GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

Do you agree with the view that time has come to revisit the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? Discuss with suitable arguments.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

FederalismCentre-State RelationsConstitution and Basic Structure

Syllabus: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 150 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A constitutional or legal provision2 of 4
  • A figure1 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 4
  • Points2 of 4

Close

  • A way forward4 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Ishita KishoreAIR 1 · 147 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The 7th schedule is the federal axis of the constitution that envisages three lists for smooth governance.

Body · points

The 7th schedule is the federal axis of the constitution that envisages three lists for smooth governance.

Diagram
List I (Central list) -> More items and more important items -> Desires uniformity List II (State list) -> Desires diversity (Eg: law & order, agriculture) List III (Concurrent list) -> Under jurisdiction of both Centre & State (Uniformity desirable but not necessary; Eg: Education)

Need to revisit 7th Schedule

  • i- Criticism as 'Quasi Federal' by KC Wheare due to central bias.
  • ii- Democratic decentralisation is half baked

Eg 2nd ARC recommended Principle of Subsidiarity. But Centre refuses to devolve to states who in turn dont devolve to local bodies.

-iii- Emerging nature of crises requires on ground effort (↑ role of States) Eg Health is state subject → Problem in COVID crisis with central management. Disaster Management requires more autonomy. (Cyclone Amphan)

-iv- Some Areas require rise in role of Centre Eg. National Minimum Wage

  • Law & Order (without borders Eg Digital)

-v- Agriculture sector is stagnated but confusion → Concurrent list: markets → State list: agriculture (need clarity)

Diagram
Way forward -> Set up committee for revisiting -> Refer recommendations of law commission, 2nd ARC, NCREWC

This can foster a federal balance as held in SR Bommai case.

Close · a way forward

(need clarity) This can foster a federal balance as held in SR Bommai case.

More on Federalism

The federal structure, its asymmetries and the balance the Constitution strikes.

All GS2 questions on Federalism