FEDERALISM AND

LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
 Dear Students

It is common knowledge that to clear the UPSC exam, the

students should always study as much as possible, as Hard
work always pays. With the help of our “HYBRID EXPLAINERS”
we are just trying to provide you with some insights for smartly
approaching the preparation for UPSC.
Further, the logics and tricks suggested in these “Explainers”
are meant to help you overcome the paucity of time, facing the
uncertainties of exam and slight confusions in the exam hall.
The best utilisation of these “Explainers” will be using it for
supplementing or supporting the basic preparation done by you
till now rather than replacing it. It can be used for the purpose
of revision and solving questions when in doubt.
 SECTION A: Prelims

Importance of the theme in UPSC exam

Federalism and Local Self-Government have typically formed an

important pivot area, as far as the UPSC examination is concerned. The
questions on this theme range from salient features of power-sharing to
exploring its functioning in the Indian political context.
Areas Focused By UPSC

Salient Features

Centre-State
Relations
State-Local
Government
Relations
Inter-State
Relations

Institutions/
Bodies/
Organisations
Principles of
Federalism

Areas Focused Legislative

Provisions
By UPSC Special
Provisions

Salient Features: Questions are asked about the fundamental

characteristics, features and provisions associated with
federalism and local self-government in India.

Centre-State Relations: Many questions have been appearing

in the examination that focuses on Legislative, Executive and
Administrative dimensions of Centre-State Relations, the
constitutional Provisions associated with the same as well
as implications of political developments on Centre-State
relationships. Topics like Emergency and President’s rule, which
change the nature of centre-state relationships are frequently
asked.
State-Local Government Relations: Questions are asked about
the provisions governing the power relations between the state
government and local bodies at various levels. One must be aware
of the constitutional provisions related to local self-governments
as well as their implementation on the ground.

Inter-State Relations: The concept of federalism not only focuses

on the relationship between the governments at the centre and
the state levels, but it also focuses on the relationship among the
states and issues associated with it. Questions can be asked from
this area as well.

Institutions/Bodies/Organisations: Questions are often asked

about organisations concerned with federal relations and local
governments; like NITI Aayog, State Election Commission, Finance
Commission, etc.

Principles of Federalism: Certain principles that guide the basic

philosophy of Federalism are often asked. These include concepts
like Cooperative Federalism, Democratic decentralization,
subsidiarity, etc.

Legislative Provisions: Area of focus ranges from asking the

historical evolution of the concepts, legal history related to
Federalism and local self-government, Pre-independence
scenario, etc.

Special Provisions: Certain states are provided with special

powers under various provisions of the constitution of India, such
as Article 371, 5th and 6th Schedule etc. Also, there are special
provisions that govern local self-government in Scheduled Areas
under provisions of the “Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled
Areas) Act, 1996” (PESA). Thus, these special provisions form an
important focus area.
Tips and Tricks To Solve Prelims Questions
Common
Points
Concept
and Logic

Look out for Tips and Tricks Functions of

cues in the To Solve federal
question institutions
Prelims
Questions

Current
Common
Affairs
Sense

Applying Extreme
contemporary worded
examples statements

Common Points: Most of the constitutional provisions related

to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs) are common, and if one makes a note of such common
facts, he/she can answer questions with ease. For example,
the minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member
of these bodies is 21 years. An RLB/ULB reconstituted after
premature dissolution continues only for the remainder of
the five year term.
Concept and Logic: There has been a trend where questions
are being asked based on fundamental concepts. Hence,
candidates are advised to understand basic concepts
associated with the topic and develop a conceptual clarity to
use it for logical deductions to solve questions. For example,
the features or aspects which create concentration of power
are associated with the concept of ‘Over Centralisation’,
which is antithetical to the principles of Federalism.
Functions of federal institutions: Questions have also been
asked on institutions and their role in fostering federalism.
Thus, candidates are advised to learn about their principles
of functioning and how they promote federalism, etc. and
use logic to arrive at the correct answer by applying these
concepts.
Common Sense: There are certain questions which can be
solved by applying common sense and by relying on intuition.
One needs to read the questions carefully to apply one’s
instinct to find out the answer.
For Example: The concept of Democratic decentralization is
often associated with Local Self Government; thus you need
to rely on this basic assumption while solving any question.
Similarly, any law or constitutional provision which seeks to
empower local bodies will generally be based on the ideology
of promoting democratic decentralization.

Extreme worded statements: It is found that extreme worded

statements are generally wrong. A candidate can use this
method along with elimination technique to strike out the
wrong statement and arrive at the correct answer.
For example, if a question says that ‘A Governor reserves
all the bills of the Legislative Assembly, for consideration
of the President…’ or if it’s stated that ‘Validity of any
Parliamentary or State Law placed in the Ninth Schedule
cannot be examined by the Court. These kinds of statements
are often wrong.
A candidate should try to figure out words like - all, only,
any, highest, no, never, etc. Though this trick works most of
the time, it is always advised to use conceptual clarity and
logic over this trick.

Applying contemporary examples: While solving MCQs, an

aspirant can think of a question from the perspective of a
real-life example. Relating the static information with the
contemporary examples and creating a picture or imaginary
scenario in mind helps in recollecting the information in the
examination hall. For example, if one has read about the
recent application of President rule in any state, a question
on its impacts and process can be answered.

Current Affairs: Current Affairs has been an important focus

area, especially when it comes to federalism. Direct questions
related to the recent developments have been asked in the
preliminary examination. Questions on the role of Governor/
Lt. Governor, President’s rule, Supreme Court Judgements,
Acts of Parliament, etc. can be asked. Candidates are advised
to keep track of all the recent developments and try linking
them with the static portion of the syllabus.

Look out for cues in the question: Language of a question is

very important in polity subject, as UPSC tends to play with
words. Many times the language of the question itself gives
us various cues, which may lead us to the right answer. Thus,
we should keep looking for such cues.
 1. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled
Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified
as its objective?

(a) To provide self-governance

(b) To recognize traditional rights
(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
(d) To free tribal people from exploitation

(CSE PRELIMS-2013)
Answer: c

Explainer’s Perspective

First and foremost, in this question, a student should take note of the
word Not. One has to figure out which of the given options is not an
objective of Panchayat Extension To Scheduled Areas Act, 1996. It
can be approached from two Perspectives;
If a student is aware of the basic fundamental or vision of the PESA
Act then by interpreting the statements correctly he/she will know
that options- (a), (b) and (d) ; relate to Empowerment of Tribal People
which is the basic philosophy behind PESA Act.
Secondly, if a candidate is aware of the Fifth and Sixth Schedule
of the Constitution, he will easily figure out the wrong Statement,
because the creation of autonomous regions for tribal areas is already
provided for in the Sixth schedule. Hence, there is no need for the
legislature to pass a separate law altogether to provide for the same.
 2. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority
to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of
individual or community forest rights or both?
(a) State Forest Department
(b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
(c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue
Officer
(d) Gram Sabha

(CSE PRELIMS-2013)
Answer:d

Explainer’s Perspective

• Though the question is not directly related to the topic of Local

Self-Government, this question can be solved by reading it in the
light of “Democratic Decentralisation” - the main objective of
Constitutional provisions of local self-government and PESA Act.
• Options (a), (b) and (c) can be marked incorrect as these authorities
work under the State Government and giving such power to them
is against the principles of PESA Act.
• Keeping the principles of PESA Act in mind, we can say that it
should be the Gram Sabha, i.e. a local body consisting of registered
voters of the village. They initiate the process for determining the
nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both
under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
• Alternatively, we can say that the aim of the act is to preserve
traditional rights of tribals. They are preserved if the rights are
exercised by the tribes themselves and Gram Sabha is the only
such tribal body among the options.
• Hence, the answer is option (d).

3. The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India
for implementing international treaties-
(a) With the consent of all the States
(b) With the consent of the majority of States
(c) With the consent of the States concerned
(d) Without the consent of any State

(CSE PRELIMS-2015)
Answer: d
 Explainer’s Perspective

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of the states will not be required.
• Hence, option (d) can be marked as correct.

4. Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of

the proclamation of the President’s rule in a State?
1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
3. Dissolution of the local bodies
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b
(CSE PRELIMS-2017)
 Explainer’s Perspective

This question can be solved by thinking about recent examples and

applying basic logic.
The easiest way to solve the question is by looking at statement 2.
From basic knowledge, one would know that under the President’s
rule, the President takes over the functions of the executive branch
of the state government. If the Council of Ministers were to remain
intact after the President takes over the administration, it would
create dual power centres and result in diffused accountability. This
means that it will add to the confusion and the multiplicity of power
centres would render administration ineffective. Thus, it seems logical
that in case the President takes over executive functions of the state
government, the council of ministers must be removed to avoid the
issue of dual power centres. Hence, statement 2 is correct, and this
eliminates all options except (b) which is the correct answer.

5. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any

item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that
effect is passed by the-
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its
total membership
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its
members present and voting

Answer: d
(CSE PRELIMS-2016)

Explainer’s Perspective
The question attempts to test the student’s fundamental Polity
concepts. The student should know the basic concept that Rajya
Sabha is the federal house, committed to protecting the interests of
the states. Hence, the power to legislate on any item in the State list
should logically be given to the Rajya Sabha. This eliminates options
(a) and (b).For deciding between options (c) and (d), one can think
that federalism is a part of basic structure and legislating on state
subjects should logically have a higher threshold than legislating on
Union list subjects. Having in place a special majority ensures checks
and balances are present so that Rajya Sabha doesn’t arbitrarily
interfere in all matters pertaining to the State list.
By this logic, a special majority of two-thirds seems more reasonable.
Hence, the answer should be (d).
 1. Consider the following statements:
1. Union of India is not the result of an agreement among the states.
2. States have the right to secede from the Union.
3. The Union of India is divided into states only for the convenience
of administration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: a

Explainer’s Perspective

• This question can be solved by using tricks - Common Sense and

Extreme Worded Statements.
• Statement 2 can be marked incorrect by using a common sense
that if the statement ‘No Indian State can secede from the Union’
were true, then there must have been some state in the past
which had seceded from the Union and there won’t be so many
states with “Secessionist Movements” (e.g. erstwhile Jammu and
Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram etc). In fact secessionist movements
are not seen in a good light and termed as a threat to the unity
and integrity of India. Such movements are dealt with strongly by
the government.
• Statement 3 can be solved by looking at the extreme word -
“Only”. If this statement was true then there won’t be so much
inequality, in terms of area, population etc, among states. Further,
the student may think of states formed on the basis of language
such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat etc. Hence, statement 3
can be marked incorrect.
• Hence by eliminating Statements 2 and 3 from options, we get the
answer as Option (a).
2. With reference to India, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1.All India Services violates the principles of federalism.
2.The salient feature of the Federal Constitution is Centralization of
power.
3.Only the Centre has the power to initiate an amendment to the
Constitution.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer. b

Explainer’s Perspective

• This question can be solved by using trick Concept and Logic.

• If the concept of “Federalism” is clear to the candidate,
statement 2 can be eliminated as it talks about centralisation of
power, which is exactly opposite to the concept of Federalism
i.e. Decentralisation of Power.
• Eliminating Statement 2 from options we get the answer as (b).

3. In a Federal System, which of the following statements is/are

correct?
1. In a Federal System, the Union decides the allocation of
powers between the central and state government.
2. In a Federal System, central government and state
government operate in their respective jurisdictions independently.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b
 Explainer’s Perspective

• The question can be solved by using trick - Concept and Logic.

• There are certain essential conditions for a Federal System and
having a written constitution is one of them. The students are
expected to know that the Indian Constitution clearly demarcates
powers of the Union and the states and is the source of these
powers. The states derive their powers from the Constitution and
the Union has no role in it. In fact, the Central Government itself
derives its powers from the constitution. One should know that
giving the authority to decide allocation of powers to the Union
will defeat the purpose of Federalism, which is part of the basic
structure of the constitution. Hence, Statement 1 can be marked
as incorrect.
• Similarly Statement 2 can be marked as correct as Central and
State Governments operate in their own jurisdictions, which are
defined by the Constitution. This is a basic principle of federalism.
• Hence. the answer is option (b).

