Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Indian federalism, as enshrined in the Constitution, is a unique blend of cooperative and competitive elements, occasionally punctuated by confrontations. While the Constitution establishes a clear division of powers between the Union and the States, the reality is a complex interplay of these forces. The recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meetings, the ongoing debate over the New Education Policy, and disputes over river water sharing exemplify this dynamic. Understanding how cooperation, competition, and confrontation have shaped Indian federalism is crucial to appreciating the functioning of India’s governance structure.
Cooperation: The Spirit of Collaborative Federalism
Cooperation, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, is the cornerstone of Indian federalism. This manifests in various institutional mechanisms like the Inter-State Council, zonal councils, and the GST Council.
- GST Council: The GST Council, a constitutional body, exemplifies cooperative federalism. States actively participate in decision-making regarding tax rates and policies, demonstrating a shared approach to economic governance. Recent debates regarding compensation to states post-pandemic, while contentious, were resolved through negotiation within the Council.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): During natural disasters like cyclones and floods, the Centre and States collaborate closely through the NDMA, sharing resources and coordinating relief efforts.
- NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism through its initiatives like the Aspirational Districts program, fostering collaboration between the Centre and States to improve socio-economic indicators.
Competition: Healthy Rivalry and Policy Innovation
Competition among states, often termed ‘competitive federalism’, can drive innovation and improve governance. States compete to attract investment, improve infrastructure, and enhance human development indices.
- Ease of Doing Business Rankings: The ranking of states based on the ease of doing business, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), encourages states to improve their regulatory environment and attract investment.
- Agricultural Reforms: States like Punjab and Haryana initially resisted the Central government’s agricultural reforms (2020), fearing disruption to their existing agricultural marketing systems, showcasing competitive dynamics.
- Investment Promotion: States actively compete to attract foreign and domestic investment by offering incentives and creating favorable business climates. For example, states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have consistently attracted significant FDI.
Confrontation: Areas of Discord and Conflict
Confrontation arises when there are conflicting interests between the Centre and States, or among States themselves. This can manifest in disputes over legislative competence, resource allocation, and policy implementation.
- West Bengal vs. Centre (Nia Sharma case): The recent standoff between the West Bengal government and the CBI regarding the investigation into the Nia Sharma case highlights the potential for confrontation over investigative powers and jurisdictional issues.
- River Water Disputes: Disputes over the sharing of river waters, such as the Cauvery River dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana, are long-standing examples of inter-state confrontation.
- Farm Laws Protests (2020-21): The protests against the farm laws demonstrated a significant confrontation between the Centre and farmers, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, highlighting concerns about the Centre’s legislative competence and impact on state autonomy.
The Supreme Court often plays a crucial role in mediating these confrontations, interpreting the Constitution and upholding the federal balance.
Conclusion
The nature of Indian federation is a constantly evolving process, shaped by the interplay of cooperation, competition, and confrontation. While cooperative federalism remains the dominant ethos, healthy competition and occasional confrontations are inevitable in a diverse and dynamic country like India. Strengthening institutional mechanisms for inter-governmental coordination, promoting greater fiscal decentralization, and fostering a spirit of mutual respect are essential to ensure a robust and resilient federal structure. The future of Indian federalism hinges on striking a delicate balance between national unity and regional autonomy.
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.