Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Q4. In India’s quasi-federal setup, subnational constitutionalism is emerging as a tool for regional empowerment. Evaluate this trend. Examine its implications for the balance of power in Indian federalism. Suggest how it can be reconciled with national constitutional values. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Tamil Nadu’s 2025 initiative to review Centre-State relations and the growing discourse on federal asymmetry and regional autonomy in India’s quasi-federal setup.
Key Demand of the question
The question demands a critical evaluation of the trend of subnational constitutionalism as a tool for regional empowerment, an analysis of its effect on the federal power balance, and suggestions for aligning it with national constitutional values.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight the assertion of regional constitutional identity within India’s federal framework due to evolving political and fiscal challenges.Body
- Evaluate the emergence of subnational constitutionalism as a response to centralisation and regional assertion.
- Examine how this trend affects the balance of legislative, fiscal, and administrative powers between Centre and States.
- Suggest methods to reconcile regional empowerment with constitutional unity through institutional and legal mechanisms.
Conclusion
Reinforce the idea that India’s federalism must evolve with democratic aspirations, and structured regional assertion can enrich rather than weaken constitutional unity.
