Indian Federalism and Centre-State Relations
A GS-II framework for understanding cooperative federalism, fiscal relations and institutional disputes.
A federal system with a strong Union
India distributes legislative, executive and financial powers across Union and State governments, while retaining unitary features for national cohesion and emergencies. The Constitution must therefore be read as a framework for cooperation as well as a division of power.
Institutions that matter
The Finance Commission, Inter-State Council, GST Council, zonal councils, courts and parliamentary processes help manage intergovernmental questions. Fiscal federalism is not only about revenue shares; it is also about predictability, accountability and space for state priorities.
Use contemporary examples carefully
For a mains answer, identify the constitutional provision or institution first, then connect it to a current disagreement on taxation, governors, centrally sponsored schemes or disaster funding. Finish with consultation, transparent criteria and stronger intergovernmental forums.
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