19 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Tamil Nadu CM Calls for Constitutional Amendment for Federalism

Tamil Nadu CM advocates amending the Constitution to grant more powers to States.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin asserted that federalism is the foundation of India's pluralistic character and advocated for amending the Constitution to make it more federal. He stated that such amendments would not weaken the Union of India.

Stalin highlighted that the Union government retains excessive power and exercises it autocratically, disrespecting the States. He emphasized the need for State governments to be empowered and not dependent on the Union. The Chief Minister tabled the first part of the report of the Justice Kurian Joseph High Level Committee on Union-State Relations in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, underscoring the DMK's advocacy for State autonomy and federalism.

Key Facts

Tamil Nadu CM advocates for amending the Constitution to make it more federal.

He believes this will not weaken the Union of India.

He says the Union government exercises power autocratically.

He emphasizes the need for State governments to be empowered and not dependent on the Union.

The CM tabled the first part of the report of the Justice Kurian Joseph High Level Committee on Union-State Relations.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Indian Polity - Federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Connects to the syllabus through the study of constitutional provisions, amendments, and the role of various commissions on Centre-State relations.

Potential question types include statement-based questions on the features of Indian federalism, and analytical questions on the challenges to cooperative federalism.

In Simple Words

Federalism is like dividing responsibilities between the central government and state governments. Each has its own powers. The Tamil Nadu CM wants states to have more power, so they can better address local issues.

India Angle

In India, this affects how states can create their own policies on things like education, healthcare, and local business. If states have more power, they can make rules that fit their specific needs, instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach from the central government.

For Instance

Think of it like a housing society. The central committee (central government) makes broad rules, but each building (state government) can make specific rules for its residents. More power to the building means they can address their unique problems better.

If states have more power, they can respond better to local needs, leading to better services and policies that directly affect your daily life.

More power to the states means policies that are closer to the people.

More Information

Background

The concept of federalism in India is rooted in its diverse social, cultural, and linguistic landscape. While the Indian Constitution establishes a Union of States, it leans towards a strong central government, often described as a quasi-federal system. The distribution of powers between the Union and the States is defined through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Historically, demands for greater state autonomy have been voiced by various states, particularly in the southern region. These demands often revolve around fiscal autonomy, legislative powers, and representation in national decision-making bodies. Committees like the Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988) and the Punchhi Commission (2007-2010) were set up to review Union-State relations and recommend measures for a more balanced federal structure. Their reports have served as important reference points for discussions on federalism in India. The Constitution itself has provisions that allow for adjustments in the federal balance. Article 368 provides the procedure for amending the Constitution, including provisions that affect the distribution of powers between the Union and the States. Amendments altering the federal structure typically require ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the States.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been renewed emphasis on cooperative federalism, with initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council aiming to foster collaboration between the Union and the States on economic matters. However, disagreements persist regarding the distribution of GST revenues and the imposition of cesses and surcharges by the Union government, which are not shared with the States. The Fifteenth Finance Commission (2020-2025) made recommendations on the devolution of taxes to the States, taking into account factors like population, area, and income distance. These recommendations have sparked debates about fairness and equity in the distribution of resources. Some states have expressed concerns about the criteria used for devolution and their impact on their financial autonomy. Looking ahead, the debate on federalism is likely to continue, with states advocating for greater fiscal and legislative powers. The success of cooperative federalism will depend on the ability of the Union and the States to address their differences through dialogue and consensus-building.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is federalism and why is it important in the Indian context?

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states). It's important in India due to its diverse social, cultural, and linguistic landscape, ensuring representation and autonomy for different regions.

2. What are the key facts related to Tamil Nadu CM's call for constitutional amendment for Prelims?

Key facts include: Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin advocating for amending the Constitution to grant more powers to States, his belief that this won't weaken the Union, his criticism of the Union government's autocratic exercise of power, and the tabling of the Justice Kurian Joseph High Level Committee report on Union-State Relations.

3. What is the constitutional basis for Union-State relations in India?

The Indian Constitution establishes a division of powers between the Union and the States through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. While India is a 'Union of States,' it leans towards a strong central government, often described as a quasi-federal system.

4. Why is Tamil Nadu CM calling for a constitutional amendment to strengthen federalism?

The Tamil Nadu CM believes the Union government exercises excessive power autocratically and disrespects the States. He emphasizes the need for State governments to be empowered and not dependent on the Union, advocating for greater State autonomy.

5. What are the potential benefits of amending the Constitution to grant more powers to States?

Increased state autonomy could lead to policies better tailored to local needs, improved governance, and greater accountability. It could also foster a stronger sense of regional identity and participation in the democratic process.

6. What are the potential drawbacks of amending the Constitution to grant more powers to States?

Increased state autonomy could potentially lead to regional disparities, weaken national unity, and create challenges in implementing uniform national policies. There might also be concerns about states misusing their increased powers.

7. What is the Justice Kurian Joseph High Level Committee on Union-State Relations?

The Justice Kurian Joseph High Level Committee on Union-State Relations is a committee formed to review and recommend improvements to the relationship between the Union government and the State governments in India. The Tamil Nadu CM tabled the first part of the report in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

8. How does the concept of cooperative federalism relate to the current debate on Union-State relations?

Cooperative federalism emphasizes collaboration between the Union and the States. Initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council aim to foster this collaboration on economic matters. However, disagreements persist regarding revenue distribution, highlighting the ongoing tensions.

9. What reforms are needed to improve Union-State relations in India, according to the topic?

Based on available information, reforms should focus on empowering State governments, reducing their dependence on the Union, and ensuring the Union government respects State autonomy. Amending the Constitution to grant more powers to States is one suggested reform.

10. What are the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List?

The Union List contains subjects on which the Union government can make laws, the State List contains subjects on which State governments can make laws, and the Concurrent List contains subjects on which both can make laws, with Union law prevailing in case of conflict.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of federalism in India: 1. The Indian Constitution establishes a purely federal system with equal powers to the Union and the States. 2. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution delineates the distribution of powers between the Union and the States. 3. Article 368 of the Constitution provides the procedure for amending the Constitution, including provisions affecting the federal structure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Indian Constitution establishes a quasi-federal system, not a purely federal system. It leans towards a strong central government. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution does delineate the distribution of powers between the Union and the States through the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Article 368 does provide the procedure for amending the Constitution, including provisions that affect the federal structure, requiring ratification by states in certain cases.

2. Which of the following committees/commissions have specifically addressed Union-State relations in India? 1. Sarkaria Commission 2. Punchhi Commission 3. Finance Commission Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

The Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988) and the Punchhi Commission (2007-2010) were specifically set up to review Union-State relations and recommend measures for a more balanced federal structure. The Finance Commission, constituted every five years under Article 280, also plays a crucial role in Union-State financial relations by recommending principles governing the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States.

3. In the context of Indian federalism, what does the term 'cooperative federalism' generally imply?

A.A system where states have complete autonomy from the Union government.
B.A system where the Union government controls all aspects of governance in the states.
C.A system where the Union and the States cooperate and collaborate to achieve common goals.
D.A system where the Union government provides financial assistance to states without any conditions.

Show Answer

Answer: C

'Cooperative federalism' implies a system where the Union and the States cooperate and collaborate to achieve common goals. This involves mutual consultation, coordination, and a shared understanding of national priorities. It is contrasted with competitive federalism, where states compete with each other.