Indian Federalism At Work: Centre-State Relations

Anjali Bhatt, Assistant Professor (Senior- Scale), School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

ABSTRACT

The provisions of Constitution relating to Centre State relationship focus on resolving the Centre-State conflicts and promote cooperation consistent with the national integration. Extra constitutional agencies exist to help promote federal co-operation in India with the national integration, the Indian Constitution. It envisages cooperation between union, states and local governments in framing policies and implementing them without any differences between them. There has been a practical and ideological shift from ‘competitive federalism’ to ‘co- operative federalism’. This shift has been primarily caused by the recognition of the Centre’s and states’ mutual dependence. In situations such as external aggression or war, where concerns of national security take precedence, it is felt that co-operation between Union and state governments is the only way to tackle the problem expeditiously and efficiently. Also, the emergence of the concept of a social welfare state in response to public demand for various social services, involving huge outlays which could not be met by the states by their own resources, created the need for centre state relationship for maximum mutual benefit. The concept of ‘centre-state relationship’ helps the federal system, with its divided jurisdiction, to act in unison. It minimises friction and promotes co- operation among various constituent governments of the federal union so that they can pool their resources to achieve certain desired national goals.

Indian federal structure is not based on rigid division of powers but also internalises a need for co-operation between the various units of governance. However in many cases there has been obstacle in the part of centre-state relationship in India and criticism arises over the period of time. Such as there has been Union dominance to legislate over concurrent list and its interference in state list also in special cases like while ratifying international agreement.

By establishing a clear understanding of the concept of centre-state relationship under the Indian constitution, the researcher aims to find out and establish with reasoned conclusion the impediments which hinders in the successful and effective implementation and maintenance of centre-state relationship concept and ultimately the researcher intends to provide reasonable solutions to remove or to harmonise the conflict or at least reduce these impediments by enhancing the competence of states and their greater involvement in cooperative federalism.

Keywords: Constitution, Union, State, Co-operation, Dominance, Conflict.