Topic: Parliamentary system and federal system
2. Even though the States are sovereign in their prescribed legislative field, and their executive power is co-extensive with their legislative powers, it is clear that “the powers of the States are not coordinate with the Union”. Examine. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Polity by Lakshmikant
Why the question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I, part Indian polity- Parliamentary system and federal system.
Key Demand of the question:
One has to present an analysis of the federal setup in the country and comment on how the powers of the States are not coordinate with the Union.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
One can start with the definition of Indian federalism and its importance in brief.
Body:
The answer body must explain in detail the federal setup of the country enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Explain the asymmetric federalism prevalent and followed in the country; the main forms of administrative units in India are the Centre and the States. But there are other forms, too, all set up to address specific local, historical and geographical contexts. Besides the Centre and the States, the country has Union Territories with a legislature and Union Territories without a legislature.
Give examples to substantiate like that of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and Delhi etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with uniqueness and importance of India’s federalism.
