Centre-state relations
Also called: Union-state relations · Topic: Federalism and Centre-State Relations · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 2 "Federalism"; Class 11, Ch 7 "Federalism"
Meaning
Centre-state relations are the links between the Union and the states in law-making, administration and money. Law-making and administration are covered in Part XI of the Constitution, and finance in Part XII. In practice they depend heavily on politics. As the Class 11 Federalism chapter puts it, "The Constitution is the skeleton; politics the flesh". There have been three phases:
- 1950s to mid-1960s: Congress ruled most governments, and relations were smooth.
- After 1967: opposition parties ran many states. This brought clashes, dismissals of state governments under Art. 356 and demands for autonomy.
- After 1989: coalitions and regional parties brought more bargaining.
Example
The Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) and the Punchhi Commission (2007-10) reviewed these relations. Sarkaria asked for non-partisan Governors and said Art. 356 should be used only as a last resort.
Don't confuse with
- Inter-state relations: dealings between states, such as river water and border disputes. Centre-state relations are about the Union and the states.