The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system with a strong central government. Federalism in India is based on division of powers, financial arrangements, and coordinating mechanisms.
Characteristics of Indian Federalism:
1. Division of Powers:
Union List (92 subjects) - exclusive central government authority
State List (66 subjects) - exclusive state government authority
Concurrent List (47 subjects) - both Union and States can legislate
Residual powers go to Union
2. Asymmetrical Federalism:
Special status/provisions for specific states (J&K, NE states)
Different constitutional provisions for different regions
Reflects India's diversity
Centre-State Relations Mechanisms:
1. Constitutional Mechanisms:
Distribution of legislative, executive, and financial powers
Governor as constitutional intermediary
President's powers to ensure federal discipline
2. Administrative Coordination:
Inter-State Council (Article 263) - coordinates between states and Centre
All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) - create administrative cohesion
Regulatory bodies and commissions
3. Financial Relations:
Finance Commission (Article 280) - allocates tax revenue
Grants-in-aid provided by Centre
Centrally sponsored schemes
Statutory transfers and discretionary grants
4. Legislative Coordination:
Concurrent list enables cooperation
Bills requiring Presidential assent (state bills with federal implications)
Parliament's residual powers
5. Executive Coordination:
Governor's role in state governance
Article 356 (President's Rule) - federal intervention
Article 258 - delegation of powers
National Development Council (NDC) - coordinates policy
6. Dispute Resolution:
Supreme Court jurisdiction over Centre-State disputes
Original jurisdiction for inter-state disputes
Advisory opinions on constitutional questions
7. Cooperative Federalism Mechanisms:
NITI Aayog - superseded Planning Commission
Inter-ministerial committees
Joint task forces
State participation in national policy-making
Challenges in Centre-State Relations:
1. Fiscal Centralization:
Centre controls major revenue sources
States dependent on transfers
Unequal resource distribution
2. Functional Conflicts:
Overlapping jurisdiction in concurrent list
Implementation issues for central policies
States' resistance to central mandates
3. Political Conflicts:
Different ruling parties at Centre and States
Political differences affecting cooperation
Regional parties' growing influence
4. Implementation Issues:
Central schemes not adapted to local conditions
Administrative capacity gaps
Accountability issues
— ADITYA PATHAK · AIR 189