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Home/upsc: federal structure/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Bhavesh singh
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Bhavesh singhBegginer
Asked: June 17, 2024In:
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The cooperative federalism of India is in jeopardy because several state governments have withdrawn their general consent to the CBI.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Rohini Singh
    Rohini Singh Begginer

    Answer: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India. It is not only a premier anti-corruption investigative agency but also has experience of handling high profile conventional crimes, economic offences, banking frauds and frauds with international lRead more

    Answer: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India. It is not only a premier anti-corruption investigative agency but also has experience of handling high profile conventional crimes, economic offences, banking frauds and frauds with international linkages. The CBI is governed by The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE) Act, 1946, and it must mandatorily obtain the consent of the state government concerned before beginning to investigate a crime in a state. The consent of the state government can be case-specific or general. General consent is usually given by states to help the CBI in seamless investigation of cases of corruption against central government employees in their states. This is consent by default, in the absence of which, the CBI would have to apply to the state government, in every case, and before taking even small actions. Traditionally, almost all states have given the CBI general consent. However, currently nine states have withdrawn consent to the CBI on the grounds that the CBI is used for political interests and vendetta. This tussle between the CBI and States has created an impasse as around 150 requests for sanction to investigate by the CBI are pending with such state governments since 2018. The Supreme Court has referred to the situation as ‘undesirable’. It has been argued that this also threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India in the following manner:

    • Under the Seventh Schedule, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Constitution, conferring exclusive domain to the state to make laws regarding the same. However, the CBI continues to carry out its functions as a Central Government investigative agency. This overlap of functioning and jurisdiction with local police forces cause recurrent federal issues.
    • A fallout of it is that the CBI has not been able to start a probe in over Rs. 21,000 Crores worth of bank fraud cases in want of consent by five states in the last three years.
    • It has led to widening of trust deficit between the Center and states and weakening an important central agency, making it incapable of coordinating on vital common matters.

    In 2013, the CBI came under harsh criticism by one of the Supreme Court judges, who referred to it as a “caged parrot” and “its master’s voice” due to political interference in the CBI inquiry on the allocation of coalfield licences. It has been argued that when different political parties form governments at the Center and states, often their interests don’t align and the CBI is used as a political tool in such instances. Therefore, the concerns of states governments also need to be looked into along with ensuring that the CBI conducts all its investigations in a free, fair and impartial manner as per the law. Following steps can be taken in this regard:

    • As observed by the Madras High Court, the CBI Director should be given similar powers as that of the Secretary to the Government of India. Also, he should directly report to the Minister/Prime Minister without going through the Department of Personnel and Training.
    • The central investigation agency “should be made more independent” like the Election Commission of India and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The Madras High Court also directed the government to “consider and take a decision for enactment of a separate Act giving statutory status with more powers and jurisdiction to CBI at the earliest”.

    This federal impasse is a worrying development. Strong federal agencies are in national interest because big crimes often straddle state and national borders and state agencies may not have resources or jurisdiction to thwart such offenses. Therefore, it would be in India’s interest to protect CBI from political influence and interference.

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Chetan Gupta
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Chetan GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Talk about the duties of the Union government in the area of social welfare, including the supply of essential services, the control of labor practices, and the execution of initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable communities.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Baba Ram
    Baba Ram Begginer

    The Union government in India has a significant role to play in ensuring the social welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society. Here are some of the key responsibilities of the Union government in the field of social welfare: Provision of basic services: The UnionRead more

    The Union government in India has a significant role to play in ensuring the social welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society. Here are some of the key responsibilities of the Union government in the field of social welfare:

    Provision of basic services:
    The Union government is responsible for providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation to all citizens, particularly in rural and backward areas.
    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is responsible for implementing national health programs, including the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Health Mission (NHM).
    The Ministry of Human Resource Development is responsible for implementing education programs, including the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).
    The Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing urban sanitation programs, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA).
    Regulation of labor practices:
    The Union government is responsible for regulating labor practices, including minimum wages, working conditions, and employment rights.
    The Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for implementing labor laws, including the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Factories Act, 1948.
    The Ministry also provides social security benefits to workers, including provident fund, pension, and insurance schemes.
    Implementation of developmental programs for marginalized communities:
    The Union government has implemented various programs to address the developmental needs of marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities.
    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is responsible for implementing programs for SCs and STs, including scholarships, hostels, and self-employment schemes.
    The Ministry of Minority Affairs is responsible for implementing programs for minorities, including education scholarships, skill development schemes, and entrepreneurship development programs.
    Other responsibilities:
    The Union government is also responsible for implementing programs for women’s empowerment, including the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Rashtriya Mahila Aayog (RMA).
    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also implements programs for persons with disabilities, including scholarships, rehabilitation services, and accessibility infrastructure.
    Evaluation:

