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 – Federalism Part 2 (Class 10 Political Science)
What Makes India a Federal Country?
Article 1: The Constitution declares India a Union of States. It does not use the word federation, but the Indian Union is based on the principles of federation.
The Constitution originally provided for two tiers of government:
- Central Government
- State Government
Later, a third tier of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities under the 73rd Amendment Act (1992).
Lists of Subjects
Union List
- Subjects of national interest
- Only the Union Government can make laws
- Examples – Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Currency, Communication
State List
- Subjects of state or local interest
- Only State Governments can make laws
- Examples – Police, Trade, Agriculture, Irrigation
Residuary List
- New subjects not falling in the Union or State Lists
- Only the Union Government can make laws
- Examples – Computer Technology, Hardware, Software, Internet Regulation
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Special Powers and Arrangements
All states of the Indian Union do not have identical powers.
States having special powers under Article 371 – Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram – because of their peculiar social and historical circumstances.
These special laws protect –
- Land rights of indigenous people
- Their culture
- Preferential employment in government services
Non-residents of these states cannot buy land or houses there.
Union Territories
Some units enjoy very little power – for example Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and the Capital City of Delhi. The Central Government has special powers in running these areas.
Changing the Power-Sharing Arrangement
- Any change must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.
- It must then be ratified by the legislatures of at least half of the states.
The Judiciary plays an important role in settling disputes about division of powers. Both Union and State Governments have the power to levy taxes and raise resources for their needs.
Features of Indian Federalism
- Three-tier system – Union List, State List, Concurrent List and Residuary List
- Special status to some states (Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram)
- Smaller units like UTs have limited powers (Chandigarh, Delhi)
- Independent Judiciary
Source: NCERT
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