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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY202310 Marks
Q10.

The book comprises of twelve chapters.

How to Approach

This question, while seemingly simple, is a test of comprehension and the ability to extrapolate meaning. It requires the candidate to treat the statement as a prompt for a descriptive response, essentially asking for a summary or analysis *as if* the statement were the introduction to a larger work. The answer should demonstrate strong writing skills, logical organization, and the ability to build a coherent narrative. Focus on developing a plausible scenario for a book comprised of twelve chapters, outlining potential themes, arguments, or a storyline.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The statement "The book comprises of twelve chapters" is a foundational declaration, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of its contents. While lacking specific context, it invites a creative and analytical response, demanding the construction of a narrative around this basic premise. A book, by its very nature, is a structured collection of ideas, stories, or information, and the number of chapters suggests a degree of complexity and depth. This response will outline a hypothetical book, detailing its potential subject matter, chapter organization, and overall purpose, treating the given statement as the starting point for a comprehensive overview.

A Hypothetical Book: "The Fractured Consensus: India's Evolving Federalism"

Let us assume the book in question is titled "The Fractured Consensus: India's Evolving Federalism." This title suggests a focus on the dynamics of centre-state relations in India, a topic of significant contemporary relevance. The twelve chapters would be structured to provide a comprehensive analysis of this complex subject.

Chapter Breakdown & Content

  • Chapter 1: Foundations of Indian Federalism: A historical overview of the evolution of federalism in India, tracing its roots from the Government of India Act, 1935, to the Constitution of 1950.
  • Chapter 2: Constitutional Provisions & Centre-State Relations: Detailed examination of Articles 245-263 of the Constitution, outlining the legislative, administrative, and financial powers of the Union and the States.
  • Chapter 3: Legislative Relations: Analysis of the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States, including the role of the Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Chapter 4: Administrative Relations: Examination of the mechanisms for coordination and cooperation between the Union and the States in administrative matters, including All India Services.
  • Chapter 5: Financial Relations: A critical assessment of the financial arrangements between the Union and the States, including tax devolution, grants-in-aid, and the role of the Finance Commission (established under Article 280).
  • Chapter 6: Inter-State Relations: Exploration of the mechanisms for resolving disputes between States, including the role of the Inter-State Council (established under Article 263).
  • Chapter 7: The Role of Governors: An analysis of the position and powers of Governors as representatives of the Union Government in the States.
  • Chapter 8: Emergency Provisions & Federalism: Examination of the impact of emergency provisions (Articles 352, 356, and 360) on the federal structure of India.
  • Chapter 9: Centre-State Conflicts: A Historical Perspective: Case studies of major Centre-State conflicts in post-independent India, such as the Naga insurgency, the Punjab crisis, and the Cauvery water dispute.
  • Chapter 10: The Rise of Competitive Federalism: Analysis of the emergence of competitive federalism in India, driven by economic liberalization and political decentralization.
  • Chapter 11: Regionalism & Sub-Nationalism: Examination of the factors contributing to the rise of regionalism and sub-nationalism in India, and their impact on federalism.
  • Chapter 12: The Future of Indian Federalism: A forward-looking assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing Indian federalism, including the need for greater fiscal autonomy for States and improved mechanisms for inter-governmental coordination.

Comparative Analysis of Federal Models

To provide context, the book would also include a comparative analysis of federal models in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This would highlight the unique features of Indian federalism and the challenges it faces.

Country Key Features of Federalism Relevance to India
United States Dual Federalism, Strong States' Rights Illustrates a contrasting model to India's cooperative federalism.
Canada Cooperative Federalism, Strong Central Government Provides insights into managing regional diversity and linguistic tensions.
Australia Federalism with a Written Constitution, High Court as Interpreter Demonstrates the importance of judicial review in safeguarding federal principles.

Methodology & Approach

The book would employ a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on constitutional law, political science, economics, and history. It would rely on primary sources, such as constitutional documents, court judgments, and government reports, as well as secondary sources, such as academic articles and books. The analysis would be grounded in empirical evidence and informed by theoretical frameworks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statement "The book comprises of twelve chapters" serves as a springboard for envisioning a comprehensive work on a complex topic like Indian federalism. The proposed structure, with its detailed chapter breakdown and comparative analysis, aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics of centre-state relations in India. Such a book would be valuable for students, scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing India's federal system. The future of Indian federalism hinges on adapting to changing socio-political realities while upholding the constitutional principles of unity and diversity.

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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Federalism
A system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states or provinces).
Cooperative Federalism
A concept where the central and state governments collaborate and work together in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, rather than operating in a strictly hierarchical manner.

Key Statistics

As of 2023, India has 28 states and 8 union territories.

Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

The share of states in the divisible pool of central taxes, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, is 41%.

Source: Fifteenth Finance Commission Report (Knowledge Cutoff: 2021)

Examples

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

The implementation of GST in 2017 is a prime example of cooperative federalism, requiring consensus and coordination between the Union Government and all State Governments.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the role of the Finance Commission in Indian federalism?

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body that recommends the principles governing the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, ensuring fiscal equity and efficiency.

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