MAINS 2014
GS2
12.5 marks
Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss whether the strong-Centre bias of Indian federalism undermines its federal character.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Federal features: dual polity, division of powers (Seventh Schedule), written rigid constitution, independent judiciary, bicameralism; federalism a basic feature≈35 words
- 2Centralising features: Art 3 (reorganise states), residuary powers (Art 248), Art 249, 250, 252, 356, Governor's role, All India Services, single citizenship, emergency provisions, fiscal dependence≈35 words
- 3Justification: partition context, integration of princely states, diversity, security≈35 words
- 4Evolving balance: Bommai limits on Art 356, finance commissions, GST Council, cooperative and competitive federalism≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Federal featuresUnitary tilt with articlesReasons for tiltJudicial and institutional checksConclusion: 'holding together' federation
Where marks usually go
- Listing articles without addressing whether the tilt 'militates against' federalism
- No commission or case reference
Draw this
- Balance scale: federal features vs unitary features
Value addition
- ThinkerK.C. Wheare called India 'quasi-federal'; Ambedkar said the Constitution can be both unitary and federal according to the needs of time.Wheare; Constituent Assembly
- CaseS.R. Bommai v Union of India (1994): federalism is a basic feature; Art 356 proclamations are subject to judicial review.Supreme Court, 1994
- CommitteeSarkaria Commission (1988) and Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended sparing use of Art 356 and consultation with states.Government of India
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Alfred Thomas · Page 11 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 29 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Akash Kumar · AIR 101 · Page 5 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Alfred Thomas · Page 9 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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