Features and Types of Federalism in India

Jun 26, 2024

Class 10 Civics: Federalism

Introduction

  • Meaning of Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units.
  • Example: Belgium is a federal country while Sri Lanka is not.

Features of Federalism

  1. Two or more levels of government
  2. Jurisdiction of different levels of government: Power to make laws, impose taxes, and govern on different subjects.
  3. Clearly specified in the Constitution: Powers of each government are constitutionally specified.
  4. Difficulty in amending the fundamental provisions of the Constitution: Changes only with mutual consent.
  5. Supremacy of the highest court in dispute resolution: The role of the Supreme Court in resolving disputes between different levels of government.
  6. Clearly defined sources of power: Clear explanation of the revenue sources for each level of government.
  7. Two objectives: Ensuring and promoting the unity of the nation while accommodating regional diversities.

Types of Federalism

  • Coming Together Federation: Independent states come together (examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia).
  • Holding Together Federation: The central government organizes the states (examples: India, Spain, Belgium).

Federalism in India

Federal Features in India

  1. Three-tier government: Central, State, and Local (added after 1992).
  2. Distribution of legislative powers: Three lists - Union list, State list, and Concurrent list.
  3. Special status to some states: Some states are given special powers (examples: Northeastern states).
  4. Difficulty in amending the fundamental provisions of the Constitution: Consent of both levels of government required.
  5. Role of the Supreme Court in dispute resolution
  6. Clear division of revenue sources

How India Practiced Federalism?

  • Formation of states on linguistic basis: Simplified administration.
  • Language Policy: No single language given the status of national language. 22 languages given scheduled language status.
  • Centre-State Relations: The importance of state governments increased with the rise of coalition governments.

Decentralization

Meaning of Decentralization

  • When power is transferred from the central and state government to local government.

Need for Decentralization

  • Local problems can be solved at the local level.
  • Participation of local people in decision-making processes.
  • Strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.

Steps of Decentralization (1992)

  1. Mandatory regular elections.
  2. Reserved seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs.
  3. At least one-third seats reserved for women.
  4. Formation of the State Election Commission.
  5. Financial empowerment by the state government.

Village Panchayat System

  • Village Panchayat: An institution elected by adult voters of the village.
  • Gram Sabha: Assembly of all adult voters.
  • Panchayat Samiti/Mandal Parishad: Group of several village panchayats.
  • Zila Parishad: Group of all panchayat samitis, operated at the district level.

Urban Local Bodies

  • Municipality: In smaller urban areas, operated by a municipal chairperson.
  • Municipal Corporation: In larger urban areas, operated by a mayor.

Achievements and Challenges of Local Self-Government

  • Achievements: Elected representatives in millions, increased representation of women.
  • Challenges: Irregular meetings of Gram Sabha, lack of actual empowerment of women.