    While the Union government has made significant efforts to provide social welfare services to its citizens, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. Some of the key challenges include:

    Inadequate funding: Many social welfare programs rely heavily on budgetary allocations from the Union government, which can be unpredictable and inadequate.
    Limited reach: Many social welfare programs have limited reach and coverage, particularly in rural and backward areas.
    Corruption: Corruption has been a major obstacle to effective implementation of social welfare programs.
    Inadequate governance: Weak governance structures and lack of accountability have hindered the effective implementation of social welfare programs.
    To overcome these challenges, it is essential to increase funding for social welfare programs, improve governance structures, enhance transparency and accountability, and increase community participation in program implementation. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure that labor practices are fair and just.

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Gitanjali Reena
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Gitanjali ReenaBegginer
Asked: June 28, 2024In:
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The Indian federalist model has drawn criticism for being overly centralized, yet it also gives the states enough room and autonomy. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: federal structure
  1. Sagar soni
    Sagar soni Begginer

    Federalism is a system of government in which powers have been divided between the Centre and its constituent parts such as states within a country. Though the word federation is not mentioned in the Indian Constitution, the country has a federal system having a rigid Constitution, bicameralism, indRead more

    Federalism is a system of government in which powers have been divided between the Centre and its constituent parts such as states within a country. Though the word federation is not mentioned in the Indian Constitution, the country has a federal system having a rigid Constitution, bicameralism, independent Judiciary, division of powers between various levels of government, etc. However, it has been often argued that the Indian model of federalism has centralization tendencies. Centralized nature of the Indian federalism:

    • Legislation by the Centre in ‘state subjects’: Under the Seventh Schedule, the legislative powers of the Centre and States are delineated in the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
      • In case of a deadlock between the Union and states over subjects in the Concurrent list, the Union law prevails.
      • The Union List contains more subjects than the State List.
      • Under Article 249 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament has power to legislate with respect to a matter in the State List in the national interest.
    • President’s Rule: Under Article 356 of the Constitution, the President can dismiss state governments and dissolve Legislative Assemblies, leading to central control of the states.
    • Central agencies and institutions: The existence of central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) signifies the control of the Central government in matters of investigation and law enforcement.
    • Other features:
      • The Union Parliament has been given unilateral discretion to reconstruct the boundaries of the states.
      • The Union government has the power of appointing Governors in the states and dissolving state governments by proclaiming President’s Rule if the Centre deems fit.

    However, in the Indian model of federalism, states have been given adequate space and autonomy, as can be discerned through the following examples:

    • State List: Under the Seventh Schedule, states have exclusive legislative rights on matters in the State List. Even when the Parliament makes a law under Article 249 of the Constitution, the state law can prevail if there is the consent of the President.
    • Executive and financial powers: The state governments have the power to administer programmes and policies in their respective states, and they are responsible for rolling out the budget, and collecting and spending revenue.
    • The Indian Constitution also provides for a system of fiscal federalism, which ensures that the states receive a share of revenue from the Central government.
    • Special status and autonomy: The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for special provisions for tribal areas in the North-Eastern states allowing them a degree of autonomy in governance.
    • Cooperative federalism: Different forums are established for promotion of cooperative federalism, such as the Niti Aayog, GST Council, Inter-State Council, etc. to promote the participation of state governments in the policy-making process.
    • Others: One of most important moments for federalism in recent times is the revelation of the vital role of state governments in managing the COVID-19 crisis. After initial challenges, the Union government ceded adequate space and autonomy to the states for strengthening their healthcare facilities and managing localised lockdowns.

    Indian federalism is a dynamic model that has witnessed a unique interplay of centralization and decentralization. While the Central government maintains significant control over the states, there are instances where autonomy has been granted to accommodate regional aspirations and promote cooperative federalism. The ongoing evolution of Indian federalism should ensure that the needs of a diverse country are effectively addressed.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 13, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Definition of Article 356: Explain what Article 356 entails and its purpose in the Indian Constitution. Thesis Statement: State that the frequency of its invocation has decreased since the mid-1990s due to various legal and political factors. 2. ...

upsc: federal structure
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Article 356 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to impose direct central rule in a state when constitutional machinery fails. While frequently invoked in earlier decades, its usage has significantly declined since the mid-1990s. This reduction can be attributedRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Article 356 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to impose direct central rule in a state when constitutional machinery fails. While frequently invoked in earlier decades, its usage has significantly declined since the mid-1990s. This reduction can be attributed to various legal and political factors.

    Legal Factors

    Judicial Pronouncements

    The S.R. Bommai case (1994) was pivotal in shaping the application of Article 356. The Supreme Court ruled that the use of Article 356 is subject to judicial review, reinforcing that the President’s power to dissolve a state assembly must be exercised judiciously.

