2 minConstitutional Provision
Constitutional Provision

Federalism in India

Federalism in India क्या है?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units. India is a quasi-federal country, meaning it has features of both a federal and a unitary system, with a strong central government but also significant powers devolved to states.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The concept of federalism in India evolved from the Government of India Act 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy. The Constitution of India adopted a federal structure to accommodate India's vast diversity, while also ensuring national unity and integrity, leading to a unique 'union of states'.

मुख्य प्रावधान

11 points
  • 1.

    Dual Polity: Separate governments at the Centre and states.

  • 2.

    Written Constitution: Clearly defines powers and responsibilities.

  • 3.

    Division of Powers: Through Seventh Schedule (Union List, State List, Concurrent List) (Article 246).

  • 4.

    Supremacy of the Constitution: The ultimate law of the land.

  • 5.

    Independent Judiciary: To interpret the Constitution and resolve disputes (Supreme Court).

  • 6.

    Bicameralism: Parliament with two houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) representing states.

  • 7.

    Unitary Features: Strong Centre (residuary powers, emergency provisions, single citizenship, integrated judiciary, All India Services, Governor's appointment).

  • 8.

    Article 1: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

  • 9.

    Article 245-255: Legislative relations between Union and States.

  • 10.

    Article 256-263: Administrative relations between Union and States.

  • 11.

    Article 268-293: Financial relations between Union and States.

दृश्य सामग्री

Federalism in India: Features, Challenges & Electoral Context

A mind map illustrating the core features of Indian federalism, its 'quasi-federal' nature, and how electoral reforms like the 'Single Electoral Roll' proposal challenge its principles.

Federalism in India

  • ●Key Federal Features
  • ●Unitary Bias ('Quasi-Federal')
  • ●Cooperative & Competitive Federalism
  • ●Challenges to Federalism

हालिया विकास

6 विकास
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Increasing debates on Centre-State financial relations, especially regarding GST compensation and devolution of funds.

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Role of the Governor as a point of contention in many states.

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Challenges to cooperative federalism vs. competitive federalism.

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Impact of central schemes on state autonomy.

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Disputes over inter-state river waters and border issues.

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State governments asserting more control over subjects in the Concurrent List.

स्रोत विषय

CEC's Single Electoral Roll Proposal: A Flawed Idea for Indian Democracy?

Polity & Governance

UPSC महत्व

Extremely important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance). Frequently asked in both Prelims (features, articles, lists) and Mains (challenges, debates, role of institutions like Governor, financial federalism, cooperative vs. competitive federalism).

Federalism in India: Features, Challenges & Electoral Context

A mind map illustrating the core features of Indian federalism, its 'quasi-federal' nature, and how electoral reforms like the 'Single Electoral Roll' proposal challenge its principles.

Federalism in India

Dual Polity (Union & States)

Written Constitution

Division of Powers (7th Schedule)

Independent Judiciary

Strong Centre (Union List dominance)

Emergency Provisions (Art 352, 356)

Role of Governor

K.C. Wheare: 'Quasi-Federal'

NITI Aayog (Policy coordination)

Fiscal Federalism (GST, Finance Commission)

Union overreach into State subjects

Single Electoral Roll Proposal

Misuse of Governor's office

Connections
Key Federal Features→Unitary Bias ('Quasi-Federal')
Unitary Bias ('Quasi-Federal')→Cooperative & Competitive Federalism
Cooperative & Competitive Federalism→Challenges to Federalism
Challenges to Federalism→Key Federal Features