Belgium vs. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (Unitary System) National government holds all practical powers. Often leads to conflict (e.g., Tamil leaders demanding autonomy).

Belgium (Federal System)

Shifted from unitary to federal in 1993. Regional governments given constitutional powers independent of the centre. Reduced conflict and accommodated regional diversity.

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Features: At least two levels of government. Central government handles national interests. State/provincial governments handle day-to-day administration. Both levels enjoy independent powers.

Unitary vs. Federal Systems

Unitary System

Only one level of government or sub-units subordinate to the centre. Central government can order provincial/local governments. Local units lack independent constitutional power.

Federal System

Central government cannot order states. States have powers of their own. Both levels are separately answerable to the people.

Key Features of Federalism

Part 1

Multiple Tiers: Two or more levels of government. Separate Jurisdiction: Each tier has its own areas of legislation, taxation, administration. Constitutional Guarantee: Powers clearly specified in the Constitution. Mutual Consent: Fundamental provisions cannot be changed unilaterally.

Part 2

Independent Judiciary: Courts interpret Constitution and settle disputes. Financial Autonomy: Revenue sources specified for each level. Dual Objectives: Promotes unity while accommodating diversity. Prerequisites: Requires mutual trust and agreement to live together.

Routes of Federalism

"Coming Together" Federation

Independent states voluntarily unite for security and strength. States usually have equal power. Examples: USA, Switzerland, Australia.

"Holding Together" Federation

Large country divides power between centre and states. Central government often stronger. States may have unequal powers (special status). Examples: India, Spain, Belgium.

India: A Federal Nation

Constitution declares India a Union of States (not explicitly federation). Based on federal principles. Two-tier system: Union + State governments. Later, third tier added: Panchayats & Municipalities. Each tier has separate jurisdiction guaranteed by Constitution.

Union List:

Defence, foreign affairs, banking, currency, communications

----Union Government

State List:

Police, trade, commerce, agriculture, irrigation

----State Governments

Concurrent List:

Education, forest, trade unions, marriage, succession

----Both Union & State (Union law prevails if conflict)

Asymmetric Federalism

Special Status (Article 371): Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram – protect indigenous rights. Union Territories: Small areas directly controlled by Centre (e.g., Delhi, Chandigarh). Residuary Powers: Subjects not in lists (e.g., computer software) fall under Union control.

Constitutional Rigidity

Power-sharing arrangement cannot be easily changed. Requires 2/3rd majority in Parliament + ratification by half the states. Judiciary acts as umpire in disputes.

Practising Federalism

Constitutional provisions alone are not enough. Success depends on: Democratic politics. Respect for diversity. Shared desire to live together.

Linguistic States

Creation of linguistic states was a major test post-1947. Boundaries changed to group people of same language. Some states created for cultural/ethnic/geographic reasons (Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand). Result: Strengthened unity and made administration easier.

Language Policy

Hindi: Mother tongue of ~44%. English: Used as 2nd/3rd language (~11%). 21 other scheduled languages. Constitution did not declare a national language. Flexibility (continuing English alongside Hindi) avoided conflicts.

Centre-State Relations

Pre-1990 Era

Same party ruled Centre and most states. Centre often misused Constitution to dismiss state governments.

Post-1990 Era

Rise of regional parties. Coalition governments at Centre. Culture of power-sharing and respect for state autonomy.

Role of Supreme Court

Judgments made arbitrary dismissal of state governments difficult.

Decentralisation

States are as large as countries → need local governance. Local people know problems better. Promotes direct participation in decision-making. Efficient use of resources.

The 1992 Amendment

Mandatory Elections: Regular elections for local bodies. Reservations: Seats reserved for SC, ST, OBC. Women Empowerment: One-third seats reserved for women. Independent Bodies: State Election Commissions created. Revenue Sharing: States must share powers and revenue with local bodies.

Panchayati Raj System

Gram Panchayat: Village-level council with ward members (Panch) and Sarpanch. Supervised by Gram Sabha (all voters). Panchayat Samiti: Block/Mandal level, formed by grouping Gram Panchayats. Members elected by Panchayat members. Zilla Parishad: District-level body formed by all Samitis. Includes MPs, MLAs. Chairperson is political head.

Urban Local Government

Municipalities: Town-level bodies. Municipal Corporations: Big city bodies. Political heads: Chairperson (municipality), Mayor (corporation). Global Example: Porto Alegre (Brazil) – participative democracy, 13 lakh people involved in city budget.

Evaluating Indian Federalism

Largest experiment in democracy: 36 lakh elected representatives. Deepened democracy, increased women’s representation. Challenges: Gram Sabhas not held regularly. States reluctant to transfer significant powers/resources. Still evolving towards true self-government.

✅ Key Takeaways

Federalism divides power between centre and states. India follows a holding together federation model. Distribution of powers ensures balance but Union remains stronger. Asymmetric federalism protects diversity. Decentralisation (Panchayati Raj & Municipalities) deepens democracy. Challenges remain, but federalism strengthens unity while respecting diversity.