Federalism in India
Federalism in India
Federalism in India
General Studies-2; Topic: 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
Federalism in India
1) Introduction
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and
constituent political units.
The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure to the Indian government, declaring it to be
a "Union of States".
Indian model of federalism is called quasi-federal system as it contains major features of both a
federation and union.
2) Evolution
In India, Between 321 and 185 B.C. in Magadha, the Mauryans for the first time assimilated a
number of kingdoms and republics which might be the first sub-continental state in Indian history
India.
The Mughals, beginning with Sher Shah’s land revenue system and Akbar’s division of his empire
into Provinces provide excellent examples of a federal government.
The turning point in India’s federal scheme came when it was taken over by the British forces.
The genesis of the present federal system in India lies in the Simon Report of May 1930 which
supported the idea of a federal government in India.
The Government of India Act 1935 aimed to establish India as a Federation of States.
4) Merits
Division of power helps in the easy governance of the country.
The independent judiciary is a merit for the nation as it helps in proper remedy for rights.
The motto of “Unity in diversity” has been very important to India and a federal government helps
to establish a country with mutual tolerance and existence.
The Governor is appointed by the President. Through him the centre exercises control over the
states.
The governor is empowered to reserve certain types of bills passed by the state legislature for the
consideration of the president. The president enjoys absolute veto over state bills.
8) Way Forward
We need to strike a balance between both unitary and federal features of the country.
States should be autonomous in their own sphere but they can’t be wholly independent to avoid a
state of tyranny in the nation.
Long-term solution is to foster genuine fiscal federalism where states largely raise their own
revenue.
Creating a fiscal structure where the states have greater revenue-raising authority, as well as
greater decision making power on spending.
India needs to move away from centralization-decentralization thinking, and embrace genuine fiscal
federalism by permanently creating a fiscal power centre in the states.