Home/upsc: federal structure
- Recent Questions
- Most Answered
- Answers
- No Answers
- Most Visited
- Most Voted
- Random
- Bump Question
- New Questions
- Sticky Questions
- Polls
- Followed Questions
- Favorite Questions
- Recent Questions With Time
- Most Answered With Time
- Answers With Time
- No Answers With Time
- Most Visited With Time
- Most Voted With Time
- Random With Time
- Bump Question With Time
- New Questions With Time
- Sticky Questions With Time
- Polls With Time
- Followed Questions With Time
- Favorite Questions With Time
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction The Centre-State relations in India have seen notable changes recently, particularly in the context of cooperative federalism and fiscal management. The 15th Finance Commission's recommendations, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the contentious faRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Centre-State relations in India have seen notable changes recently, particularly in the context of cooperative federalism and fiscal management. The 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the contentious farm laws have all influenced this dynamic relationship.
Recent Changes Introduced by the Union Government
Measures to Build Trust and Strengthen Federalism
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurturing India’s federal structure through mutual trust and cooperation is essential for effective governance. Strengthening Centre-State relations through dialogue, financial autonomy, and clear constitutional definitions will enhance the foundation of Indian democracy.
See lessTo what extent do you think India's federal inter-governmental institutions serve as a vital platform for communication and dialogue between the Centre and states in addressing unresolved governance issues? (200 words)
Model Answer Importance of Federal Inter-Governmental Institutions in India India’s federal inter-governmental institutions play a pivotal role in fostering communication and dialogue between the Centre and states. These platforms facilitate cooperative federalism, which is essential for addressingRead more
Model Answer
Importance of Federal Inter-Governmental Institutions in India
India’s federal inter-governmental institutions play a pivotal role in fostering communication and dialogue between the Centre and states. These platforms facilitate cooperative federalism, which is essential for addressing unresolved governance issues. While the mechanisms are vital, their effectiveness is shaped by both strengths and challenges.
Strengths of Federal Institutions
Fostering Cooperative Federalism
Institutions like the Inter-State Council and NITI Aayog serve as key platforms for dialogue between the Centre and states. The Inter-State Council, for example, has facilitated discussions on critical issues like interstate water disputes, creating an avenue for resolution (source: Government of India). Such interactions help resolve conflicts and promote cooperation across levels of governance.
Strategic Policy Vision and Regional Development
NITI Aayog has played an instrumental role in shaping India’s national strategies, such as the 15-year road map and 7-year action plan, by actively involving states in policy formulation. Similarly, Zonal Councils ensure balanced regional development and resolve state-level issues, fostering stronger union-state relations.
Fiscal Federalism
The GST Council stands out as a significant example of how inter-governmental institutions address fiscal governance issues. For instance, the resolution on the GST compensation mechanism was crucial in addressing the revenue loss concerns of states after the GST rollout.
Challenges Facing Federal Institutions
Infrequent Meetings
Despite the constitutional mandate, the Inter-State Council has met only 11 times since 1990, hindering its potential as a regular platform for dialogue (source: Ministry of Home Affairs).
Political Will and Trust Deficit
Political differences often impede effective cooperation between the Centre and states. The absence of key state leaders in NITI Aayog’s Governing Council meeting exemplifies the lack of political will and trust.
Conclusion
India’s federal institutions are crucial in addressing governance issues, but their effectiveness can be improved by ensuring regular meetings, clearer mandates, and enhanced political cooperation. Efforts to reduce political differences and ensure transparency can further strengthen these platforms.
See lessTo what extent do you believe asymmetry in India's federalism is essential? (200 words)
Model Answer Necessity of Asymmetry in India's Federalism India's federalism is inherently asymmetric, characterized by unequal power distribution and distinct political, administrative, and fiscal relations between the center and states. While asymmetric federalism has been a fundamental feature ofRead more
Model Answer
Necessity of Asymmetry in India’s Federalism
India’s federalism is inherently asymmetric, characterized by unequal power distribution and distinct political, administrative, and fiscal relations between the center and states. While asymmetric federalism has been a fundamental feature of India’s political structure, its necessity remains a subject of debate.
1. Historical Context and Integration
Asymmetric federalism was crucial for India’s integration after independence. The country emerged from British rule, with regions directly under British governance and 216 princely states, each with varying degrees of autonomy. Special provisions, like Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir, were designed to integrate these regions into the Union. This was essential in ensuring national unity and preventing fragmentation (Source: Constitution of India, Article 370).
