Q. Differentiate between ‘Coming Together Federations’ and ‘Holding Together Federations’. Elucidate the rationale behind India’s choice of adopting a ‘Holding Together Federation’ model. (10 Marks, 150 Words) Additional

Answer:

How to approach the question

  • Introduction
    • Write about the concept of federations as a form of political organization briefly 
  • Body 
    • Write the differences between ‘Coming Together Federations’ and ‘Holding Together Federations’
    • Write the rationale behind India’s choice of adopting a ‘Holding Together Federation’ model
  • Conclusion 
    • Give appropriate conclusion in this regard  

 

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.

Body

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

Basis Coming Together Federations Holding Together Federations
Origin Arise when independent entities voluntarily unite to form a larger union. Emerge when a large nation decentralizes its power to accommodate diversity or achieve better governance.
Power Dynamics Power is typically distributed among the member entities. The central authority often has limited control. Central authority retains significant power, often overshadowing the constituent regions.
Constitutional Rigidity Constitutions are rigid, requiring a consensus among most member states for amendments. More amenable to changes, allowing the central authority to make adjustments with comparative ease.
Economic Policies Economic policies can be decentralized, allowing entities significant autonomy. In the USA, states have considerable freedom in economic decision-making. Centralized, with the central authority often dictating major policies. In India, large-scale policies like demonetization and Five Year Plans were determined centrally.
Example The USA where 13 colonies chose to federate into one nation. India, where regions with diverse languages and cultures were unified post-independence.


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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