Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India.

GS 2

Indian Polity

2020

10 Marks

India's federal structure has evolved through cooperation, competition, and confrontation between Centre and states, creating a dynamic framework that continues shaping national governance and development priorities.

Cooperation in Indian Federalism

Institutional Mechanisms
- NITI Aayog's 10th Governing Council Meeting (2024) emphasized "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047" through collaborative state-led development
- GST Council demonstrates fiscal cooperation with unanimous decision-making on tax policies
- Inter-State Council and National Development Council facilitate policy coordination and dispute resolution
- PM-KISAN and Ayushman Bharat showcase successful Centre-state collaboration in welfare delivery
- COVID-19 response highlighted cooperative federalism through unified health protocols and vaccine distribution
Constitutional Framework
- Article 263 enables President to establish inter-state councils for better coordination
- Seventh Schedule provides clear demarcation of legislative powers
- Finance Commission ensures equitable resource distribution through constitutional mandate

Competition Among States

Performance-Based Rankings
- NITI Aayog's Innovation Index 2024 ranks states on innovation capabilities, promoting healthy competition
- Ease of Doing Business rankings drive states to improve investment climate
- Swachh Survekshan creates competitive environment for urban cleanliness
- Good Governance Index evaluates states on governance parameters
- States compete for semiconductor manufacturing investments through customized policy packages
Economic Competition
- Investment promotion through state-specific industrial policies and incentive structures
- Infrastructure development race among states to attract businesses and improve connectivity
- Skill development programs tailored to local industrial requirements

Confrontation in Federal Relations

Resource Disputes
- GST compensation delays created Centre-state tensions during 2020-2022
- Devolution of taxes remains contentious with states demanding higher share
- Centrally Sponsored Schemes funding patterns often disputed by states
- MGNREGA fund allocation disputes between Centre and several states
Water and Boundary Disputes
- Karnataka-Tamil Nadu Cauvery dispute continues despite Supreme Court interventions
- Punjab-Haryana SYL Canal issue remains unresolved affecting federal harmony
- Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute over Belagavi region creates inter-state tensions

Aspect	Recent Examples (2023-24)	Impact on Federalism
Cooperation	PM GatiShakti, GST Council decisions	Strengthened coordination
Competition	Semiconductor policy race, Innovation rankings	Enhanced performance
Confrontation	CAA implementation disputes, Water sharing	Constitutional challenges

Balancing Federal Dynamics

Constitutional Safeguards
- Article 356 (President's Rule) serves as last resort for Centre-state conflicts
- Supreme Court's federal arbitration role in resolving disputes
- Governor's constitutional role in maintaining federal balance
Emerging Trends
- Digital India initiatives promoting cooperative technology adoption
- Climate action requiring coordinated Centre-state efforts
- Economic integration through unified markets and policies

The federal structure's strength lies in managing these three dimensions simultaneously. Cooperative federalism through institutional mechanisms, competitive federalism driving performance improvement, and constitutional safeguards resolving confrontational issues ensure India's federal resilience while promoting national unity and state autonomy.

Answer Length

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