IN THE LAST 70 YEARS SINCE THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION, India has transitioned into a multi-party democracy with a greatly polarised polity. It is time to take a closer look at how successful India has been in working its unique model of a Federal Union of States. Born amid the Partition, the emphasis in the Constitution on a strong Centre was understandable. But, that is no longer enough. Some fault lines are now evident. Nonseparation of religion from politics, irritants in Centre-state relations, the institution of state Governor, division of legislative powers between the Union and the states, the official language dilemma, and the rising tide of sub-nationalism are clamouring for attention. India has single citizenship, but increasing state domiciliary restrictions are legalizing discrimination and undermining fundamental rights, more particularly, equality of opportunity in public employment.

The major new direction of change in the Indian political system today is the gradual political decentring of a predominantly parliamentary system of the first four decades after Independence into a new federalizing and globalizing India since the early 1990s.

According To This Volume, For A Proper Understanding Of The Constitutional Provisions Which Deviate From The Norms Of A Conventional Federation, It Is Necessary To Delve Into The Immediate Past And Trace Briefly The Evolution Of The Quasi-Democratic Form Of Government Which Britain Left As A Legacy On Renouncing Power. