Indian federalism is amalgamation of ideologies of power-sharing and powerful Centre to bring unity and administrative effectiveness to the nation. Indian federalism has been undergoing changes over time depending on constitutional, political, judicial developments that have supported a balance between autonomy and coordination. The Indian model meets the necessities of unity in diversity where national unification can be realized without the sacrifice of regional identities. Indian federalism is characterized by cooperative and competitive relationships; there are changing centre-state relations and politics, economy, and crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic influencing them. India features a strong unitary aspect although it is a constitutional federal system and thus scholars have referred to it as a quasi-federal system.

Key Highlights for RAS Mains

What is federalism?

• Federalism can be described as the system in which the central control and regional powers are separated (such as the division of power between the centre and states).
• This power-sharing is captured in the Indian Constitution, and they include an additional third level- the local self-government which was added through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

Features of Federalism in India

• Separation of powers: AmongCentre, States and Local Bodies.
• Constitutional Superiority: Path and authority.
• Independent judiciary: Solves inter-governmental conflict.
• Bicameral legislature: states are represented by Rajya Sabha.
• Flexibility: Modifiable to the change of needs and challenges.

Indian Federalism-Trends

• Pre-Independence Period
  • The generation of federal ideas occurred in the Simon Commission Report (1930).
  • Indian federalism was outlined by the document Government of India Act, 1935.
  • A powerful Centre with autonomous provinces was approved in the Constituent Assembly (1946).
• The after-Independence Developments
  • The early periods were ruled by centralised federalism.
  • Issues such as Emergency (1975) put centre-state relations under the test.
  • Further on, the politics of democracy was enforced into the hands of the grassroots through the decentralisation (1990s and onward) of Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies.
  • This has led to the revival of the discussions on Centre-State coordination and autonomy due to recent events such as the pandemic caused by COVID-19.

Indian Federalism and its Statements

• Accepts diversity: Language, culture, regional-rule.
• Bolsters democracy in participation: By means of decentralised decision-making.
• Enhances governance: Short-term policy making with reaction to the regions.
• Guards the rights of minorities: Domestic responsiveness to different needs.

Federal Provisions in the Constitution

Unitary Features of Indian Constitution

Quasi-Federal Nature

• India is both federal and unitary in nature depending on the situations.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: India without having a federal constitution is federal during normal days but unitary during emergency.
• The Indian federalism is not symmetrical, the Union has greater power both legislative, executive as well as financial division.
• Is commonly known as a centrally biased federation or bargaining federalism.

Conclusion for RPSC

Federalism in India is a living creation with equality, keeping a balance between unity and regional autonomy. Although it is anchored in the provisions in the constitution, its true power is embodied by the way it manages to adjust to the adjustments that take place in the political, economic, and social environment. Fiscal federalism and cooperative federalism are the new order of the day and this is more so with future regional interests and international realities. In an ethnically diverse nation such as India, federalism continues to play a significant role in inclusive growth, good governance, as well as deepening democracy.