Centre-State Relations in India:part 1

Centre-State relations in India are defined under the Constitution of India and are broadly categorized into three areas:

1. Legislative relations

2. Administrative relations

3. Financial relations

The Constitution establishes a federal structure with unitary features, ensuring coordination between the Centre and the States while maintaining the Union’s supremacy where necessary.

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1. Legislative Relations

Part XI (Articles 245–255) deals with legislative relations.

A. Territorial Extent of Legislation

• Extra-territorial power: Parliament can legislate beyond the territory of India (Article 245).

B. Distribution of Legislative Subjects

• Union List: Exclusive to Parliament

• State List: Exclusive to State Legislatures

• Concurrent List: Both Centre and States can legislate

• Residuary Powers (Article 248): Centre has exclusive powers over subjects not enumerated in any list

C. Parliamentary Legislation in State Field

• Article 249: Parliament may legislate on State List matters if Rajya Sabha passes a 2/3 majority resolution.

• Article 250: Parliament can legislate on State List subjects during a national emergency.

• Article 252: Parliament legislates on a State List subject if two or more states request it.

• Article 253: Parliament can legislate to implement international treaties or conventions.

• Article 356: During President’s Rule, Parliament makes laws over State List subjects.

D. Centre’s Control over State Legislation

• Article 200: Governor can reserve bills for the President’s consideration.

• Parliament can override state legislation in cases of conflict on the Concurrent List.

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2. Administrative Relations

Articles 256–263, Part XI cover administrative relations.

A. Distribution of Executive Powers

B. Centre’s Directions to States

• Article 256: States must ensure compliance with Union laws.

• Article 257: Union may control the state machinery for development and public interest.

C. Relations During Emergencies

• National Emergency: Centre can direct states on exercising executive power.

• President’s Rule: Centre takes direct control of state administration.

D. Control over Services

• All India Services: Centre has ultimate control; states exercise day-to-day administration.

• State Public Service Commissions: Appointed by Governor; removed only by President.

E. Other Provisions

• Article 355: Duty of Union to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbance.

• Governor Appointment: Appointed by President, holds office at President’s pleasure.

• State Election Commissioner: Appointed by Governor, removed only by President.

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3. Financial Relations

Part XII (Articles 268–293) defines financial relations between Centre and States.

• Division of Tax Revenue: Union and States have separate taxing powers; Union taxes include customs, excise, income tax; State taxes include sales tax, land revenue.

• Grants-in-Aid: Centre provides funds to States under Article 275 to meet deficiencies or special needs.

• Borrowing: States can borrow within limits prescribed by Parliament (Article 293).

• Finance Commission (Article 280): Recommends distribution of tax revenue between Centre and States, and among States themselves.

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Summary Table – Legislative, Administrative, and Financial Relations

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Key Points for UPSC:

• India is federation with strong unitary bias.

• Union has supremacy in emergencies, residuary subjects, treaties, and Concurrent List conflicts.

• Governor plays a central role as a bridge between Centre and States.

• Constitutional provisions ensure cooperation, control, and coordination.