Answer:

Introduction  

A federation is a political entity that consists of partially self-governing regions under a central government with examples like the United States, Canada, and India. They balance the need for unity and diversity among different groups. The choice between ‘Coming Together Federations’ and ‘Holding Together Federations’ often depends on historical, political, and social contexts.

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Differences between ‘Coming Together Federations’ and ‘Holding Together Federations’

Rationale behind India’s Choice of Adopting a ‘Holding Together Federation’ Model

• Historical Context: Following independence, India faced the daunting task of integrating over 500 princely states, each with its unique identity. The merger of Saurashtra and Travancore-Cochin into the Indian Union exemplifies this.
• Territorial Continuity: India’s vast geographical expanse required a centralized model for policy coherence. The creation of states on linguistic lines in 1956, despite being a decentralizing move, also emphasized the need for a unified command.
• Economic Disparities: Regions like Bihar and the North-East have historically lagged behind in development. A centralized model enabled policies like the Special Category States status to address these disparities.
• National Security: With neighbours like Pakistan and China, India’s volatile geopolitical landscape necessitated a centralized defence and foreign policy. The Indo-China war of 1962 and the several Indo-Pak wars underscored the importance of a coordinated defence strategy.
• Legal and Administrative Uniformity: A unified nation needed standard legal and administrative frameworks. The Indian Penal Code and the Civil Procedure Code exemplify this uniformity across the vast and diverse territory.
• Centralized Planning: To address post-independence socio-economic challenges, India adopted the Soviet model of Five-Year Plans, necessitating centralized policy and economic direction.

Conclusion  

In essence, India’s choice of the ‘Holding Together Federation’ model was not arbitrary. It was a carefully considered decision stemming from its historical, geographical, socio-cultural, and economic contexts. This model has not only helped maintain India’s territorial integrity but has also acknowledged and celebrated its profound diversity.

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