Question

Discuss the centre and state relations based on Indian Constitution

Answer 1

Answer:

In India, before the formation of the federation the States were not ‘sovereign’ entities.

As such, there was no need for safeguards to protect ‘States’. On account of the exigencies of the situation, the Indian federation has acquired characteristics which are quite different from the American model.

(i) The residuary powers under the Indian Constitution are assigned to the Union and not to the States. However, it may be noted that the Canadian Constitution does the same mode of distrib­uting the powers cannot be considered as eroding the federal nature of the Constitution.

(ii) Though there is a division of powers between the Union and the States, the Indian Constitution provides the Union with power to exercise control over the legislation as well as the administration of the States. Legislation by a State can be disallowed by the President, when reserved by the Governor for his consideration.