Issues and Challenges pertaining to Federal Structure

The Indian system of Federalism is often described as a quasi-federal system as it represents the features of federation and union. As per Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, “India that is Bharat shall be a Union of States.” Federalism in India was not about coming together of the states to form the Federal Union. But, it was a conversion of a unitary to a federal system. 

The federal system in India is considered one of a kind in the world. It is also regarded as ‘federation sui generis’, which means a federation of its own kind. The federalism system in India is a compromise between autonomy enjoyed by the states and the need for strong central governance. 

The federal system in India consists of two governments – The State Government and The Central Government. The federation allows Independent Judiciary systems to operate. However, due to the quasi-federal system, many issues & challenges pertaining to the federal structure arises in India. 

Let us learn about all the issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, and vision IAS. 

Federalism Definition

Federalism means a system of governance in which power is divided between the central governing authority and constituent political units. However, the Indian federal system is one of a kind and is different from the systems practised in the United States of America.

The federalism system in India is a relationship between the Central government and State governments. In the Indian system of federalism, there are two tiers of government, and each tier has its distinctive power and judiciary system. However, the Central judiciary lies in the hands of the Supreme court of India. 

Due to the uniqueness of the Indian federal system, there arise many issues & challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Let us learn about each issue faced by India for its quasi-federal structure.

Regionalism

Regionalism is one of the major issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Regionalism is when individual regions or states are given preference over others. Regionalism is a significant hindrance that stands in front of federalism. 

India is a nation of diversity, where people from different cultural backgrounds reside together. However, sometimes it so happens that the northeast people feel themselves living far from Delhi. Similarly, people in the southern part of India feel neglected. 

In such situations, people prefer their state over any other state, giving rise to regionalism. After several years of federal rule, we can still find regionalism in India. 

Centralised Amendment Power

In a federal system of governance, the power of amendment lies with the federal constitution and its units. However, in India, the power of amendment lies with the Central Government under Article 368 of the Indian Constitution. 

Although the Centre summons the state in different areas for decision making, the power of amendment lies in the hands of the Centre.

Unequal Representation Of Units

Federations worldwide have sought a constitutional mechanism to provide equal representation to all units to prevent the predominant influence of larger units on the smaller units. 

However, there is no such provision for equal representation of units in the Rajya Sabha in India. The States are not allowed to give opinions over the amendments done to the Constitution of India from time to time.

Division Of Powers

Unlike other federations globally, India’s distribution of power is different and unique. According to the Indian Constitution, division of powers are made under three list among the Central and State governments. 

The powers of Central and State governments are mentioned in the Union list and State list, respectively. Whereas, there are some other powers that are vested in the hands of both governments, and it is mentioned in the Concurrent List. 

The division of power among the Central and State governments is one of the significant issues & challenges to the Federal structure.

Centralised Planning

In India, economic and social decisions can be made by both Central and State governments. Still, the Union government gets unconstrained authority over national and regional decision making and planning in India. 

The State governments are dependent on the Central Government for financial aid. The lack of powers in the hands of the State government makes it difficult for federalism in India.

Language Conflicts

India is a land of diversity, and people of different cultures and backgrounds reside in India. India has diversity in language, and the language barrier blows the federal spirit from among the people.

There are 22 Constitutionally approved languages in India, but more than a hundred dialects are spoken across the country. Federalism breaks when the strongest unit attempts to push a particular language on the other units.

Religious Issue

As stated above, India is a land of diversity, and people belonging to different religions live in India. The religion barrier has become one of the significant issues and challenges pertaining to federal structure. 

The religious conflicts and intolerance among the people of different religions have become one of the most significant issues & challenges pertaining to the federal structure.