India is often described as a quasi-federal country with a strong unitary bias. Its federal structure is enshrined in the Constitution of India, and several features contribute to its federal character:
Constitutional Division of Powers: The Constitution of India clearly outlines the distribution of powers between the central government (Union) and the state governments. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution lists subjects under three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List contains subjects on which only the central government can legislate, the State List contains subjects on which only state governments can legislate, and the Concurrent List contains subjects on which both the center and states can legislate.
Bicameral Legislature at the Center and in States: India has a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature at both the central and state levels. The Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Similarly, state legislatures consist of a legislative assembly and a legislative council (in states that have one).
Separation of Powers: India follows the principle of the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches at both the central and state levels. Each tier of government operates independently within its specified domain.
Dual Polity: India has a dual polity with governments at the central and state levels. Each level of government has its own set of responsibilities and functions, and they operate independently within their spheres.
However, it’s important to note that India also has certain unitary features that tilt the balance toward centralization:
Single Citizenship: India follows the concept of single citizenship. Every Indian citizen is a citizen of the entire country, and there is no separate state citizenship.
Emergency Provisions: The Constitution grants the central government significant powers during times of emergency, allowing it to take control of the governance of states.
Appointment of Governors: Governors of states, who represent the President of India, are appointed by the central government. While they are constitutional heads of states, their appointment is a central prerogative.
In summary, India’s federal structure is a delicate balance between decentralization and centralization. While it has a federal framework, certain features ensure that the central government has powers to maintain the unity and integrity of the country.