Institutions like the GST Council and NITI Aayog continue to provide platforms for dialogue, reinforcing the foundational principle of "self-rule with shared-rule" that underpins India's democratic success.
India’s Constitutional Framework: A Balance of Powers
- Federal Features:
- Written Constitution: A foundational document with well-defined procedure for amendment.
- Dual Polity: A system of government at both the Union and State levels.
- Bicameralism: Council of States (Rajya Sabha) representing the interests and aspirations of the states. It also acts as a check on potential majoritarianism in the Lok Sabha.
- Division of Powers: Legislative powers between Union and States through three lists in the under the Schedule VII.
- Unitary Features
- Strong Centre: Division of powers is tilted in favor of the central government. E.g., Primacy to Parliamentary legislations on subjects listed under Concurrent List.
- Single Constitution and Citizenship: Uniform laws and rights apply to all citizens across the country.
- Parliamentary Authority over States: Article 3 empowers Parliament to change the territories, areas, and boundaries of states by law, without requiring the states' consent.
- Others: Integrated Judiciary, All India Services, Emergency powers, Parliament can make laws to meet obligations arising from international treaties, etc.
Contemporary Challenges to the Federal Structure
- Fiscal Centralisation: e.g., Implementation of GST impacting financial autonomy of States.
- Administrative and Political Centralisation: e.g., use of the Disaster Management Act during the COVID-19 pandemic to impose nationwide lockdowns with ‘minimal state consultation’.
- Others: Reservation of Bill by Governors for Presidential Assent, devolution of taxes and revenues by Finance Commission, etc.
Conclusion
Institutions such as NITI Aayog embodying the ‘Team India’ spirit, bringing together the Centre and States as equal partners in nation-building, can help address emerging developmental challenges by evolving as a dynamic balance between unity and regional autonomy.