2. Ensuring National Security and Unity
Asymmetric arrangements were also key to ensuring national security and political stability. For example, the Sixth Schedule provided autonomy to tribal areas in the northeastern states, transforming erstwhile insurgents into important stakeholders within the Indian polity. This helped address regional security concerns while maintaining unity in a diverse nation (Source: Constitution of India, Sixth Schedule).
3. Recognition of Diversity
India’s diversity, in terms of languages, cultures, and regional aspirations, makes asymmetric federalism necessary to ensure that local contexts are considered in governance. Special provisions under Article 371 grant states like Nagaland and Andhra Pradesh specific privileges based on their distinct needs, ensuring policies align with local aspirations (Source: Constitution of India, Article 371).
4. Economic and Administrative Factors
India’s diverse states face varying economic challenges. Larger states with bigger populations need more fiscal resources for public service delivery. This makes asymmetric fiscal federalism essential, as mechanisms like the Finance Commission help allocate resources more equitably (Source: Finance Commission Reports).
Conclusion
Despite criticisms of resource misallocation and regional disparities, asymmetric federalism is essential for India to accommodate its diverse needs, ensure national unity, and provide equitable governance. It remains a necessary feature to manage the country’s complexity, particularly in promoting cooperative federalism where all groups can have a voice.
See lessUnder what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
Financial Emergency in India Circumstances for Proclamation: The Financial Emergency can be proclaimed by the President of India if he is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened. Consequences of Declaration: When a Financial Emergency is in force,Read more
Financial Emergency in India
Circumstances for Proclamation:
The Financial Emergency can be proclaimed by the President of India if he is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened.
Consequences of Declaration:
When a Financial Emergency is in force, the Union government can direct states to follow its financial instructions, and the President can order a reduction of salaries of all government officials, including judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Recent Example:
India has not declared a Financial Emergency since independence, but the possibility of its implementation remains a constitutional provision to ensure fiscal discipline in extreme circumstances.
Conclusion:
See lessThe proclamation of a Financial Emergency empowers the Union government to take drastic financial measures to ensure the stability and credit of the country, although its implementation has never been witnessed in independent India.
Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Federalism in the Indian Constitution Federal Principle and Strong Centre The Indian Constitution enshrines federalism as a basic feature, emphasizing a distribution of powers between the Centre and the States. However, it also exhibits a significant tilt towards a strong Centre, which impacts the nRead more
Federalism in the Indian Constitution
Federal Principle and Strong Centre The Indian Constitution enshrines federalism as a basic feature, emphasizing a distribution of powers between the Centre and the States. However, it also exhibits a significant tilt towards a strong Centre, which impacts the nature of federalism in India. This central dominance is evident in various constitutional provisions and practices.
Central Authority Over State Powers Several constitutional features reinforce the Centre’s supremacy:
Recent Examples and Central Influence
Conclusion While the Indian Constitution establishes a federal framework, the substantial powers vested in the Centre reflect a model of asymmetric federalism, where the Centre’s authority often overshadows the states’ autonomy. This central dominance influences the overall balance of federalism in India, highlighting a complex interplay between federal principles and central authority.
See lessThe concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Cooperative federalism, emphasizing collaboration between federal and state governments, addresses several drawbacks inherent in the existing federal structure. Drawbacks: Fragmentation of Authority: The division of powers can lead to inefficiencies, where overlapping responsibilities create confusiRead more
Cooperative federalism, emphasizing collaboration between federal and state governments, addresses several drawbacks inherent in the existing federal structure.
Drawbacks:
Fragmentation of Authority: The division of powers can lead to inefficiencies, where overlapping responsibilities create confusion and hinder policy implementation.
Coordination Issues: Disjointed efforts between state and federal agencies can cause delays and inconsistencies in addressing national issues.
Resource Disparities: Unequal resource distribution among states can exacerbate regional inequalities, affecting the quality of public services.
Conflict of Interest: Competing priorities between different levels of government can lead to conflicts, impeding effective governance.
Enhanced Coordination: Cooperative federalism promotes joint initiatives and agreements, ensuring more synchronized efforts between federal and state governments to tackle issues like public health, infrastructure, and education.
Resource Sharing: By fostering collaboration, it helps in pooling resources and expertise, addressing disparities and optimizing resource utilization.
Unified Strategy: It facilitates the development of cohesive policies that integrate state and federal objectives, mitigating conflicts and improving policy coherence.
Flexible Governance: Encourages adaptive governance by allowing states to tailor federal programs to local needs, improving responsiveness and effectiveness.