    Doctrine of Constitutional Mandate

    The judiciary has emphasized the importance of federalism, advocating for state autonomy and restricting the arbitrary use of Article 356. This judicial perspective encourages a more thoughtful application of the provision.

    Guideline Establishment

    The Bommai case established guidelines outlining the appropriate circumstances for invoking Article 356, promoting a more restrained and deliberate approach to its application.

    Recommendations of Commissions

    The Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission recommended a cautious application of Article 356 to foster cooperative federalism and enhance center-state relations. Their recommendations emphasized the need for restraint in imposing President’s Rule.

    Judicial Role of the President

    Post-Bommai, the President’s role in assessing state conditions has become more judicial, necessitating careful consideration before recommending Article 356. This shift has led to a more cautious approach.

    Political Factors

    Coalition Politics

    The rise of coalition governments has fostered collaborative governance, reducing the impulsive use of Article 356 and promoting political stability.

    Public Perception and Media Scrutiny

    Increasing media scrutiny and informed public opinion act as deterrents against arbitrary use of Article 356, holding the government accountable and upholding democratic principles.

    Strength of Regional Parties

    The growing influence of regional parties has created a balanced power dynamic, discouraging the central government from unnecessarily invoking Article 356.

    Political Maturity

    India’s evolving political landscape has prioritized stability and governance over power struggles, fostering adherence to constitutional norms.

    International Image

    The desire to maintain a positive international image as a democratic nation has led Union governments to avoid unnecessary applications of Article 356.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the combination of prudent legal interventions and an evolved political environment has significantly reduced the frequency of invoking Article 356. This trend reflects a mature democracy striving to uphold the ideals enshrined in its Constitution while fostering balanced governance.

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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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Darshan Suresh
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Darshan SureshBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (approx. 100-150 words) Define Asymmetric Federalism: Start by defining what asymmetric federalism means—where different states or regions within a federation are granted unequal powers, privileges, or autonomy based on their unique conditions or historical contexts. Contextualize the ...

upsc: federal structure
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    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.

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Aditya Sharma
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Aditya SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 15, 2024In:
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Analyze the financial agreements between the Union and the States, taking into account the Finance Commission’s function, the stipulations for tax revenue sharing, and the arguments for and against fiscal federalism.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Banno Rani
    Banno Rani Begginer

    The financial arrangements between the Union and the States in India are governed by the Constitution, which provides for a system of federal finance that is based on the principles of cooperation and sharing of resources. The main provisions for sharing of tax revenues are as follows: Taxes leviedRead more

    The financial arrangements between the Union and the States in India are governed by the Constitution, which provides for a system of federal finance that is based on the principles of cooperation and sharing of resources. The main provisions for sharing of tax revenues are as follows:

    Taxes levied and collected by the Union:
    Customs duty, excise duty, and service tax are levied and collected by the Union government.
    These taxes are shared with the States through the Finance Commission.
    Taxes levied and collected by the States:
    Income tax, sales tax, and stamp duty are levied and collected by the States.
    These taxes are retained by the States.
    Shared taxes:
    Taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) and central sales tax (CST) are shared between the Union and the States.
    The Finance Commission is an independent body that is set up every five years to review the finances of the Centre-State relations. The Commission’s main responsibilities include:

    Allocation of Union taxes: The Commission recommends how to allocate Union taxes between the Centre and the States.
    Grants-in-aid: The Commission recommends grants-in-aid to be provided by the Centre to the States for specific purposes.
    Recommendations for tax reforms: The Commission provides recommendations for tax reforms to improve the fiscal federalism in India.
    Debates surrounding fiscal federalism in India include:

    Centre-State imbalance: The Centre has more powers to levy taxes and collect revenue, which leads to an imbalance in fiscal resources between the Centre and the States.
    Dependence on grants: Many States depend heavily on grants from the Centre, which can create dependence and undermine their financial autonomy.
    Tax autonomy: There is a debate about whether States should have more tax autonomy to decide on their own taxation policies.
    Fiscal responsibility: There is a need for a more stable and predictable fiscal framework to ensure that both the Centre and the States manage their finances responsibly.
    Decentralization: There is a debate about whether decentralization of power and resources would lead to more effective governance and better allocation of resources.
    Recent developments:

    The 14th Finance Commission (2015-2020) recommended a significant increase in devolution of taxes to States, but also introduced a new formula for sharing taxes that took into account factors such as population, area, and poverty levels.
    The GST (Goods and Services Tax) Act, 2017, introduced a new indirect tax regime that replaced multiple state-level taxes with a single national tax. This has led to an increase in revenue for both the Centre and the States.
    The 15th Finance Commission (2020-2025) has recommended further devolution of taxes to States, with a focus on promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability.
    In conclusion, the financial arrangements between the Union and the States in India are complex and evolving. While there are debates surrounding fiscal federalism, recent developments have aimed to promote greater devolution of powers and resources to States, while also ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability at all levels of government.

