HOW IS INDIA DEALING WITH THE COVID 19 ISSUE BY SHARING AND ACCOMMODATING INTERESTS OF THE NATION AS A WHOLE AND STATES AS SEPARATE UNITS HAVING THEIR OWN UNIQUE DEMANDS? DO YOU THINK IT IS A REFLECTION OF POWER SHARING IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL HEALTH IN A FEDERAL DEMOCRACY? ARGUE WITH RELEVANT EXAMPLES.
Answers
Explanation:
Federalism and decentralisation have got a new lease of life in India with the COVID-19 outbreak. If there is one positive that the Indian polity can take away from the crisis, it is the renewed focus on these two tenets.
Essential for a democratic nation, both have been enshrined in our Constitution. That is why we have distinct lists earmarking subjects to states and the Centre separately. But time and again, both have taken a backseat, getting overwhelmed by a powerful Centre.
This has, however, changed — at least for the time being. Public health, as a subject, falls under the State List of the Indian Constitution. And by utilising its full potential, several states have shot to the centre of attention along with the escalating medical emergency.
By responding in a timely and organised manner, these states have set precedents for others. Amid the air of gloom, their dogged fight against the virus brings a ray of hope. Some of the recent developments from these states illustrate that.