GS2 · Topic
Centre-State Relations
Legislative, administrative and financial relations, and disputes between them.
125 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Centre-State Relations that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States." Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs." In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
FederalismElections and Representation
Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
On what grounds can President's Rule be imposed in a state? Also, mention the procedure of its imposition and its effects.
12.5 marks · 200 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving critical governance challenges in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Multiplicity of central investigative agencies leads to not only problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions but also dilution of federal principles. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of central investigating agencies, argue the case for an independent umbrella body for their regulation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
JudiciaryStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
How has asymmetric federalism helped India accommodate its diverse regional needs? Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
How is the 'vertical' and 'horizontal' devolution of taxes to the states decided? Highlighting the concerns raised by some states regarding the devolution of taxes, suggest corrective measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismLocal Government
Cooperative federalism reflects an ideology of stable relationship between centre and state interaction. Despite this, there are certain issues and challenges pertaining to it. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Discuss the major challenges in effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Local GovernmentFederalism
The federal character of a nation comprising elective bodies at different levels is best secured through a bicameral legislature. In this context, discuss how a bicameral legislature supports federalism in India. What additional measures can be taken to strengthen the federal structure and ensure effective representation of states in national governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
FederalismParliament
The role of State Finance Commissions in building regional equity and strengthening the federal link has largely been underutilized. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismLocal Government
India's fiscal federalism is heavily vertical, transactional, and tax-centric. In light of this, critically examine the case for institutionalizing "resource federalism" to ensure more equitable and autonomous state-level economic development.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Local GovernmentFederalism
The cooperative nature of Indian federalism is being increasingly challenged by emerging differences in Centre-State relations. Discuss. What steps can be taken to strengthen the cooperative spirit of Indian federalism?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
"In the era of globalization, the concept of Para diplomacy has become increasingly important in shaping foreign policy, highlighting the growing significance of subnational actors in international relations". Elaborate in the context of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Bilateral RelationsFederalism
The Supreme Court's recent invocation of Article 142 to confer 'deemed assent' to state bills raises critical questions about the separation of powers. Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Separation of PowersJudiciary
In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Centre-State RelationsJudiciary
Discuss the key tension areas in centre state relations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Centre-State RelationsFederalism
Critically analyze the rationale behind the proposed amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, and its impact on India's federal structure.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Answer the following questions: 1. Discuss the role of Zonal Councils in fostering cooperative federalism in India. 2. How does the Indian Constitution embody the principle of secularism? Discuss its challenges. 3. Critically analyze the impact of Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, on the criminalization of politics in India. 4. Discuss the significance of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in a parliamentary democracy. 5. Discuss the Preamble as the bedrock of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its core principles.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
The Indian model of federalism strengthens the Union government more than the states, but at the same time, state-level government structures have been able to assert their independence in different political contexts. Clarify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential - it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence". To what extent does the Governor actively contribute to governance of a state, and reinforce principles of federalism?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
FederalismLocal Government
There are arguments that bills of national importance should be placed before the Inter-State Council prior to their introduction in the Parliament. Discuss in light of the issues that have been observed in the passage of bills in the Parliament in recent times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
FederalismCentre-State Relations
Discuss the causes and consequences of fiscal imbalance between the Centre and the states in India. How has the introduction of GST impacted the financial autonomy of states?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Centre-State RelationsFederalism