UPSC Mains 2014 · GS II · Q2 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

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.

हिन्दी में

यद्यपि परिसंघीय सिद्धांत हमारे संविधान में प्रबल है और वह सिद्धांत संविधान के आधारिक अभिलक्षणों में से एक है, परंतु यह भी इतना ही सत्य है कि भारतीय संविधान के अधीन परिसंघवाद (फैडरलिज्म) सशक्त केन्द्र के पक्ष में झुका हुआ है। यह एक ऐसा लक्षण है जो प्रबल परिसंघवाद की संकल्पना के विरोध में है। चर्चा कीजिये।

FederalismCentre-State Relations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “"Our Constitution would be both unitary as well as federal according to the requirements of time and circumstances." Discuss. Highlight the challenges faced by Indian federalism in present times & circumstances.”

Ghazalpreet KaurAIR 529 · CSE 2022 · 271 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

India is a quasi-federal state - with both unitary as well as federal features.

Federal featuresUnitary features
1) Division of power = 7th schedule.1) Integrated Judiciary
2) Independent Judiciary2) Flexible Constitution = many provisions amended by simple majority.
3) Supremacy of Constitution
4) Rigid Constitution = special majority to amend Constitution

Body · points and prose

Reason for adoption of this model

  • to meet the social needs according to changing times - Eg rights are getting evolved; duties of citizens also increase towards society
  • to promote unity in Integrity
  • values and morality keeps evolving. Eg → Sec 377 IPC scrapped → LGBTQ+ sexual behaviour is not criminalised anymore.

However this model is facing many challenges:-

  1. States demanding more autonomy:- → protesting/ resolutions against Centre acts → financial powers from Centre- → many subjects like education shifted from state to concurrent list

  2. Development narratives :- → One Nation One Tax → One Nation One Ration hinders many state's rights under Constitution -

  3. Governor's role → Power to hinder state government → Kerala governor did not call House session → unnecessary recommends for President's rule

  4. Taxes powers maximum with states

  5. Schemes are altered and decided by centre

  6. Boundaries altered = J&K and Ladakh made UTs

Close · a way forward

India's federalism is unique. The problems we face today does not mean failure of federalism but it is due to lack of political maturity of leaders.

The leaders need to act in responsible manner to act in the interest of nation.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper II, Q2. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.