“The idea of cooperative federalism has been tested time and again in India, especially during crises. Critically analyse.”

Introduction

India’s unique form of federalism strikes a balance between giving the states substantial authority and maintaining a powerful central government. The Constitution envisioned coordination and collaboration through the allocation of legislative and financial authority. With the establishment of the NITI Aayog, the phrase “cooperative federalism” gained popularity, highlighting cooperation between the Union and the states. But this ideal has been put to the test by crises like the COVID-19 epidemic and center-state fiscal conflicts.

Cooperative Federalism in Action

The idea has taken on various forms. States and the Center coordinated healthcare responses, vaccination campaigns, and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to this, the introduction of the GST, which combined revenue authorities into a single framework, was a turning point in fiscal federalism. The spirit of partnership is also seen in programs like the Aspirational Districts Programme, where governments oversee implementation while the Center offers support.

Challenges to Cooperation

Conflicts still exist in spite of these attempts. The Center has frequently been accused by states of being overly centralized, particularly when it comes to financial problems. Disagreement has been caused by the GST compensation delay, the Disaster Management Act’s limitations, and the expanding usage of centrally supported programs. Real cooperation is frequently undermined by these difficulties, which are frequently made worse by political divisions between the federal and state administrations.

Way Forward

Cooperative federalism needs to be strengthened by respecting states’ economic sovereignty and reviving forums like the Inter-State Council. Consensus-based policymaking can prevent collaboration from turning into coercion, especially when it comes to issues like social welfare and environmental protection.

Conclusion

One of the tenets of Indian democracy is still cooperative federalism. Even while it has worked well in many circumstances, ongoing conflicts serve as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, trust, and communication. The success of government in a heterogeneous nation like India ultimately rests on the Center and states cooperating as allies rather than adversaries.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma