Reimagining Indian federalism

On June 4, 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, relying heavily on regional partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). 

• This shift may reinvigorate India’s federal structure, which has faced significant challenges over the past decade.

Challenges to Cooperative Federalism

• Erosion of State Autonomy: The rise of a coercive and combative brand of federalism has included:
  • Imposing Hindi on southern states.
  • Using regulatory and investigative agencies (such as the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Income-Tax agencies) to target political opponents.
  • Using an obscure provision of the Disaster Management Act to impose a nationwide lockdown without consulting state leaders.
  • Limiting funds to state relief efforts through the PM CARES Fund.
  • Revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and abrogating Article 370.
• Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Allocation
  • Imbalanced Distribution: Fiscal federalism has been undermined by measures like levying cess, which does not require sharing with states. 
    • The impending lapse of  84th amendment in 2026 threatens to exacerbate this imbalance by redistributing parliamentary constituencies based on a new Census.
• Concerns of Southern States
  • Delimitation and Representation: Southern states fear political disenfranchisement as Hindi-speaking states may gain a majority, potentially giving the BJP a permanent hold on Parliament. There are calls for equitable redistribution and representation to address these concerns.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Reviving Federalism

• Revive the Inter-State Council:
  • Originally established under Article 263 of the Constitution and recommended by the Sarkaria Commission, the Council needs revitalization. 
  • It should function independently for consultation, decision-making, dispute resolution, and coordination among states and government levels.

Conclusion

In India’s diverse landscape, cooperative federalism is essential to maintain unity. Ensuring equitable resource distribution and representation will strengthen the bonds that hold the nation together.

DOWNLOAD PDF