Federalism and Internal Security

Federalism and Internal Security क्या है?

Federalism in India refers to the constitutional division of powers between the Union (Central) government and the State governments. Internal Security pertains to the maintenance of peace, law, and order within the country's borders, safeguarding against threats such as insurgency, terrorism, communal violence, and organized crime. The Manipur violence highlights the interplay and challenges at the intersection of these two concepts.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

India adopted a quasi-federal structure, balancing a strong center with autonomous states, particularly after partition and the integration of princely states. Internal security challenges have been a constant feature, especially in border regions and areas with ethnic or ideological conflicts, leading to the evolution of specific laws and institutions to manage them.

मुख्य प्रावधान

7 points

1.
Division of Powers (Seventh Schedule): Delineates subjects into Union List (e.g., Defence, Armed Forces), State List (e.g., Public Order, Police), and Concurrent List (e.g., Criminal Law).
2.
Union's Duty to Protect States (Article 355): Mandates the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
3.
Emergency Provisions (Articles 352, 356, 360): Allow the Union government to assume greater powers during emergencies, including imposing President's Rule in states (Article 356) in case of failure of constitutional machinery.
4.
All-India Services (Article 312): IAS, IPS, IFS officers serve both Union and State governments, fostering administrative integration.
5.
Inter-State Council (Article 263): Established to promote coordination between the Union and States, and among States.
6.
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958: Grants special powers to armed forces in 'disturbed areas' to maintain public order. Its application in regions like Manipur has been controversial.
7.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP assist state police in maintaining law and order, especially in disturbed areas.

दृश्य सामग्री

Federalism & Internal Security: Focus on Northeast India

This map illustrates the geographical context of federalism and internal security challenges in Northeast India, particularly highlighting Manipur, and the presence of central forces, crucial for understanding the interplay of state and central powers.

📍Manipur — Ethnic violence (2023-25), AFSPA application
📍Nagaland — Insurgency, AFSPA, ongoing peace talks
📍Assam — Gateway to NE, historical insurgency, NRC issues
📍CRPF HQ, Delhi — Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployment control

Federalism & Internal Security: Constitutional Framework & Challenges

This mind map illustrates the constitutional division of powers related to internal security, the Union's role, and the challenges arising from their interplay, particularly in crisis situations like the Manipur violence.

Federalism & Internal Security

●Constitutional Division of Powers
●Union's Role & Powers
●Challenges & Debates (2023-25)

हालिया विकास

5 विकास

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The Manipur violence (2023) highlighted challenges in state-level law and order, the role of central forces, and the effectiveness of federal coordination in crisis management.

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Debates on the balance of power between the Union and States in managing internal security, especially in cases of prolonged ethnic or communal strife.

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Calls for police reforms and strengthening state police forces.

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Ongoing discussions on the withdrawal or modification of AFSPA in various regions.

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Increased focus on intelligence sharing and coordinated operations between central and state agencies to counter terrorism and insurgency.

स्रोत विषय

2023: A Year of Deferred Accountability and Missed Opposition Opportunities

Polity & Governance

UPSC महत्व

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance, Federal Structure, Centre-State Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security). Frequently asked in both Prelims (e.g., lists in Seventh Schedule, constitutional articles, AFSPA) and Mains (e.g., challenges to federalism, role of central forces, internal security threats, governance issues in disturbed areas).