Post-independence India

Evolution of Center-State Relations and Federalism in the Post-Independence Period

Post-Independence Period: Early Years (1947-1960)

• The Constitution of India established a federal system, with the Union and the States having distinct powers and responsibilities.
• The early years saw a centralizing trend, with the Centre exercising greater control over the States.
• The State Reorganization Act of 1956 led to the creation of 14 major States and nine Union Territories, which helped to address regional imbalances and improve center-state relations.

Key Features of the Federal System (1960-1980)

• Separation of Powers: The Constitution ensured separation of powers between the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary at both the Centre and the States.
• Federal Distribution of Powers: The Constitution divided powers between the Centre and the States, with the Centre having more powers in certain areas, such as foreign affairs, defense, and communication.
• Cooperative Federalism: The Constitution emphasized cooperative federalism, encouraging inter-state cooperation and collaboration.

Changes and Challenges (1980-2000)

• Decentralization: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) introduced decentralization, empowering local bodies to function more effectively.
• Economic Liberalization: The economic liberalization policies of the 1990s led to increased competition and decentralized decision-making, which further eroded the centralizing tendencies of the early years.
• Regionalism and Identity Politics: The rise of regional parties and identity politics led to increased demands for greater autonomy and self-governance.

Recent Trends and Developments (2000-Present)

• Devolution of Powers: The 14th Finance Commission (2015) recommended a significant increase in the share of funds allocated to States, marking a shift towards greater decentralization.
• Federalism 2.0: In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on strengthening federalism through reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Aadhaar system.
• National Populism: The rise of national populism has led to increased tensions between the Centre and States, with some States demanding greater autonomy and others pushing for more centralized control.

Identity-Based Politics: A Growing Concern

Definition: Identity-based politics refers to the increasing emphasis on individual and group identities, such as religion, caste, language, and ethnicity, in political discourse and decision-making.

Factors Contributing to Growth:

1. Globalization and Liberalization: The economic liberalization and globalization of the 1990s led to increased migration and urbanization, which has resulted in the growth of diverse communities and identities.
2. Changing Social Dynamics: The decline of traditional social hierarchies and the rise of new social movements have created new identities and aspirations.
3. Technology and Social Media: The widespread use of social media and other digital platforms has enabled the dissemination of identity-based ideologies and the creation of online communities.
4. Polarizing Politics: The increasing polarization of political discourse, fueled by the rise of nationalist and populist movements, has created an environment conducive to identity-based politics.
5. State Policies: The Indian state’s policies, such as the introduction of reservation systems, have inadvertently contributed to the growth of identity-based politics.

Recent Examples:

• The Communal Riots: The 2020 communal riots in Delhi, sparked by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), highlighted the growing tensions between different religious groups.
• The NRC-CAA Controversy: The controversy surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the CAA has led to widespread protests and identity-based mobilization.
• The Rise of Hindutva: The increasing popularity of Hindutva ideology, which emphasizes Hindu identity and supremacy, has contributed to the growth of identity-based politics.

Implications for National Integration:

• Polarization: Identity-based politics can exacerbate existing social and economic divides, leading to further polarization and fragmentation of society.
• Exclusion: The growing emphasis on identity can lead to the exclusion of marginalized groups and individuals who do not fit into dominant categories.
• Erosion of National Identity: Identity-based politics can erode national identity by emphasizing sectional interests over national unity.
• Challenges for Democratic Governance: The growth of identity-based politics can challenge democratic governance by creating obstacles for effective decision-making and conflict resolution.

Constitutional Provisions and Mechanisms

The Indian Constitution has been the foundation of the country’s parliamentary democracy since its inception in 1947. The following key provisions and mechanisms have shaped the functioning of the democratic system:

Parliamentary System

• ** unicameral legislature**: India has a single-chamber Parliament, comprising the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Elected representatives: Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected through a democratic process, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.

Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles

• Protection of individual rights: The Constitution enshrines fundamental rights, such as equality, freedom, and dignity, which are essential for individual freedoms.
• Directive principles: The Constitution also outlines directive principles, guiding the state to promote social and economic welfare, which are essential for social justice and equality.

Separation of Powers

• Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches: The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no one branch of government dominates the others.
• Independent institutions: Independent institutions like the Election Commission, the Central Vigilance Commission, and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensure accountability and transparency.

Recent Examples:

• 2019 Indian general elections: The 2019 general elections saw a significant increase in voter turnout, with over 67% of eligible voters casting their ballots. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the electoral process in a democratic system.
• Lokpal Act: The Lokpal Act, 2013, was enacted to establish an independent institution to investigate corruption allegations against public officials. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability.

Key Points:

• Independent institutions: The Constitution has established various independent institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective governance.
• Protection of individual rights: The Constitution has enshrined fundamental rights to protect individual freedoms and dignity.
• Separation of powers: The Constitution has established a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one branch of government dominates the others.