News & Events
Question – What is Cooperative federalism? Explain its role in Strengthening Centre – State relations.
- January 18, 2023
- Posted by: Pallavi Singh
- Category: Blog
![WHEN CENTRE](https://aakarias.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WHEN_CENTRE-1170x500.jpg)
Answer –
Cooperative federalism refers to a concept where various states cooperate with each other and with the centre to achieve the goals of growth, development of the states and the nation. They cooperate in working out details concerning which level of government takes responsibility for particular areas and creating policy in that area. The concept of cooperative federalism put forward the view that the national and state governments are partners in the socio-economic development of the country
Various mechanism to promote cooperative federalism present in Indian Polity –
1) NITI Aayog has been constituted to actualize the important goal of cooperative federalism and enable good governance in India. It acts as a central platform for the Government of India to unite the states as the “India Team” and work towards national development.
2)All India Services
3)Seventh Schedule (Division of Powers among Centre and states)
4)Inter state council (Article263) The inter-state council is a recommendatory body that has been empowered to investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and state(s), or among states.
5)Zonal Council – Each and every zonal council has its own committee to resolve the issues which are happening in their respective zones.
6)Goods & Services Tax
Challenges to cooperative federalism –
1)Several issues such as trust deficit and shrinkage of divisible pools plague Centre-State relations. Together, they make total cooperation difficult.
2)On one hand the Centre has increased the States’ share of the divisible pool but in reality States are getting a lesser share.
For instance, as per the 16th FC recommendations, many south states are on the losing side of their share of tax resources.
3)The allocation towards various social welfare schemes has also come down, affecting the States’ health in turn.
4)Inter-State water disputes like the Mahadayi issue between Goa and Karnataka, Mahanadi water disputes (Odisha and Chhattisgarh) requires cooperation from all quarters (centre and riparian states).
Corrective Measures to Strengthen Cooperative Federalism in India –
1)Strengthening of Inter-State Council: Over the year multiple committees have recommended strengthening of Interstate Council where the concurrent list subjects can be debated and discussed, balancing Centre state powers. There is far less institutional space to settle inter-state frictions therefore a constitutional institution like ISC can be a way forward.
2)Autonomy to states: Centre should form model laws with enough space for states to maneuver. Centre should give enough budgetary support to states so as to avoid budgetary burden. There should be least interference in the state subjects.
3)Democratic Decentralization of administration and strengthening governments at all levels in true spirit. Power should be decentralized based on the principle of subsidiarity.