Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Cooperative Federalism, a concept gaining prominence in Indian governance, signifies a horizontal relationship between the Union and the States, and amongst the States themselves. It moves beyond the strictly defined division of powers outlined in the Constitution, emphasizing collaboration and consensus-building. While the Indian Constitution inherently leans towards a quasi-federal structure with a strong centre, the spirit of cooperative federalism has been increasingly invoked, particularly since the 1990s with economic liberalization and the rise of coalition governments. Recent examples like the GST Council and the NITI Aayog demonstrate a conscious effort to foster this collaborative approach, though tensions remain.
Historical Evolution and Constitutional Basis
The initial phase of Indian federalism (1950-1990) was characterized by a ‘coercive federalism’ where the Centre exerted significant control over the States, particularly through financial mechanisms like planning and resource allocation. The 1990s witnessed a shift towards cooperative federalism due to:
- Political factors: Rise of regional parties and coalition governments at the Centre necessitated consensus-building with States.
- Economic reforms: Liberalization required greater State participation in economic policy implementation.
- Constitutional provisions: Articles 268, 269, 270, 275, 282 provide for fiscal federalism and cooperative mechanisms. The Inter-State Council (Article 263) is a constitutional body intended to promote coordination.
Mechanisms of Cooperative Federalism
Several institutional mechanisms promote cooperative federalism in India:
- GST Council: Established under Article 246A, it exemplifies cooperative federalism by requiring consensus on GST rates and policies.
- NITI Aayog: Replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to policy-making with States as equal partners.
- Inter-State Council: Though underutilized for a long time, it has been revived to address inter-state disputes and promote coordination.
- Zonal Councils: Established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, these councils address issues of common interest among States in a particular zone.
- National Development Council (NDC): Though now defunct, it played a crucial role in coordinating development plans between the Centre and States.
Challenges to Cooperative Federalism
Despite the progress, cooperative federalism faces several challenges:
- Financial imbalances: States often depend heavily on central transfers, leading to a power imbalance. The 15th Finance Commission (2020-2026) recommendations have sparked debate regarding the criteria for devolution.
- Centre-State disputes: Disagreements over issues like resource sharing, environmental clearances, and implementation of central schemes are common.
- Governor’s role: The Governor’s role as an intermediary between the Centre and States is often controversial, with accusations of partisan behavior.
- Weakening of inter-state council: The Inter-State Council has not met frequently enough to effectively address inter-state disputes.
- Centralizing tendencies: Certain policies and legislative actions by the Centre are perceived as encroaching upon State autonomy.
Recent Developments
The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Agnipath scheme have seen varying degrees of state cooperation. While some states have embraced NEP, others have expressed reservations. Similarly, the Agnipath scheme faced resistance from several states concerned about recruitment and employment. These instances highlight the ongoing tension between central initiatives and state autonomy.
| Feature | Coercive Federalism | Cooperative Federalism |
|---|---|---|
| Centre-State Relationship | Dominant Centre, Subordinate States | Collaborative, Consensus-based |
| Financial Devolution | Centre controls resource allocation | Greater State autonomy in financial matters |
| Policy Making | Centre-led, States have limited say | Joint policy formulation, State participation |
Conclusion
Cooperative federalism remains an evolving concept in India. While significant strides have been made in fostering collaboration between the Centre and States, challenges related to financial imbalances, inter-state disputes, and the role of constitutional functionaries persist. Strengthening institutional mechanisms like the Inter-State Council, ensuring greater financial autonomy for States, and promoting a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue are crucial for realizing the full potential of cooperative federalism and ensuring a more harmonious and effective governance structure in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.