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GAURAV OJHAAIR 204· 2025

Question Q11ExplainGS2GS2

Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations?

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Main Body

While India has a federal structure, the constitution doesn't have "Federation" anywhere. It calls India a "union of states".

The reason is to comply philosophical unity –

1. Indian state have not come together as an agreement. They all constitute India already.

2. India is a union of states, not by agreement. So, no state has power to leave it.

3. The territorial integrity of states is not guaranteed. Parliament can alter their boundaries by simple amendment. Thus, India continues to be a union,

not a federation.

Different from American history, where the states to agreed to come together as one nation. There is also asymmetric federalism (by Art 371) to cater to specific needs of states. However, the notion of NON- independent identity of state has led to centre-state tensions-

1Appointment of Governor by the Centre. by Tamil Nadu Governor reserving state subject bills for Centre.
2Application of President's Rule, suspending state government.
3Recent tussle after change in status of Jammu and Kashmir
4Fiscal relations tension- States' claim that Centre takes up major portion of revenue.
5Centre interfering by legislating on state subjects. by recent farm laws.

— GAURAV OJHA · AIR 204

194 words11 paragraphs

Conclusion

However, the Supreme Court has stated that 'federalism' is a basic feature of the Constitution. In this regards, recommendation of Sarkaria Commission, such as inter-state councils, non-partisan governor, rare use of President's Rule, etc. and Punchhi Commission Finance Commission should be adopted to ensure harmonious relation between Centre & State.

50 words

Examiner score
1.5/10

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Page 23

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Topper

GAURAV OJHA

AIR 2042025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Federalism

Union and State Functions

Writing Stats

244

Total words

11

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative centre, is a medium sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute and some privately owned skill training centres. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometres from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to new industry. In 2010 Anil, an industrialist, decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labour and got them trained at the skill training centres at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW. APW started production in 2011 with the labour drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care centre and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the needy. In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improve the village habitat. APW had developed a reputation of high-quality production and a motivated workforce. Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons.

20M2020Critically analyse