State autonomy
Topic: Federalism and Centre-State Relations · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Federalism"
Meaning
State autonomy is the demand by states for more power and freedom inside the Indian Union. It takes four forms:
- redistribution of powers, meaning moving some powers from the Union to the states;
- financial autonomy, meaning states get their own money and depend less on central grants;
- control over administration, meaning states run their own officers and services;
- protection of language and culture.
It matters because the Indian design leans towards the centre, and autonomy demands push back against that.
Example
In 1969, Tamil Nadu's DMK government set up the Rajamannar Committee, which reported in 1971. It asked for an Inter-State Council, residuary powers for states, deletion of Arts. 356-357 and more financial freedom for states. The West Bengal Left Front document of 1977 focused on financial autonomy. The DMK, Akali Dal and CPI(M) pressed for redistribution of powers.
Don't confuse with
- Secession: secession means a region leaving the country, and the Constitution has no place for it. Autonomy seeks more power while staying inside the Union.