Centre-State relations – Swastika Shiksha

Democratic Politics – II | NCERT | Class 10 Polity | Notes + Quiz (Copy 1)

About Lesson

Strengthening federalism in India requires constant restructuring of the Centre-State relations to ensure the effective sharing of power. ⚖️
The functioning of the federal system is heavily dependent on how political leaders and ruling parties implement the constitutional arrangements. 📜
Historical centralization of power meant that the State Governments often did not fully exercise their autonomy, weakening the spirit of federalism. 🌍
Federalism must be dynamic, adapting to political, social, and economic changes to accommodate the diverse needs and demands of various regions. 🏙️
Devolution of powers is essential to ensure local governance addresses the specific needs of communities while remaining connected to the broader national framework. 🏛️
Cooperative federalism, where both levels of government work together, can enhance the overall development and reduce conflicts between the Centre and States. 🤝

For a long time, the same party ruled both at the Centre and in most States, leading to a lack of autonomy for the States. 🏛️
When different parties ruled at the State and Centre levels, there was often an undermining of State powers, with the Central Government misusing its constitutional authority. 🛑
The dismissal of State Governments controlled by rival parties was a common tactic, which undermined federal principles and led to political tensions. ⚡
Partisan politics often influenced Centre-State relations, where the Centre would try to suppress opposition-led State Governments through political pressure and constitutional manipulation. 🏛️
The Central Government’s dominance in the legislative process, coupled with limited State autonomy, created an environment where local issues often took a back seat to national priorities. 🌏
Institutional imbalances during this period further weakened the federal structure, as the States had limited say in decisions that affected their governance and development. 🏙️

Starting in 1990, the emergence of regional political parties changed the political landscape, especially in many States. 🌍
The rise of coalition governments at the Centre was a result of the lack of clear majority in the Lok Sabha, forcing national parties to form alliances with regional ones. 🔗
This new political dynamic encouraged a culture of power-sharing and greater respect for State autonomy, marking a shift from the earlier centralized approach. 🤝
Regional parties became key players in shaping national policies, reflecting the diversity of India’s political landscape and giving voice to local issues at the national level. 🗣️
Power-sharing became more inclusive, with both national and regional interests being considered in decision-making processes. 🏛️
The growing influence of regional leaders at the Centre led to a more balanced relationship between Centre and States, contributing to the decentralization of political power. 🌍

A landmark Supreme Court judgment made it more difficult for the Central Government to dismiss State Governments arbitrarily, strengthening federal power sharing. 🏛️
The judiciary’s intervention reinforced the idea that States must have autonomy and that the Centre should respect the federal balance laid out in the Constitution. ⚖️
As a result, federalism in India is now more effective, with a better equilibrium between Centre and State powers than in the early years post-independence. 📜
Judicial decisions ensured that power-sharing mechanisms, like Governor’s role and State legislature’s autonomy, are more respected and upheld. 🏛️
The Supreme Court’s rulings over time have reinforced the autonomy of States and acted as a check on the Central Government, preventing undue interference. ⚖️
The legal framework has evolved to support a more robust federal structure, allowing both the Centre and States to function effectively within their domains. 🌏

Swastika Shiksha