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Kriti Agarwal
  • 1
Kriti AgarwalBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Consider the extent to which the Union administration uses Article 356 (President’s Rule) and other emergency powers to control and coordinate the operations of the States. Talk about the arguments for and against using these clauses appropriately.

upsc: federal structure
  1. Sakshi Rao
    Sakshi Rao Begginer

    The role of the Union government in regulating and coordinating the functioning of the States, particularly through the use of Article 356 (President's Rule) and other emergency powers, is a complex and often debated issue in India's federal structure. Use of Article 356 (President's Rule): ArticleRead more

    The role of the Union government in regulating and coordinating the functioning of the States, particularly through the use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) and other emergency powers, is a complex and often debated issue in India’s federal structure.

    Use of Article 356 (President’s Rule):

    • Article 356 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President, on the recommendation of the Union government, to impose direct central rule (President’s Rule) over a state if the President is satisfied that the governance of the state cannot be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
    • The Union government has invoked Article 356 several times since independence, often on the grounds of political instability, constitutional breakdown, or failure of law and order in the state.
    • The use of Article 356 has been a contentious issue, with concerns raised about the potential for misuse by the central government to dismiss state governments led by opposition parties.
    • There have been debates and judicial rulings emphasizing the need to use Article 356 sparingly and only as a last resort, with clear justification and following the due process laid out in the Constitution.

    Other Emergency Powers:

    • Beyond Article 356, the Union government also has other emergency powers under Articles 352 (National Emergency), 360 (Financial Emergency), and 359 (Suspension of Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution.
    • These powers allow the Union to exert greater control over the states during times of crisis, war, or financial distress.
    • The use of these emergency powers has also been debated, with concerns around the potential for abuse and the need to balance national interests with state autonomy.

    Debates and Suggestions:

    • The appropriate use of these constitutional provisions remains an ongoing debate, with calls for clearer guidelines, stronger checks and balances, and greater transparency in their implementation.
    • Suggestions include:
      • Limiting the use of Article 356 to only the most extreme and demonstrable cases of constitutional breakdown
      • Enhancing the role of the judiciary in reviewing the imposition of President’s Rule
      • Strengthening the federal structure by empowering states and limiting the Union’s ability to interfere in state affairs
      • Establishing clear criteria and due process for the invocation of emergency provisions

    Overall, the Union government’s ability to regulate and coordinate the functioning of states through emergency powers is a critical aspect of India’s federal structure, but one that requires a delicate balance between national interests and state autonomy, with robust safeguards against potential misuse.

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Prateek
  • 0
PrateekLearner
Asked: June 5, 2024In:
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Describe the different obstacles that India faces in maintaining cooperative federalism. Provide strategies for promoting cooperative federalism as well. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: federal structure
  1. Animesh Singh
    Animesh Singh Learner

    Ensuring cooperative federalism in India faces several challenges: 1. Power imbalance: The central government's dominance over financial resources and policy decisions creates an uneven power dynamic between the Union and the states, hampering genuine cooperation. 2. Political differences: IdeologicRead more

    Ensuring cooperative federalism in India faces several challenges:

    1. Power imbalance: The central government’s dominance over financial resources and policy decisions creates an uneven power dynamic between the Union and the states, hampering genuine cooperation.

    2. Political differences: Ideological and political differences between the ruling parties at the center and in the states can lead to conflicting agendas and a lack of consensus on national issues.

    3. Fiscal constraints: Many states face financial constraints and are heavily dependent on the center for grants and transfers, limiting their autonomy in decision-making.

    4. Coordination issues: Lack of effective coordination mechanisms and communication channels between the Union and the states can hinder the implementation of joint programs and policies.

    5. Functional overlap: Unclear delineation of responsibilities between the Union and the states often leads to overlapping jurisdictions and conflicts over policy implementation.

    To foster cooperative federalism, the following measures can be taken:

    1. Strengthening inter-governmental forums: Institutions like the Inter-State Council and the Goods and Services Tax Council should be empowered to facilitate greater dialogue and consensus-building.

    2. Enhancing fiscal federalism: Revising the formula for the devolution of financial resources to the states, increasing the untied grants, and expanding the states’ revenue-raising powers can promote fiscal autonomy.

    3. Institutionalizing cooperative mechanisms: Establishing permanent secretariats, joint task forces, and regular consultations between the Union and the states can improve coordination and collaboration.

    4. Promoting cooperative mindset: Fostering a culture of mutual trust, respect, and accommodative approach among political parties and government officials can contribute to the success of cooperative federalism.

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