Also: federal system, cooperative federalism, fiscal federalism
Definition
A system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central government and regional governments, each supreme in its own sphere. This hub page connects the many forms of Indian federalism; see the linked lessons for depth.
Classic federations such as the United States were formed when separate states came together and surrendered part of their sovereignty. India took the opposite path: a large unitary colonial state was reorganised into units after Independence. That is why B. R. Ambedkar stressed that India is a "Union" of states, meaning the federation was not the result of an agreement among states and no state has the right to secede. The Government of India Act 1935 had already introduced provincial autonomy and a proposed federation, and the Constitution built on it while strengthening the Centre in the shadow of Partition and the integration of princely states.
Scholars have described the result in different ways: K. C. Wheare called it "quasi-federal", Granville Austin used "cooperative federalism", and others have called it federal in normal times and unitary in emergencies. The design has not stood still. The reorganisation of states on linguistic lines (1956), the rise of regional parties after 1967, the coalition era, the 73rd and 74th Amendments, and the GST all shifted the balance in different directions.
Create a free account to read 5 full pages a month, or upgrade for unlimited access. The definition above, the A–Z index and the pop-up definitions in lessons stay free.
