Discuss the legislative relation between the union and the states in india
Answers
The constitution of India very clearly distributes the legislative powers, between the centre and states. Both the sets of Governments can frame laws independently in their respective spheres. There are three lists of powers given in the constitution.
(i) Union List -
In the union list there are 99 subjects. The laws on all these subjects can be framed by the Federal Government, i.e. the Parliament of India. The list contains subjects of national importance. These subjects concern all the citizens of India equally.
(ii) State List -
In the state list there are 62 subjects. These subjects can be legislated upon by the states, subjects mentioned in the list are like the law and order, police, jails, public health, education, agriculture, local-self government, hospitals, justice, organization of judiciary except Supreme Court and High Courts, forests, revenue and unemployment etc.
(iii) Concurrent List -
There are 55 subjects in the concurrent list. The subjects mentioned in the concurrent list are-like the marriage, divorce, criminal law, civil procedure, newspapers, books and printing press.
iv) Residuary Powers -
Residuary powers have been allotted to the central government by the constitution. But in U.S.A. and Switzerland the residuary powers have been given to the states. It seems that the framers of the constitution have followed the Canadian examples with a view to keep the centre I in a very strong position.