How should the philosophy and administrative framework governing the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in India be reassessed in light of evolving political, economic, and federal dynamics in a post-liberalisation context?

Reassessing Centre-State Power Distribution in India: A Post-Liberalisation Perspective Introduction India’s federal architecture, as defined by the Constitution, rests on a quasi-federal model that structurally favors the Centre. Drafted in the aftermath of Partition and the need for national consolidation, this design enabled a strong Union government to steer the developmental and security agenda. However, … Continue reading How should the philosophy and administrative framework governing the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in India be reassessed in light of evolving political, economic, and federal dynamics in a post-liberalisation context?

Critically examine the functioning of Indian federalism and assess the extent to which it exhibits unitary characteristics in practice. Analyze constitutional provisions, institutional mechanisms, and political dynamics—such as centralized planning, the role of the Governor, emergency provisions, and fiscal dependence of states—that contribute to this centralizing tendency, while also considering evolving trends toward cooperative and competitive federalism.

Indian Federalism: A Critical Examination of Its Functioning and Unitary Tendencies Introduction India's federal structure, as framed in the Constitution, represents a unique model of federalism adapted to its historical, political, and socio-cultural conditions. Though nominally federal in structure, the Constitution explicitly incorporates unitary features, leading many scholars to term Indian federalism as “quasi-federal” or … Continue reading Critically examine the functioning of Indian federalism and assess the extent to which it exhibits unitary characteristics in practice. Analyze constitutional provisions, institutional mechanisms, and political dynamics—such as centralized planning, the role of the Governor, emergency provisions, and fiscal dependence of states—that contribute to this centralizing tendency, while also considering evolving trends toward cooperative and competitive federalism.