In summary, cooperative federalism can mitigate the structural drawbacks by improving coordination, resource equity, and policy alignment, thereby fostering more effective governance.
See lessThe jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigative agency, often involved in cases of corruption, high-profile crimes, and matters of national importance. However, its jurisdiction within states is a subject of contention, rooted in India’s federal structure. Federal CharacteRead more
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigative agency, often involved in cases of corruption, high-profile crimes, and matters of national importance. However, its jurisdiction within states is a subject of contention, rooted in India’s federal structure.
Federal Character and CBI’s Jurisdiction
India’s Constitution establishes a federal system of governance, where powers are distributed between the Centre and the States. The CBI, though established by an executive order, derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. Under this Act, the CBI can investigate crimes within a state only with the state government’s consent. This reflects the federal principle, ensuring that the central agency does not encroach upon the state’s autonomy.
State Consent and Its Limitations
States can grant or withdraw general consent for CBI investigations. Without this consent, the CBI cannot register a new case or conduct investigations within that state, unless directed by the courts. Recently, several states have withdrawn their general consent, citing concerns over federal overreach and politically motivated investigations.
However, this power of states to withhold consent is not absolute:
Judicial Intervention: The Supreme Court and High Courts can direct the CBI to investigate cases within any state, overriding the need for state consent. This ensures that in matters of public interest or where impartiality is essential, the CBI can still operate.
Central Jurisdiction: In cases involving multiple states, central government employees, or issues of national security, the CBI’s jurisdiction is broader, limiting the state’s ability to restrict investigations.
Balancing Federalism and National Interests
The tussle over CBI jurisdiction highlights the delicate balance between state autonomy and national interests. While the consent provision upholds federalism, the judiciary’s oversight ensures that state powers are not misused to obstruct justice. This dual mechanism maintains the federal character while enabling the CBI to function effectively in safeguarding national integrity and addressing complex, multi-state crimes.
In conclusion, while states have the power to withhold consent, it is tempered by judicial authority and the broader mandate of national interest, reflecting the nuanced federalism of India.
See lessHow far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
Cooperation, competition, and confrontation significantly shape the nature of federalism in India: Cooperation: Federal cooperation is evident in initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), where the central and state governments collaborated to streamline tax structures, improving economic eRead more
Cooperation, competition, and confrontation significantly shape the nature of federalism in India:
Cooperation: Federal cooperation is evident in initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), where the central and state governments collaborated to streamline tax structures, improving economic efficiency and integration.
Competition: States often compete for central funds and investments, influencing their policies and governance. For instance, states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have competed to attract foreign investments by creating favorable business environments, which has spurred economic development.
Confrontation: Conflicts between the central and state governments frequently arise over issues of jurisdiction and resource allocation. The recent standoff over the Delhi government’s authority versus the Lieutenant Governor’s role highlighted the friction between state autonomy and central oversight.
These dynamics reflect the complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and confrontation in shaping India’s federal structure.
See lessFrom the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
In the context of federalism, the resolution of contentious issues regarding the distribution of legislative powers between the central and state governments in India has led to the emergence of two key principles: 1. Principle of Federal Supremacy: Definition: This principle asserts that the ConstiRead more
In the context of federalism, the resolution of contentious issues regarding the distribution of legislative powers between the central and state governments in India has led to the emergence of two key principles:
1. Principle of Federal Supremacy:
2. Harmonious Construction:
These principles aim to balance federal authority with state autonomy while maintaining the overall stability and coherence of the legal and political system.
See lessTo what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralization of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots? (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
Decentralization of power in India, particularly through the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), has significantly transformed grassroots governance. This shift has empowered local self-government, allowing communities to participate more directly in deRead more
Decentralization of power in India, particularly through the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), has significantly transformed grassroots governance. This shift has empowered local self-government, allowing communities to participate more directly in decision-making and development planning.
1. Enhanced Local Representation:
Local bodies ensure that decisions are made closer to the people, reflecting the specific needs and preferences of communities. This has increased local representation and accountability.
2. Improved Service Delivery:
Decentralization has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure, as local governments are better positioned to address immediate needs and priorities.
3. Increased Participation:
Greater community involvement in governance has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, leading to more grassroots-level engagement.
4. Challenges Remain:
Despite these gains, challenges such as inadequate financial resources, limited capacity, and political interference persist, which can hinder the full potential of decentralized governance.
Overall, while decentralization has enhanced grassroots governance by increasing local involvement and improving service delivery, ongoing efforts are needed to address existing challenges and strengthen the system.
See less