I am confused. What do we call the Indian government? Is it Union, Federal or Central?
Answer
India is a federal state as there are levels of governments- Central government, state government and local government. The government at the centre is called the central government and the government at state is called State government. Both these governments, along with the local government rule according to their own jurisdiction.
Though only 25 of the world’s 193 countries have federal political systems, their citizens make up 40 per cent of the world’s population. Most of the large countries of the world are federations. Can you notice an exception to this rule in this map?
Answer
China is an exception. Being the second most populous country of the world, it still has unitary form of government.
If federalism works only in big countries, why did Belgium adopt it?
Answer
Federalism works in big countries as well as small countries with diversity. Belgium is a small country with multilingual populations. There are French, Dutch and German speaking people in Belgium. Therefore, federalism is required in Belgium to avoid conflicts.
Isn’t that strange? Did our constitution makers not know about federalism? Or did they wish to avoid talking about it?
Answer
Our constitution makers knew about federalism but they acted according to the situation of the country. The newly independent India had many small and independent princely states which were left to decide whether to join India or stay independent. Therefore, in order to unify the country and avoid its divisions, the term federal was not introduced initially.
If agriculture and commerce are state subjects, why do we have ministers of agriculture and commerce in the Union cabinet?
Answer
Even though agriculture and commerce are state subjects, there is a need to have ministers of agriculture and commerce in the Union cabinet:
- To maintain Inter-State Trade and Coordination as States deal with each other in commercial and agricultural commodities.
- To coordinate international trades.
- To ensure national food security.
Why Hindi? Why not Bangla or Telugu?
Answer
Our Constitution did not give the status of national language to any one language because being a federal country it cannot impose any one language. Hindi was identified as the official language because it was used by majority of people (40%). Besides Hindi, there are 22 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution. States too have their own official languages. Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
Here are two cartoons showing the relationship between Centre and States. Should the State go to the Centre with a begging bowl? How can the leader of a coalition keep the partners of government satisfied?
Answer
Our Constitution has already classified the powers to state and central government. Therefore, there is no need to go to the Centre with a begging bowl for more power.
The leader of coalition should have a balanced approach of governance. He should take decisions after discussion and consent of supporting parties.
Are you suggesting that regionalism is good for our democracy? Are you serious?
Answer
Regionalism is definitely not beneficial for our country. India’s diversity in religions and languages is a source of its richness, but that doesn’t justify giving special privileges to one region while neglecting others. The nation’s progress relies on mutual trust and cooperation among all its regions.
Prime Minister runs the country. Chief Minister runs the state. Logically, then, the chairperson of Zilla Parishad should run the district. Why does the D.M. or Collector administer the district?
Answer
The President of the Zilla Parishad is the political head, making all key decisions under his/her leadership. The District Magistrate (DM), as the administrative head, carries out these decisions. This arrangement exemplifies power-sharing, similar to how legislative and executive powers are shared. Therefore, it is appropriate for the DM to administer the district. Moreover, DMs or Collectors represent the Union Government, and in the three-tier system, the Zilla Parishad's chairperson is accountable to these Union Government representatives.
What do these newspaper clippings have to say about efforts of decentralisation in India?
Answer
The news in the clippings are about Panchayats. It indicates following things about the local body i.e Panchayat:
- Participation of women in Elections.
- Corruption in Panchayat Elections.
- Opposition of State government on the issue of direct funding of Panchayats.
These indicate that decentralization require many steps to ensure corruption-less system. Participation of women is a good indication.
Some Nepalese citizens were discussing the proposals on the adoption of federalism in their new constitution. This is what some of them said:
Khag Raj: I don’t like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India.
Sarita: Ours in not a very big country. We don’t need federalism.
Babu Lal: I am hopeful that the Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government.
Ram Ganesh: I like federalism because it will mean that powers that were earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives.
If you were participating in this conversation, what would be your response to each of these? Which of these reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is? What makes India a federal country?
Answer
Khag Raj: I don’t like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India.
Response: Reservations are not mandatory in a federal form of government. They are provided in Indian constitution in order to develop and promote deprived classes of the society.
Sarita: Ours in not a very big country. We don’t need federalism.
Response: Small countries also need federalism as it helps to avoid clashes between different regions, religions etc. It helps to avoid all powers in a single hand.
Babu Lal: I am hopeful that the Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government.
Response: Yes, I agree that they will get more autonomy if they get their own state government and this will help in their development as well.
Ram Ganesh: I like federalism because it will mean that powers that were earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives.
Response: Yes, I agree. Power should not get concentrated in one hand, it is harmful for the country. Sharing of power will give a stable government and mutual trust will take the country on tract of development.
Thoughts of Khag Raj and Sarita reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is.
Sharing of power at three levels i.e Center, State and Local level, makes India a federal country.
Pokharan, the place where India conducted its nuclear tests, lies in Rajasthan. Suppose the Government of Rajasthan was opposed to the Central Government’s nuclear policy, could it prevent the Government of India from conducting the nuclear tests?
Answer
No, states can oppose but cannot stop the central government from conducting nuclear test because defence comes under the union list.
Suppose the Government of Sikkim plans to introduce new textbooks in its schools. But the Union Government does not like the style and content of the new textbooks. In that case, does the state government need to take permission from the Union Government before these textbooks can be launched?
