India’s federal structure is often described as “quasi-federal” or “unitary with federal features,” meaning that while it recognizes and incorporates federalism, it leans significantly towards central authority. This orientation toward the central government is rooted in the Constitution of India, which establishes a framework that allows the Union (central government) to exercise considerable control over the states in various areas.

Key Constitutional Provisions Supporting Central Orientation

1. Division of Powers (Union, State, and Concurrent Lists)
   • • The Constitution provides three lists in the Seventh Schedule:
       • Union List: Contains subjects on which only the central government can legislate, including defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy.
       • State List: Contains subjects under the states’ jurisdiction, like police and public health.
       • Concurrent List: Allows both the central and state governments to legislate, but in case of a conflict, central laws prevail.
     • This structure gives the central government the final say on several key subjects, particularly in the Concurrent List, tilting the balance of power towards the center​
2. Power to Override State Laws
   • Article 254 allows central laws to override state laws on Concurrent List subjects if there is a conflict.
   • The President can also withhold assent to state bills, further empowering the central government to control state legislation.
3. Emergency Provisions
   • The Constitution provides the President with significant powers to declare emergencies (Articles 352, 356, and 360):
     • National Emergency (Article 352): Expands the power of the center over states, allowing Parliament to legislate on all subjects.
     • President’s Rule (Article 356): Allows the central government to take over a state’s administration if it fails to function according to constitutional provisions.
     • Financial Emergency (Article 360): Enables the center to control state financial matters.
   • These provisions allow the central government to intervene in state affairs and even take direct control under extraordinary circumstances​
4. Role of the Governor
   • Governors, appointed by the President, serve as the central government’s representatives in states. They have powers to:
     • Reserve certain bills for the President’s assent.
     • Send reports to the President recommending President’s Rule under Article 356.
   • This role often makes governors an instrument of central influence in states, as they are not elected by the state​
5. Residual Powers
   • In cases where powers are not specified in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists, the central government retains control. Unlike other federal systems, where residual powers are often left to the states, the central government in India has these powers, further centralizing authority.

Reasons Behind Central Dominance in Indian Federalism

1. Historical Context
   • India’s choice of a strong center emerged from the challenges of unifying diverse regions post-independence and dealing with partition. A strong central government was seen as necessary for national unity and stability.
2. Preventing Regional Disparities
   • With varying levels of development across states, a central authority helps ensure balanced development and address inequalities, such as providing special assistance to states with weaker economies.
3. Maintaining National Integrity
   • The center’s authority is also geared toward protecting national security and unity, particularly given the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of the states. This was a significant factor in the framers’ decision to centralize certain powers.

Criticisms and Challenges

• Critics argue that India’s federal structure overly empowers the central government, sometimes limiting states’ ability to manage local issues effectively. This can create tension, especially when state governments are led by opposition parties.
• Some states have called for a more balanced distribution of powers and greater financial autonomy, as seen in debates surrounding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council and revenue sharing.