4. Consider the following statement regarding the Provisions of the

Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996?
1.This act is applicable only to the fifth scheduled areas.
2.It reserves one-third of the seats for the Scheduled Tribes in every
Panchayat.
3.It empowers the governor to nominate Scheduled Tribes which
have no representation in the panchayat at the district level.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: c
 Explainer’s Perspective

• The question can be solved using tricks - Concept and Logic, Look
out for cues in the question and Common Sense.
• Here, the question asks the candidate to find the “incorrect”
statements. So, finding the correct statement and eliminating it
from given options can give us the answer.
• Statement 1 can be marked as correct as the name of the act, i.e.
Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas)
Act, 1996, itself suggests that it is for Scheduled Areas. The areas
in Fifth Schedule are called Scheduled Areas, whereas areas under
Schedule Six are called Tribal Areas. Also, the Schedule Six has
elaborated the procedure for giving autonomy to such areas, but
Schedule Five has not. Hence, statement 1 has to be correct.
• Eliminating statement 1 from options gives us the answer as option
(c).

5. Which of the following are sources of tax revenue for municipal

bodies?
1. Property taxes
2. Tax on animal
3. Rent on municipal properties
4. Royalty
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: c

Explainer’s Perspective

• The question can be solved by using tricks - Concept and Logic

and Look out for cues in the question.
• The question asks the candidate to select “sources of tax revenue
for municipal bodies”. Here the term to be emphasised is “Tax
Revenue”.
• Statement 3 says “Rent on municipal properties” and rent is not
a tax.
• Similarly Statement 4 says “Royalty” which is also not a tax.
• Eliminating Statement 3 and 4, we get Option c as the answer.
 Section B: Mains
Importance of the theme in UPSC exam

Federalism and Local Self-government have been important topics for

the UPSC Mains examination. Recently, there has been growing emphasis
on different versions of Federalism in India. Moreover, considering the
contemporary scenario, where several concerns and issues have been arising
related to Federalism and distribution of powers, decentralisation of power
has been a topic of public debate to have an effective system of governance.
This rising importance of Federalism and Local Self-government can be seen in
terms of the number of questions in the UPSC Mains exam.

GS GS
Essay
Paper- II Paper-III

There have been many essays
asked by UPSC in the past from
this topic. These can also be
linked to current issues. For
example-
1.Creation of smaller states and
the consequent administrative,
economic and developmental
implication. (2011)
2.Water disputes between
states in federal India. (2016)
3.Cooperative Federalism: Myth
or reality. (2016)
4.Impact of the new economic
measures on fiscal ties between
the Union and states in India.
(2017)
The following subjects are Questions keep on appearing
covered in the Mains General from topics like Fiscal Federalism,
Studies Paper-II: Centre-State issues related to
• Governance public finance, Management
• Constitution of Federal relations among
• Polity constituent units amidst recent
• Social Justice developments like GST, etc.
• International relations
Federalism forms an
important component of
all these topics. Questions
in this paper range from
concepts associated with
federalism and local self-
government, issues and
challenges associated with
them, recent developments
etc.
Areas Focused by UPSC Questions

Recent
Developments
and Concepts
Issues faced by
Local
Self-Governments
Institutions and
Organisations

Judiciary
and Federalism
Disputes and
Friction Points
Between Centre
and States
Election
Related Matters

Recent Developments and Concepts: Questions have been asked

from the concepts of Power Sharing between the Centre and
States, and between the State and Local Self-governments. The
concepts like Cooperative Federalism, Competitive Federalism,
Fiscal Federalism, Democratic Decentralisation, People-Centric
Governance, Minimum Government and Maximum Governance
are usually asked either directly or indirectly by linking them with
recent events.

Institutions and Organisations: Questions in Mains examination

from this area are related to the role of various organisations
in fostering federalism and a comparative analysis of several
Institutions. For example, Niti Aayog and how it is different from
the Planning Commission.
Disputes and Friction Points Between Centre and States: Several
questions have been coming from this area; related to Centre-
State conflicts over issues like water, reorganization, linguistic and
legislative matters. For example, a question on Cauvery Water
Dispute may be asked.

