India's Quasi-Federal Model of Governance: A Balance Between Unity and Diversity
India’s Constitution establishes a unique quasi-federal system combining federal and unitary features to maintain national unity amid rich diversity. The federal structure includes a strong centre, empowered states, and a division of powers, but allows Parliament to alter state boundaries and legislate on state subjects during emergencies. Despite challenges like fiscal centralization and political tensions, cooperative institutions and constitutional mechanisms sustain India's federalism.
The article discusses the distinct nature of India’s quasi-federal governance model, which blends federalism with a strong unitary bias. The Indian Constitution, effective from 1950, created a union of states with a single constitution, integrated judiciary, and All India Services, underpinning unity in diversity. Influential Constituent Assembly members like B.R. Ambedkar emphasized that India’s federation was indestructible and balanced power between Centre and states to avoid excessive centralization. The Constitution provides for a dual government system with distinct legislative lists for Union and states and enables Parliament to modify state boundaries without their consent, reflecting a flexible federal structure. However, present challenges include fiscal centralization, notably through the implementation of GST, which has reduced states’ taxation powers and delayed compensation payments, causing revenue shortfalls. Political and administrative centralization, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic with emergency powers, has also tested Centre-state relations. Nonetheless, India’s quasi-federalism remains resilient, supported by cooperative federal institutions such as the GST Council and Niti Aayog, constitutional dispute resolution mechanisms, and empowered local governance through the 73rd and 74th amendments. This model allows India to accommodate its vast cultural, linguistic, and regional diversity while maintaining national cohesion, embodying the principle of 'self-rule with shared-rule' and transforming diversity into a strategic asset.
