Federalism

Federalism in India is a constitutional governance structure that divides power between the Union and the States while maintaining national unity through a system with a strong centralizing framework.

Under Indian Polity & Governance

• It constitutes a basic feature of the Constitution, ensuring that regional aspirations and cultural diversity are accommodated within a unified sovereign framework.
• It serves as the institutional foundation for administrative, legislative, and fiscal relations between different tiers of government.
• It dictates the operational balance in critical governance areas like emergency provisions, central agency jurisdiction, and state legislative autonomy.

UPSC examines federalism by probing structural friction points between the Union and States, particularly regarding fiscal decentralization, the role of the Governor, and legislative overlap. Questions often ask candidates to critically assess concepts like cooperative and competitive federalism in the context of policy implementation and intergovernmental bodies like the GST Council. Answers require a balanced integration of constitutional provisions, landmark judicial rulings, and administrative mechanisms.

• Union and States GS2

• Omar Abdullah's campaign for J&K Statehood restoration 22 July