Power Sharing in

India: A
Comprehensive
Overview
Power sharing is a fundamental principle of India's political system. It
aims to ensure the equitable distribution of power among different
levels of government, communities, and political institutions. This
presentation delves into the intricacies of power sharing in India,
examining its different forms and highlighting key examples and case
studies.

by daksh
X-B
Introduction to Power Sharing in India
Power sharing in India is rooted in the country's diverse population and the need for a system that accommodates different interests and
identities. It is a crucial component of maintaining national unity and stability.

Why Power Sharing? Forms of Power Sharing Examples of Power Sharing

Power sharing helps to prevent
conflicts arising from different
communities, languages, religions, and
political ideologies.
Power sharing in India takes various
forms, including vertical, horizontal,
and community-based power sharing.
Examples include the division of
powers between the central and state
governments, the bicameral legislature,
and the independent judiciary.
Vertical Power Sharing: Center-
State Relations
Vertical power sharing in India refers to the division of powers between the central
government (Union) and the state governments. This division is based on a federal
system outlined in the Indian Constitution.

Level Powers Examples

Central Defense, Foreign National security,

Affairs, Currency, international treaties,
Taxation issuing currency,
collecting taxes

State Education, Health, Schooling, healthcare,

Agriculture, Law and farming, policing
Order
Horizontal Power Sharing: Legislature,
Executive, and Judiciary
Horizontal power sharing is the division of power among different organs of the government. This separation ensures
checks and balances to prevent any one organ from gaining excessive power.

Legislature Executive Judiciary

Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Prime Minister and Council of Supreme Court and High Courts:
Sabha): Makes laws. Ministers: Implements laws. Interprets laws and ensures their
fair application.
Community Power Sharing:
Linguistic and Religious
Minorities
Community power sharing is designed to safeguard the rights and interests of linguistic
and religious minorities. This is achieved through constitutional provisions and special
safeguards.

1 Language
Recognizing and protecting
regional languages through official
status, education, and
administration.
2 Religion
Guaranteeing freedom of religion
and protecting religious practices,
institutions, and places of worship.

3 Cultural Rights
Promoting cultural diversity and preserving the unique cultural traditions of
different communities.
Local Power Sharing: Panchayati Raj and Urban Local
Bodies
Local power sharing in India involves devolving powers to local self-governing bodies, such as Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas and
urban local bodies in cities and towns.

Panchayati Raj
Three-tier system of local government (village, block, district).

Urban Local Bodies

Municipal corporations, municipalities, and cantonment boards.

Empowerment
Empowers local communities to participate in decision-making and governance.
Case Study: Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir presents a complex case of power sharing. The state has a unique history and
geopolitical situation. Special provisions in the Indian Constitution granted it autonomy and a special
status.

Pre-1947
The state had a princely status before independence.

1947-1954
2
Integration into India and the establishment of a special status.

1954-2019
3
Article 370 granted the state special autonomy and limited the applicability of certain
constitutional provisions.

2019
4
Revocation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the state into two union territories.
Case Study: North-East India
The North-East region of India is characterized by its diverse ethnicities and languages. The region
has experienced various forms of power sharing to address the unique challenges and aspirations of
the different communities.

Peace Accords Regional Autonomy

Several peace accords have been signed with Some states in the region have been granted
insurgent groups to resolve ethnic conflicts and greater autonomy to address local concerns
establish lasting peace. and preserve cultural identity.

Tribal Rights Development Initiatives

The rights and traditions of indigenous tribes Various development initiatives have been
have been recognized and protected through launched to improve the socio-economic well-
various legal and administrative measures. being of the region.