Answer
Yes, the state government need to take permission from the Union Government before these textbooks can be launched because "education" comes under concurrent list. Therefore, The final decision on the matter will be taken by the union government.
Suppose the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa have different policies on how their state police should respond to the naxalites. Can the Prime Minister of India intervene and pass an order that all the Chief Ministers will have to obey?
Answer
The law and order of the State is maintained by the State police and police is a subject of state list. Therefore, the Prime Minister of India cannot intervene and pass an order that all the Chief Ministers will have to obey.
Read the following excerpts from an article by noted historian, Ramachandra Guha, that appeared in the Times of India on November 1, 2006:
Take the example of your own state or any other state that was affected by linguistic reorganisation. Write a short note for or against the argument given by the author here on the basis of that example.
Answer
In the mid-19th century, India witnessed several linguistic movements. These movements advocated for language-based identity and cultural preservation. Language became a significant factor in demands for state reorganization. To address linguistic diversity, India passed the States Reorganization Act of 1956. This act reorganized states based on linguistic lines, leading to the formation of new states. Andhra Pradesh was first state formed on linguistic basis. This prevented conflicts arising from linguistic differences and promoted a sense of shared identity. States designated regional languages as official languages, simplifying administration and fostering unity. Contrary to fears of disintegration, the act strengthened national unity.
Locate the following States on a blank outline political map of India:
Manipur, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Goa.
Answer
Identify and shade three federal countries (other than India) on a blank outline political map of the world.
Answer
Point out one feature in the practice of federalism in India that is similar to and one feature that is different from that of Belgium.
Answer
Similar feature: India and Belgium, both have power sharing i.e. federal system of government.
Different feature: Belgium has a community government in addition to its central and regional governments. India has no community government.
What is the main difference between a federal form of government and a unitary one? Explain with an example.
Answer
A federal form of government share powers between central government and state/regional government. For example India has a three tier federal system of government i.e central or union government, State government and local bodies at Panchayat and Municipality level.
In a unitary system, all powers are held by a single central government. Unitary systems are often found in smaller countries. For example, Sri Lanka has Unitary government.
State any two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992.
Answer
In 1992, the Constitution was amended to make the local government i.e. the third-tier of democracy more powerful and effective. Two differences between the local government before and after the Constitutional amendment in 1992 are:
- Earlier regular local elections were not held. Now it is constitutionally mandatory to hold regular elections to local government bodies.
- The State governments are required to share some powers and revenue with local government bodies. The nature of sharing varies from State to State.
Fill in the blanks:
Since the United States is a ............... type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are ............... vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a ............... type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the ............... government has more powers.
Answer
Since the United States is a coming together type of federation, all the constituent States have equal powers and States are strong vis-à-vis the federal government. But India is a holding together type of federation and some States have more power than others. In India, the central government has more powers.
Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions.
Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.
Arman: Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language.
Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.
Answer
"The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity." as said by Sangeeta seems very genuine reason behind the language policy of India. The creation of linguistic states in India, has allowed people who share a common language to live together in the same state. This linguistic unity fosters a sense of belonging and national identity, ultimately contributing to India’s overall unity. For example, different states with different languages never feel that their language is not given importance and respect. Instead policy of accommodation inspires them to stay united as a country.
The distinguishing feature of a federal government is:
(a) National government gives some powers to the provincial governments.
(b) Power is distributed among the legislature, executive and judiciary.
(c) Elected officials exercise supreme power in the government.
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
Answer
(d) Governmental power is divided between different levels of government.
A few subjects in various Lists of the Indian Constitution are given here. Group them under the Union, State and Concurrent Lists as provided in the table below.
| A. Defence; B. Police; C. Agriculture; D. Education; E. Banking; F. Forests; G. Communications; H. Trade; I. Marriages |
| Lists | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Union List | |
| State List | |
| Concurrent List |
Answer
| Lists | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Union List | Defence, Communication, Banking |
| State List | Police, Agriculture, Trade |
| Concurrent List | Education, Forest, Marriages |
Examine the following pairs that give the level of government in India and the powers of the government at that level to make laws on the subjects mentioned against each. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) State government — State List
(b) Central government — Union List
(c) Central and State governments — Concurrent List
(d) Local governments — Residuary powers
Answer
Local governments — Residuary powers
Reason — In the Indian system of government, residuary powers (those that are not mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists) rest with the Central government, not local governments.
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Union of India | A. Prime Minister |
| 2. State | B. Sarpanch |
| 3. Municipal Corporation | C. Governor |
| 4. Gram Panchayat | D. Mayor |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a | D | A | B | C |
| b | B | C | D | A |
| c | A | C | D | B |
| d | C | D | A | B |
Answer
(c) A, C, D, B
Consider the following two statements.
A. In a federation, the powers of the federal and provincial governments are clearly demarcated.
B. India is a federation because the powers of the Union and State Governments are specified in the Constitution and they have exclusive jurisdiction on their respective subjects.
C. Sri Lanka is a federation because the country is divided into provinces.
D. India is no longer a federation because some powers of the States have been devolved to the local government bodies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) A, B and C
(b) A, C and D
(c) A and B only
(d) B and C only
Answer
(c) A and B only