Issues faced by Local Self-Governments: Questions are asked

about the role of State And Central government in smooth
functioning of local self-governments, the issues faced by these
governments and suggested reforms. The traditional woes of
3 Fs (Finance, Functions and Functionaries) of Panchayati Raj
Institutions, i.e. Local Self-Government needs to be highlighted
along with recent issues.

Judiciary and Federalism: Recently, the role of Judiciary, in

managing federal disputes, has been appearing in the questions.
Also, several judgements and their implications upon federalism
and local self-government are asked directly or indirectly. For
example, Supreme Court judgment in the NCT of Delhi power-
sharing case was asked.

Election Related Matters: Elections are an important topic for

federalism, especially in light of recent developments where
election related disputes have constantly been occurring in India
and creating stress in Centre-State relationships. For example,
simultaneous elections and its possible impacts on federalism.
Tips and Tricks to sail through

Recent Developments

Various Issues and Federalism

Provisions related to the topic

Value Addition material

Judicial Pronouncements

Keywords

Recent Developments: Candidates should take note of all the

developments related to Centre-State, Inter-state or Intra-state
issues, policies and recent reforms/changes taken up by the
government which are directly or indirectly related to the topic.
Candidates are advised to develop their own perspective on all the
issues of recent development.
For Example: Effects of revocation of the special status of Jammu
and Kashmir on centre-state relations or the impact of COVID-19
induced lockdown on Local Self-Governments.

Various Issues and Federalism: Various recent issues and

developments must be studied from the perspective of Federalism.
Holistic coverage of issues is needed.
For example, any recent controversy and its effects upon Federal
relations should be studied. While studying the topics like Governor,
Chief Minister etc. students should also focus on their role in recent
federal developments.
Provisions related to the topic: It is a very important aspect for
preparing any topic of Indian Polity. There are several questions which
are related to federalism and local self-government. These provisions
can be constitutional (like Articles, Schedules, Amendments etc.) or
non-constitutional (Laws, Policies etc.). A student should make a note
of all the relevant provisions in order to write an effective answer and
substantiate his/her Content.

Value Addition material: The student should prepare data, committee

recommendations, expert opinions etc. to fetch extra marks. For
example, Punchhi Commission for federalism and 2nd ARC for local
self-government.

Judicial Pronouncements: It is crucial to keep track of recent

judgements of the Supreme Court and the High Courts that have an
effect on Centre-State or Inter-state relations. Questions may range
from implications or analysis of these judgements, role of the Judiciary
in resolution of federal disputes and promotion of decentralisation
of power, etc. Candidates are advised to make note of all these
judgements and their analysis.
For example, Supreme Court pronouncements on conflict between
the Lt Governor of Delhi and the Chief Minister are crucial.
Supreme Court judgement on non-implementation of Provisions of
the National Food Security Act in the Swaraj Abhiyan Case.

Keywords: There are certain keywords that are very essential. A ready
note of all such words should be made and their definition written
down so that these terms can be used effectively in the answers.
For example: Cooperative Federalism, Competitive Federalism,
Asymmetric Federalism, Shared Sovereignty, etc.
UPSC Previous Year Mains questions
from Explainer’s perspective
1.Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of
Indian Unity?
[2016]

Explainer’s Perspective
• In this question, students should emphasise on the key phrase “linguistic
state’s formation” and rationales for the same.
• The students are supposed to know both pros and cons that is the
significance of Linguistic State formation for Indian unity and also the
issues and concerns associated with it.
• A student is expected to present his opinions upon how the creation of
linguistic states has facilitated unity and present some examples for
the same. Using examples to substantiate the claims in this question
is essential, and it is expected that students have a ready list of some
such examples.

2.How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from
those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India?
[2018]

Explainer’s Perspective

• A candidate can start answering this question by writing a few lines

about the role of NITI Aayog and the rationale behind its establishment.
• Then a comparative analysis should be made between the principles
of the NITI Aayog and Planning Commission. As mentioned above,
candidates are expected to have such a comparative analysis ready
while preparing for this topic.
• Relevant reports and studies highlighting the importance of the NITI
Aayog can also be mentioned to substantiate the content.
• Candidates are also advised to mention shortcomings which are
common between the NITI Aayog and the erstwhile Planning
Commission.
• The answer can be concluded by suggesting reforms to strengthen the
NITI Aayog by focussing on the shortcomings mentioned above.
 3.Assess the importance of the Panchayat System in India as a part
of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources
the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects.
[2018]

