Understanding Federalism in India

Objectives of Federalism in India

Safeguarding and promoting national unity while accommodating regional diversity are the primary objectives of federalism in India. Two crucial aspects underpin the practice of federalism:

1. Governments at different levels should agree to power-sharing rules.
2. Mutual trust is essential, with each level adhering to the agreed-upon arrangements.

An ideal federal system embodies both mutual trust and a shared commitment to coexistence.

Types of Federations

Coming Together Federations

Independent states voluntarily unite to form a larger entity, pooling sovereignty while retaining their identities to enhance security. Examples include the USA, Switzerland, and Australia. In such federations, constituent states typically possess equal power and hold a strong position relative to the federal government.

Holding Together Federations

A large country chooses to divide powers between constituent states and the national government. India, Spain, and Belgium exemplify this model. In these cases, the central government tends to wield more power than the states, often leading to unequal power distribution among constituent units. Some units may be granted special powers.

Federalism in India: Key Aspects

Linguistic States

The creation of linguistic states marked a significant test for Indian democracy. It aimed to ensure that people sharing a language resided within the same state. While some states were formed based on culture, ethnicity, or geography, the emphasis on language fostered national unity and streamlined administration.

Language Policy

India's Constitution refrained from granting any language national language status. Hindi, spoken by about 40% of Indians, was designated as the official language. Safeguards were implemented to protect other languages, with 21 recognized as Scheduled Languages. States also have their own official languages.

Centre-State Relations

The practical functioning of constitutional power-sharing arrangements hinges on how ruling parties and leaders uphold them. The rise of regional parties and coalition governments after 1990 fostered a culture of power sharing and respect for state autonomy. A Supreme Court judgment further strengthened this trend by making arbitrary dismissal of state governments by the central government more difficult.

Strengthening Centre-State Relations After 1990

Change in Central Government Attitude

Prolonged rule by a single party at both central and state levels previously hindered state autonomy. The emergence of coalition governments led to a shift in dynamics, promoting power sharing and respecting state autonomy.

Rise of Regional Parties and Coalition Governments

Coalition governments at the center ushered in a new era of power sharing and respect for state autonomy. This shift was bolstered by a Supreme Court ruling that made it harder for the central government to arbitrarily dismiss state governments.

Three-Tier System of Administration

Village Panchayat

At the grassroots level, village panchayats govern villages or groups of villages. These councils comprise elected ward members (panch) and a president (sarpanch), directly elected by adult villagers.

Block Samiti or Panchayat Samiti

Several gram panchayats form a Panchayat Samiti (block or mandal). Members of this body are elected by panchayat members within that area.

Zilla Parishad

All Panchayat Samitis within a district constitute the Zilla Parishad. Its members are primarily elected, including Lok Sabha members, MLAs, and officials from district-level bodies. The Zilla Parishad chairperson serves as its political head.

Urban Local Governments

Municipalities govern towns, while larger cities have municipal corporations. Both are overseen by elected bodies. The political heads are the municipal chairperson and the mayor, respectively.

Features of Local Governments

1. Three-Tier Structure: The Constitution initially provided for a two-tier system (Union and State governments), later adding Panchayats and Municipalities as the third tier.
2. Reservation: Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in elected bodies and executive positions.
3. Women's Representation: At least one-third of positions in local bodies are reserved for women.
4. State Election Commission: An independent body conducts panchayat and municipal elections in each state.
5. Power and Revenue Sharing: State governments share powers and revenue with local bodies, with variations in the nature of sharing across states.