This post helps you understand how the features of Federalism are applied in India to make it a federal country. It also helps you understand the division of powers between the central and state governments so that they can work without conflict.
Quick Revision Notes
Chapter – 2
Federalism Part – 2
What makes India a federal country?
Article 1: The constitution declares India a Union of States.
It did not use the word federation.
But Indian Union is based on the principles of federation.
The constitution originally provided for two tiers of government:
- Central govt.
- State govt.
Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities in the 73rd schedule (73rd Amendment Act of 1992).
There are three lists of subjects mentioned:
Union List:
- Subjects of national interest
- Only Union/Central govt can make laws
- Defence, foreign affairs, banking, currency, communication
State List:
- Subjects of state interest (local interest)
- Only state govts can make laws
- Police, trade, agriculture, irrigation
Residuary List: New subjects like computers and subjects that do not fall in any of the three lists.
Only Union govt can make laws.
Examples: Computer technology, hardware, software, internet regulation
📌 Federalism – Class 10 Notes (Part 1)
All states of Indian Union do not have identical powers.
States having special powers under certain provisions of the Constitution of India (Article 371):
Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram – because of their peculiar social and historical circumstances.
These special laws are for the protection of:
- Land rights of indigenous people
- Their culture
- Preferential employment in government services
Indians who are not permanent residents of these states cannot buy land or house there.
Some units enjoy very little power – (Union Territories)
Examples: Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, capital city of Delhi, etc.
The central govt has special powers in running these areas. (UTs)
Power-sharing arrangement of India cannot be changed easily
- Any change to this arrangement has to be first passed by both the Houses of Parliament with at least two-thirds majority.
- Then it has to be ratified (sanctioned) by the legislatures of at least half of the total states.
In India, the judiciary plays an important role when disputes arise about the division of powers.
In India, both Union and State govts. have the power to levy taxes and raise resources to meet their financial requirements.
Features of Indian Federalism
- Three-tier system:
- Union List
- State List
- Concurrent List
- Residuary List
- Special status to some states → Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram
- Smaller units enjoy limited powers (UTs) → Chandigarh, Delhi
- Independent Judiciary
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Development – Class 10 Notes
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Source-Based Questions – Class 10 History Chapter 1
