and increase efficiency.
    In conclusion, the Union government plays a crucial role in regulating interstate commerce and managing national infrastructure in India. While there are challenges, the government can address them by strengthening institutional mechanisms, increasing transparency and accountability, promoting public-private partnerships, and simplifying regulations.

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Gaurav Reddy
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Gaurav ReddyBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Examine the duties of the Union government in the fields of science and technology, such as the financing and management of R&D, the encouragement of innovation, and the control of newly developed technologies.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Mohit Sharma
    Mohit Sharma Begginer

    The Union government has a significant role in the areas of science and technology in India, with responsibilities including: Funding and Coordination of Research and Development: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is responsible for funding and coordinating research and development in vRead more

    The Union government has a significant role in the areas of science and technology in India, with responsibilities including:

    Funding and Coordination of Research and Development:
    The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is responsible for funding and coordinating research and development in various fields, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.
    The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) focuses on biomedical research and development.
    The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) provides funding and support for scientific research in various fields.
    Promotion of Innovation:
    The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) promotes innovation through initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, and Skill India.
    The National Innovation Council (NInC) advises the government on innovation policies and strategies.
    The Technology Development Board (TDB) provides funding and support for technology development and commercialization.
    Regulation of Emerging Technologies:
    The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regulates emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) regulates environmental aspects of emerging technologies such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and nanotechnology.
    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regulates telecommunications and emerging technologies such as 5G.
    Challenges:

    Limited Funding: Insufficient funding can hinder the growth of research and development in various fields.
    Lack of Coordination: Inadequate coordination between different ministries and agencies can lead to duplication of efforts and inefficiencies.
    Slow Adoption: Slow adoption of new technologies can hinder innovation and progress.
    To overcome these challenges, the Union government can:

    Increase funding for research and development in priority areas.
    Enhance coordination between ministries and agencies to ensure effective implementation of policies.
    Create a favorable regulatory environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
    Foster public-private partnerships to leverage expertise and resources.
    Encourage international collaboration to stay abreast of global developments.
    Initiatives:

    Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): A flagship initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
    Make in India: An initiative to promote manufacturing in India by encouraging foreign investment and technology transfer.
    Startup India: A program to promote entrepreneurship by providing funding, mentorship, and regulatory support.
    Digital India: An initiative to promote digital literacy, e-governance, and digital infrastructure development.
    In conclusion, the Union government plays a crucial role in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, research, and innovation in India. While there are challenges, the government can address them by increasing funding, enhancing coordination, creating a favorable regulatory environment, fostering public-private partnerships, and encouraging international collaboration.

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Dhruv Mehta
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Dhruv MehtaBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Examine the procedures for resolving conflicts within the States or between the Union and the States, taking into account the Supreme Court’s and other bodies’ roles in this process.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Sundari Panwar
    Sundari Panwar Begginer

    The Indian Constitution provides various mechanisms for the resolution of disputes between the Union and the States, or among the States themselves. These mechanisms include: Arbitration: The Constitution empowers the Union government to refer disputes to arbitration. For example, the 1995 dispute bRead more

    The Indian Constitution provides various mechanisms for the resolution of disputes between the Union and the States, or among the States themselves. These mechanisms include:

    Arbitration: The Constitution empowers the Union government to refer disputes to arbitration. For example, the 1995 dispute between the Union government and the State of Andhra Pradesh over the sharing of Krishna River waters was resolved through arbitration.
    Negotiation: The Centre and States can negotiate and reach an agreement through direct talks. For instance, the dispute between the Centre and the State of Tamil Nadu over the Kaveri River water sharing was resolved through negotiations.
    Supreme Court intervention: The Supreme Court has played a significant role in resolving disputes between the Centre and States, or among States themselves. For example, in the Sompalia case (1980), the Court held that the Centre has no authority to unilaterally alter the boundaries of a State.
    Dispute resolution bodies: Various bodies have been established to resolve disputes between States, such as:
    The Interstate Council: This body was set up in 1990 to promote cooperation and resolve disputes between States.
    The Zonal Councils: These councils were established in 1956 to promote cooperation and resolve disputes among States within specific regions.
    The North Eastern Council: This council was set up in 1971 to promote development and resolve disputes among States in the North Eastern region.
    Role of the Supreme Court:

    Original jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over disputes between the Centre and States, or among States themselves.
    Appellate jurisdiction: The Court has appellate jurisdiction over decisions made by high courts and other tribunals.
    Public interest litigations: The Court can take cognizance of public interest litigations (PILs) and issue directions to resolve disputes.
    Advisory jurisdiction: In some cases, the Court can offer advisory opinions on disputes between the Centre and States or among States.
    Recent developments:

    The Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, has been amended to provide for a more efficient mechanism for resolving water disputes between States.
    The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a new mechanism for resolving border disputes between States.
    The Centre has established a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to resolve disputes related to coal block allocation.
    Challenges:

    Delayed decision-making: Dispute resolution mechanisms can be slow, leading to delays in resolving conflicts.
    Lack of political will: Disputes often require political will to resolve, which can be lacking at times.
    Complexity of issues: Disputes can involve complex issues, such as water sharing, border disputes, or land acquisition, making resolution challenging.
    In conclusion, India’s constitution provides a range of mechanisms for resolving disputes between the Union and States, or among States themselves. While these mechanisms have helped resolve some disputes, there are ongoing challenges related to delayed decision-making, lack of political will, and complexity of issues. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in resolving these disputes, but its intervention is often necessary to ensure that conflicts are resolved in a timely and effective manner.

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