2 Mar 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Webinar Highlights Opportunities to Reform India's Federal Structure

Experts discuss fiscal federalism, legislative power, and Governor's role.

A webinar titled "Constitution Under the Microscope: Federalism, Free Speech and the Indian Republic" addressed critical aspects of India's federal structure. Advocate Suhrith Parthasarathy proposed restoring fiscal federalism, rebalancing legislative power between the Centre and States, and reforming the role of Governors to interpret the Constitution with a federal perspective. Advocate Akila R. noted the potential difficulty of amending the Constitution to enhance federalism given the current political climate. A. Vinay Kumar highlighted that coalition governments have historically presented opportunities to reform India's federal structure. The webinar also touched upon the issue of hate speeches by politicians and the necessity for authentic content in public discourse.

The discussion emphasized the importance of addressing strained Centre-State relations and re-evaluating the role of Governors in the context of Indian federalism. The suggestions included empowering states financially, giving them more legislative autonomy, and ensuring Governors act as impartial interpreters of the Constitution, favoring a balanced federal approach. The concerns raised about the feasibility of constitutional amendments reflect the existing political challenges in altering the fundamental structure of Indian governance.

This webinar is relevant for understanding the ongoing debates surrounding federalism in India, particularly in the context of Centre-State relations and constitutional interpretation. It is pertinent for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations).

Key Facts

The webinar was on “Constitution Under the Microscope: Federalism, Free Speech and the Indian Republic”.

The webinar discussed strained Centre-State ties.

The webinar discussed the role of Governors.

The webinar discussed the importance of free speech.

Advocate Suhrith Parthasarathy suggested restoring fiscal federalism.

Advocate Suhrith Parthasarathy suggested rebalancing legislative power.

Advocate Suhrith Parthasarathy suggested reforming the role of Governors.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations - Federalism, Centre-State relations, Role of Governor, Constitutional Amendments

Connects to the syllabus topics of Indian Constitution, Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

Potential question types: Analytical questions on the challenges to Indian federalism, the need for reforms, and the role of institutions in upholding the federal structure. Statement-based MCQs on constitutional provisions related to federalism, the role of the Governor, and the process of constitutional amendment.

In Simple Words

India is a union of states, and the central government shares power with state governments. Sometimes, there are disagreements about how this power is shared. Experts are suggesting ways to make sure states have more say in financial matters and that the people in charge of states (Governors) are fair to everyone.

India Angle

Think about how state governments decide on local issues like roads, schools, and hospitals. If they don't have enough money or if the Governor favors the central government too much, it can affect these services and make life harder for ordinary people.

For Instance

Imagine your apartment building where the managing committee (like the central government) decides how much each flat (state) has to pay for maintenance. If some flats feel they're being charged unfairly, it creates tension and affects everyone.

When the states and the central government work together smoothly, everyone benefits. It means better services, fair decisions, and a stronger India.

A strong India needs strong and happy states.

A webinar on "Constitution Under the Microscope: Federalism, Free Speech and the Indian Republic" discussed strained Centre-State ties, the role of Governors, and the importance of free speech. Advocate Suhrith Parthasarathy suggested restoring fiscal federalism, rebalancing legislative power, and reforming the role of Governors to interpret the Constitution with a federal tilt. Advocate Akila R.

noted that amending the Constitution to make it more federal may not be feasible in the current political scenario. A. Vinay Kumar observed that India had opportunities to reform its federal structure during coalition governments.

The webinar also addressed hate speeches by politicians and the need for authentic content.

Expert Analysis

The webinar's discussion brings several key concepts of Indian polity into focus, particularly concerning the balance of power between the Centre and the States. One such concept is Fiscal Federalism, which refers to the financial relationship and division of financial powers between the central and state governments. This includes revenue sharing, grants, and the ability of states to raise their own resources. Advocate Parthasarathy's suggestion to restore fiscal federalism implies a need to re-evaluate the current distribution of financial resources, potentially giving states greater control over their finances and reducing their dependence on the Centre. This is crucial for states to effectively implement development programs and address local needs, fostering a more balanced and equitable federal structure.

Another critical concept is the Role of the Governor. In India, the Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President on the advice of the central government. The Governor's role has often been a point of contention, particularly when the state government is politically different from the central government. The Governor has discretionary powers, including the power to reserve bills for presidential assent and to invite a party to form the government in case of a hung assembly. Reforming the role of Governors, as suggested in the webinar, could involve establishing clearer guidelines for the exercise of discretionary powers and ensuring that Governors act in a non-partisan manner, upholding the principles of federalism.

The concept of Constitutional Amendment is also central to the discussion. Amending the Constitution requires a special majority in both houses of Parliament (Article 368). Some changes also require ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the states. Advocate Akila R.'s observation about the difficulty of amending the Constitution to enhance federalism highlights the political challenges involved in altering the basic structure of the Constitution. Any attempt to significantly alter the federal structure would require broad political consensus, which may be difficult to achieve in the current political climate.

Finally, the webinar touched upon Free Speech. While not directly related to federalism, the discussion on hate speeches by politicians underscores the importance of balancing free speech with the need to maintain social harmony and prevent incitement to violence. Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but this right is subject to reasonable restrictions, including those imposed in the interest of public order and morality. The need for authentic content in public discourse is essential for informed decision-making and the proper functioning of democracy.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both Prelims and Mains. Questions can be framed on the constitutional provisions related to federalism (Articles 1-4, 245-293), the role of the Governor (Articles 153-162), the process of constitutional amendment (Article 368), and the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19). Mains questions can focus on the challenges to Indian federalism, the need for reforms, and the role of institutions in upholding the federal structure.

Visual Insights

Reforming India's Federal Structure: Key Aspects

A mind map illustrating the key areas for reform in India's federal structure as highlighted in the webinar, including fiscal federalism, legislative power, and the role of Governors.

Reforming India's Federal Structure

●Fiscal Federalism
●Legislative Power
●Role of Governors
●Free Speech

More Information

Background

The Indian federal structure, as enshrined in the Constitution, establishes a division of powers between the Union government and the State governments. This division is primarily outlined in the Seventh Schedule, which contains three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List includes subjects over which the Union government has exclusive power to legislate, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency. The State List includes subjects over which the State governments have exclusive power to legislate, such as public order, police, and local government. The Concurrent List includes subjects over which both the Union and State governments can legislate, such as education, criminal law, and economic planning. However, the Indian federal system is often described as quasi-federal, as the Union government has greater powers compared to the States. For instance, the Union government can legislate on any subject in the State List if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution to that effect by a two-thirds majority (Article 249). Additionally, the Union government has the power to appoint Governors, who act as the constitutional heads of the States and represent the Union government. These factors contribute to the ongoing debates about the balance of power between the Centre and the States and the need for reforms to strengthen federalism. The Government of India Act 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, was a key step in the evolution of Indian governance. It introduced dyarchy at the provincial level, dividing subjects into 'transferred' (controlled by Indian ministers) and 'reserved' (controlled by British governors). While this act aimed to increase Indian participation, it maintained significant British control, laying the groundwork for future constitutional reforms and the eventual demand for complete self-rule.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been several developments related to Centre-State relations in India. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented in 2017, has significantly altered the financial relationship between the Centre and the States. While GST has streamlined the indirect tax system, it has also led to concerns about the States' dependence on the Centre for revenue. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained Centre-State relations, as States demanded greater financial assistance from the Centre to manage the crisis. The role of Governors has also been a subject of debate. In several States, the actions of Governors have been criticized as being politically motivated, particularly in cases where the Governor has delayed assent to bills passed by the State legislature or has played a controversial role in government formation. This has led to calls for reforms to ensure that Governors act in a non-partisan manner and uphold the principles of federalism. The Punchhi Commission, which was set up to examine Centre-State relations, has made several recommendations on the role of Governors, including the need for clear guidelines for the exercise of discretionary powers. Looking ahead, there is a growing recognition of the need to strengthen federalism in India. This could involve greater devolution of financial resources to the States, greater autonomy for the States in decision-making, and reforms to ensure that institutions like the Governor act in a non-partisan manner. The 16th Finance Commission, constituted in 2023, will play a crucial role in shaping the financial relationship between the Centre and the States for the next five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. The webinar discussed restoring fiscal federalism. What exactly does that mean, and why is it being proposed now?

Restoring fiscal federalism refers to giving states more financial autonomy and control over their resources. Currently, states rely heavily on the central government for funds. The proposal is likely driven by recent concerns over GST implementation and states' increased dependence on the Centre for revenue, as well as the perception that the Centre is encroaching on states' financial powers.

2. The article mentions reforming the role of Governors. What's the core issue with the Governor's role that requires reform?

The core issue is that Governors are often seen as agents of the central government, rather than impartial constitutional heads of state. This can lead to political interference in state affairs, especially when different parties are in power at the Centre and in the states. The webinar suggests Governors should interpret the Constitution with a federal perspective, meaning they should prioritize the balance of power between the Centre and the States.

3. How could the discussion on federalism, free speech, and the role of Governors be relevant to UPSC Mains GS Paper 2?

This discussion directly relates to GS Paper 2 topics like: the Indian Constitution (federal structure, amendments), functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, and the role of the Governor. A question could ask you to critically examine the challenges to Indian federalism and suggest reforms, drawing upon the arguments presented in the webinar.

Exam Tip

When answering such questions, remember to provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the Centre's and the States' concerns. Also, cite relevant constitutional articles and case laws to support your arguments.

4. The webinar mentioned coalition governments as opportunities to reform federal structure. Why are coalition governments seen as conducive to federal reforms?

Coalition governments, being dependent on the support of regional parties, are often more willing to accommodate the demands of states for greater autonomy and financial resources. Regional parties can exert pressure on the central government to address their concerns related to federalism in exchange for their continued support.

5. For UPSC Prelims, what is a potential factual question related to the Seventh Schedule that could be asked based on this news?

A potential question could be: 'Which of the following subjects falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule? (a) Defence (b) Foreign Affairs (c) Public Health (d) Currency'. The correct answer is (c) Public Health. Examiners might try to trick you by including subjects that seem like state responsibilities but are actually in the Union or Concurrent List.

Exam Tip

Memorize the key subjects under each list (Union, State, Concurrent) of the Seventh Schedule. Pay special attention to subjects that are frequently debated in the context of Centre-State relations.

6. The webinar touched upon hate speech. How does the issue of hate speech relate to the broader discussion on federalism and free speech in India?

The issue of hate speech highlights the tension between the right to free speech (Article 19) and the need to maintain social harmony and prevent incitement to violence. In a federal context, different states may have different approaches to regulating hate speech, leading to potential conflicts between state laws and central guidelines. Also, hate speech by politicians can further strain Centre-State relations if the central government is perceived as not taking adequate action against it.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Fiscal Federalism in India: 1. It primarily deals with the financial relations between the Union Government and the State Governments. 2. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has no impact on Fiscal Federalism as it is solely administered by the Union Government. 3. The Finance Commission is a constitutional body that recommends measures to govern Fiscal Federalism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Fiscal Federalism indeed deals with the financial relations between the Union and State Governments, including revenue sharing and grants. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: GST has a significant impact on Fiscal Federalism as it altered the revenue-sharing dynamics and increased States' dependence on the Centre. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Finance Commission is a constitutional body (Article 280) that recommends measures to govern Fiscal Federalism.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Governor in the Indian federal system? A) The Governor is elected by the State Legislative Assembly. B) The Governor is appointed by the President of India and acts as the representative of the Union Government in the State. C) The Governor has the power to legislate on any subject in the State List. D) The Governor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the State Government.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is correct: The Governor is appointed by the President of India (Article 155) and acts as the representative of the Union Government in the State. The Governor is not elected by the State Legislative Assembly. The Governor does not have the power to legislate on any subject in the State List; this power lies with the State Legislature. The Governor is not responsible for the day-to-day administration of the State Government; this is the responsibility of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.

3. In the context of the Indian Constitution, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the amendment procedure? 1. A constitutional amendment requires a special majority in both houses of Parliament. 2. Some constitutional amendments also require ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the states. 3. A constitutional amendment can be initiated only in the Lok Sabha. 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: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 368 specifies that a constitutional amendment requires a special majority (two-thirds of the members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership of the House) in both houses of Parliament. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Certain amendments, particularly those affecting the federal structure, require ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the states. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: A constitutional amendment can be initiated in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

4. Which of the following subjects falls under the State List as per the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution? A) Defence B) Foreign Affairs C) Public Order D) Currency

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct: Public Order falls under the State List as per the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Currency fall under the Union List.