Volume 18, No. 2, 2021

Enlarged State Autonomy: A Possible Solution To Indian Federal System


Tawseef Ahmad Malik

Abstract

The concept of federalism always remains a topic of debate and discussion among the academicians and statesmen in the world as well as in India. After independence India adopted a federal form of government in order to bring unity in diversity in the country, however it was not the single cause for that as it was accompanied by many other also. But due to the emergence of constitutional and extra-constitutional development in the Indian politics, the nature of federalism is taking new shape of the country. Federalism in India is now facing certain flaws and weakness and various challenges both at structural and functional levels which mostly became apparent when ‘States demands their autonomy and other rights for redressed their grievances’ acquired momentum. Since independence till present autonomy to the states is one of the most pivotal and controversial issue in contemporary Indian politics. States have sought greater autonomy and separate states because of economic neglect, distinctiveness of society and political culture, administrative and local inefficiency, and biased approach of Central government towards states in distribution of funds, resources and other facilities. Why have some federal states better been able to withstand separatist pressures than others? This is the broad question motivating this study. For making this paper empirically sound I examined many cases of conflictual center-region relations, while granting autonomy to the states is definitely a peace-preserving which will not only regulate the intrastate conflicts, particularly nationalist or separatist conflicts, but also will help to unite the country. The paper also suggests the need for constitutional reforms to include fair and robust measures to ensure harmonious centre-state relations as also to promote positive federalism in the country. After discussing the State autonomy issue the paper finally concludes with the idea that granting autonomy and more rights to the States is not harmful to the union of India rather it will help to promote Unity in integrity in India which is also the main theme of the paper.


Pages: 3024-3033

Keywords: Centre-State Relations, Autonomy, States, Decentralisation, Region, Conflicts, Secession, and Development.

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