Understanding the Challenges to Federalism in India

Challenges to Federalism in India

India, characterized as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, maintains a federal structure that seeks to balance power between the Union and state governments. However, various challenges threaten this equilibrium, influencing governance, education, social justice, and economic advancement. The following sections delve into critical issues affecting federalism, policy execution, and equitable development, with relevant examples.

1. Erosion of Federalism

• Financial Constraints on States: The Union government has delayed or reduced funds essential for disaster relief and welfare initiatives. For example, Tamil Nadu struggled to secure flood relief funds despite significant damage caused by cyclones.
• Governor’s Role in Delaying Bills: In several states, governors have been criticized for withholding approval for bills passed by elected legislatures. In Tamil Nadu, the governor postponed assent to the NEET Exemption Bill, which aimed to exempt state students from the national medical entrance exam.
• Centralization of Decision-Making: The Union government's control over tax revenue distribution has left many states in financial distress. Delays in GST compensation payments have particularly impacted states reliant on manufacturing and tourism.

2. Obstacles in Education Policy

• Impact of NEET on State Students: The introduction of NEET has rendered medical education less accessible for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In Tamil Nadu, numerous students who could have qualified under the previous state system were unable to pass NEET, leading to widespread protests.
• UGC Regulations Affecting State Universities: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has imposed new regulations that limit the autonomy of state universities. Attempts by Tamil Nadu to implement its own higher education policies have faced UGC roadblocks.
• Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Reservations: The recent introduction of a 10% EWS quota has faced criticism for restricting reservations for backward classes.

3. Challenges to Social Justice and Welfare

• Fund Cuts for Welfare Schemes: Initiatives led by states, such as free bus rides for women in Tamil Nadu and subsidized rice distribution in Kerala, have suffered due to reduced and delayed financial support from the Union government.
• Employment Generation Hurdles: Despite Tamil Nadu attracting substantial foreign investment in automobile and electronics sectors, policy inconsistencies at the national level have created uncertainties. Delays in project approvals have hindered job creation.
• Disparities in Welfare Allocation: While some states swiftly receive approvals for welfare and infrastructure projects, others endure prolonged delays. For instance, funding for Tamil Nadu’s Adi Dravidar housing scheme has been deferred, adversely affecting marginalized communities.

4. Democratic Governance and Constitutional Concerns

• Selective Approval of Policies: The Union government has been accused of selectively approving welfare policies based on political motives. For example, West Bengal’s demand for MGNREGA wage payments was reportedly stalled, impacting rural workers.
• Governor’s Refusal to Read State Government’s Address: In Tamil Nadu, the governor's refusal to read parts of the state government’s prepared speech in the Legislative Assembly raised concerns about undermining elected governments.
• Weakened Cooperative Federalism: The principle of cooperative federalism, where states and the Union engage as equal partners, is under strain due to centralization. This is evident as states managed the migrant worker crisis during the COVID-19 lockdown with minimal support from the Union government.

India’s future growth and development hinge on the commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, federalism, and social justice. Ensuring equal opportunities for all societal segments and maintaining a balanced power dynamic between Union and state authorities is vital for a prosperous and inclusive future. Justice, liberty, and equality are not merely ideals; they are responsibilities that must be embraced to sustain the democratic fabric of the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the main challenges to federalism in India?
Answer: Major challenges include financial constraints on states, centralization in decision-making, and delays in welfare fund allocations. These issues hinder effective governance and equitable development.

Q2. How has NEET affected students in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: The implementation of NEET has made medical education less accessible for many students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, leading to protests and calls for policy change.

Q3. What role do governors play in the legislative process?
Answer: Governors can delay or withhold assent to bills passed by state legislatures, which has raised concerns about undermining the authority of elected representatives.

Q4. How do financial constraints impact welfare schemes?
Answer: Financial constraints from the Union government can lead to cuts in state-led welfare initiatives, affecting programs like free transportation for women and food distribution.

Q5. What is cooperative federalism, and why is it important?
Answer: Cooperative federalism is the idea that state and Union governments collaborate as equal partners. It is essential for balanced governance and effective policy implementation across different regions.