Explainer’s Perspective

There are two parts of this question which should be addressed with
equal weightage given to both.
The first part asks about assessing the importance of the Panchayat
System.
• Here, the students should start by mentioning that PRIs, which are local
self-governing bodies, ensure opportunities for people’s participation
and involvement in the formulation and implementation of rural
development programmes. The students can briefly mention the
enabling provisions of the constitution that provide PRIs constitutional
status.
• The students should highlight the importance of the Panchayat
system in India in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
It would be better if some exemplary initiatives of Panchayats are
quoted or some recent news item or case study about Panchayati Raj
Institutions, and their role in democratic empowerment of people, is
mentioned.
The Second part can be addressed by using some basic knowledge along
with facts and data.
• Students should know about the alternative sources of finance for
Panchayats such as; taxes on land and houses, toll tax, license
fees. Money comes also as grants-in-aid from the Central or the
State government or from the Zilla Parishad or Panchayat Samitis.
Another source of income for the Panchayat is the loan from the
Central Government or the State Government or Financial Agencies/
Institutions. Funds through various Government schemes also become
a source of income for the Panchayat. One should highlight the
importance of own revenues and united finances and quote reports
such as the 2nd ARC or Economic Survey.
One can conclude with a positive way forward to ensure financial
independence of PRIs.
 4.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.
[2015]

Explainer’s Perspective

• Students are expected to know about the concept of Cooperative

Federalism. It is to be noted that whenever a concept or any key word
is asked students should begin their answer by defining that keyword
or concept. In this case, with a definition of Cooperative Federalism.
• In dealing with this question which asks about drawbacks of existing
Federal Structure, one should know about the issues concerning
Federalism in India.
• Students need to make a timeline of those issues and present it in
a tabular or graphical format: such as centralisation tendencies in
last few decades, issues over Governor’s role, role of Institutions like
Niti Aayog, financial autonomy (in context of devolution of funds,
allocation of tax resources etc.). One should try to give examples for
these points.
• The second part of answer should discuss how the concept of
Cooperative Federalism will be relevant in resolution of such drawbacks
and challenges by writing some examples and also by mentioning some
measures taken in this regard like the establishment of NITI Aayog.
• The student can mention the recommendations of Punchhi Commission
to promote cooperative federalism.
• Students can give a fair judgement and a way forward regarding the
future of Cooperative Federalism in India.
 5.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.
[2014]

Explainer’s Perspective

• Students can start answering this question by writing a few lines

about the characteristics of Federalism in India. They should highlight
that Federalism has been declared as a part of Basic Structure by the
Supreme Court. Quoting the relevant SC Judgement is advisable to
fetch extra marks here.
• Then, it is expected that students should highlight the constitutional
provisions which strengthen the federal character of the constitution
namely:- Legislative Provisions under Schedule Eight, Rajya Sabha
as the House of States, Administrative and Executive Provisions, The
Special Powers with the States etc. Relevant articles, if quoted, in this
regard, can fetch extra marks.
• Then the candidates should go on to highlight some centralising
tendencies in the constitution. They can highlight provisions related to
the Emergency, President’s Rule, the role of the Governor in states,
powers of Parliament to make laws on the state subjects etc.
• Also, the students should highlight developments in recent years by
citing some relevant examples from Indian political set up as well as
some provisions which give special powers to the Central Government.
Students can use examples or court cases to substantiate their views.
 11 Ranks 28 Ranks 183 Ranks
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Selected Candidates from BYJU’S

215 236 Out of 812 vacancies

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2013

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Our Advisory Board

Dr. Pushpesh Pant C. Uday Bhaskar Arun Kumar Mago
(Ex. Dean, SIS, JNU, Delhi) (Defence & Int. Sec. Expert) (IAS Retd., Former Chief Secretary,
Maharashtra)

Pradeep Kumar C N S Nair A K Puri

(IFoS Retd., Ex. PCCF, (IAS Retd., Former Sec. (IPS Retd., Former DGP,
Wildlife, Jharkand) to Govt. of India) Himachal Pradesh)

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