संघवाद को पुनर्परिभाषित करना: सहकारी शासन के लिए गैर-वर्चस्व के सिद्धांत पर आधारित समझौता

To fully grasp the nuances of the debate around redefining Indian federalism, several key concepts need to be understood.

The Rajamannar Committee (1969-1971), officially known as the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee, was established by the Tamil Nadu Government. It was the first state-appointed body to systematically examine Indian federalism and recommend reforms to ensure maximum State autonomy without harming national unity. Its recommendations, though not directly implemented, initiated serious federal debate and strengthened the intellectual foundation of cooperative federalism. The current report from Tamil Nadu builds upon the Rajamannar Committee's legacy by again raising crucial questions about the balance of power between the Union and the States.

Article 200 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Governor to assent to, withhold bills passed by the State legislature, or reserve them for the President’s consideration. However, the Constitution does not specify a time limit for the Governor to act, leading to delays and political tensions, as highlighted in the NALSAR survey. The current debate around redefining federalism includes calls for a constitutional amendment to address this loophole and ensure timely action on state bills.

Cooperative Federalism is a concept where the Union and the States cooperate and coordinate in the governance of the country. Granville Austin described it as a structure involving “a strong central, or general government, yet it does not necessarily result in weak provincial governments that are largely administrative agencies for central policies.” The current report from Tamil Nadu advocates for a return to the principles of cooperative federalism, where States are treated as equal partners and their autonomy is respected.

Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with President's Rule, allows the Union government to take control of a state government under certain conditions. The Rajamannar Committee had recommended its deletion or strict limitation to prevent arbitrary dismissal of State governments. The misuse of Article 356 has historically been a point of contention in Centre-State relations, and debates around redefining federalism often include discussions on limiting its application.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Questions can be framed on the historical evolution of Centre-State relations, the constitutional provisions governing federalism, and the recommendations of various committees and commissions. Mains questions can focus on the challenges to cooperative federalism and the need for reforms to strengthen State autonomy.