Organization and Administration of Union and State Governments

The Indian Constitution meticulously outlines the framework for the organization and administration of the Union and state governments. At the Union level, the President holds the highest executive authority. The President’s key functions include appointing the Prime Minister, assenting to legislation, and acting as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Additionally, the President can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session and can declare a state of emergency, impacting the country’s administrative machinery.

At the state level, the Governor serves as the nominal executive head. The Governor’s responsibilities encompass appointing the Chief Minister, assenting to state legislation, and exercising discretionary powers in specific situations, such as recommending President’s Rule in the state. The Governor also plays a crucial role in ensuring the state’s administration aligns with the Constitution’s provisions.

Federal Structure and Management

The Indian federal structure is characterized by a clear demarcation of powers between the Union and state governments, as enumerated in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which divides subjects into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union government administers subjects on the Union List, such as defense and foreign affairs, while states manage subjects on the State List, like police and public health. Concurrent List subjects, such as education and forests, are administered by both.

The administrative machinery at both levels includes the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The executive branch, headed by the President or Governor, implements laws, while the legislature enacts laws. The judiciary ensures the constitutionality of laws and resolves disputes between the Union and states, maintaining the federal balance.