Day 6 – Q 2. Apart from devising a constitutional arrangement for demarcation of authority between the two sets of government, federalism seems to have complemented processes towards democratising governance in India. Comment.

2. Apart from devising a constitutional arrangement for demarcation of authority between the two sets of government, federalism seems to have complemented processes towards democratising governance in India. Comment. (Indian Polity)

2. ऐसा लगता है कि सरकार के दो सेटों के बीच प्राधिकरण की सीमा के लिए एक संवैधानिक व्यवस्था तैयार करने के अलावा, संघवाद ने भारत में लोकतांत्रिक शासन की दिशा में प्रक्रियाओं को पूरक बनाया है। टिप्पणी करें।

Approach:

Most of the people score low in GS-2 because of misinterpretation of the question. Here the question asks about how federalism is maintained in India in present times, despite so many obstacles from Center during early post-independence days even though it has been safeguarded by the constitution.

Answer:

Introduction:

Indian constitution provides for a federal structure, but during early independence days, there was a blatant violation of federal principles by the central government. With passing time, federalism has evolved in such a manner that it gives state government freedom from undue excess.

Body:

Federalism as a means for demarcation of authority:

• Separate lists for Union and states that with no interference of one in other’s domain to ensure their autonomy.
• Financial autonomy to states through the allocation of tax proceeds by the finance commission.

Role of federalism in aiding the process of democratization

• Bicameral legislature provides for representation of varied interests of various states at the Central level.
• Implementation of 73rd and 74th amendments have directly given the power in the hands of the people.
• Increased importance of regional parties in decision making at the Central level through the formation of alliances.
• States are being treated as equal partners rather than as subordinates, as seen in case of a number of seats for states in the GST council, Inter-state council and NITI Aayog.
• Establishment of autonomous regions in scheduled areas to help in preserving their cultural diversity e.g. North East, West Bengal.
• Special status for those backward regions through special funds, development boards. (Art 371) e.g Hyd-Karnataka region, Saurashtra region,

Conclusion:

The Indian version of federalism is, however, more tilted towards the unitary governance through features like emergency provisions, All-India services, the power of Centre to change boundaries of states etc. and is thus referred to as unitary in form but federal in essence. But despite these features, federalism serves as the bulwark of democratic governance in India.

No Best answer.