MAINS 2015
GS2
12.5 marks
The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Highlight structural flaws in Indian federalism and judge how far cooperative federalism can fix them.
HighlightBring the key points to the front, briefly.
Demand-wise check
- 1Drawbacks: Centre-heavy lists and residuary powers, Article 356 misuse, Governor's role, fiscal imbalance and cesses, centrally sponsored schemes with conditions, dormant Inter-State Council≈35 words
- 2Cooperative steps: NITI Aayog (2015), 42% devolution by 14th FC, GST Council (Article 279A), zonal councils≈35 words
- 3Limits: cooperation is voluntary; disputes over GST compensation, Governors, central agencies; competitive federalism also needed≈35 words
- 4Needed: Sarkaria and Punchhi reforms, active Inter-State Council≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Existing drawbacksCooperative federalism toolsWhat they solveWhat remainsReforms
Where marks usually go
- Defining cooperative federalism without listing structural drawbacks
- No judgement on 'extent'
Draw this
- Table: drawback → cooperative remedy → residual gap
Value addition
- Report14th Finance Commission (2015) raised states' share of divisible taxes from 32% to 42%.14th Finance Commission
- CommitteeSarkaria Commission (1988) recommended a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 and sparing use of Article 356.Sarkaria Commission, 1988
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Alfred Thomas · Page 9 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 29 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Akash Kumar · AIR 101 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Alfred Thomas · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.