India opted for federal structure of the government, after independence. Our federalism is tilted towards centre to maintain unity and integrity of India. National parties favours Centralisation:
- Easy to govern.
- Ideological base is wide.
- Considers Regional aspiration as disintegrating force.
- Understand the issue of National security comprehensively.
- Represents the wider presence of different sections in the party itself.
- Delays the international negotiation and hampers Bilateral relation. Ex:- Teesta issue.
State Parties Favours Decentralisation:
- Appoint of Governors and misuse of Article 356.
- Emergency powers with centre.
- Dependence of the states on the centre for financial assistance.
- Appoint of Governors.
- Residuary power with centre.
Commissions’ setup by regional parties to review federal structure:
- Rajmannar Commission, 1969: demanded readjustment of the VII schedule and residuary power to the states.
- Anandpur Sahib Resolution, 1973: It demanded greater autonomy for the States seeking Centre’s authority to be confined to only Defence, Foreign relation, Communications, Railways, and Currency.
Commissions’ setup by National parties to review federal structure:
- Sarkaria commission recommended status quo in the Centre-State relations, especially in the areas, relating to legislative matters, the role of Governors, and the use of Article 356.
- M.M Punchi 2007, suggested reforms to address the issue of states.
In this situation we can say that if there is a demand for greater state autonomy, creates instability in the government and developmental works will be affected. However genuine autonomy to states with necessary centralization factor is the way for political progress.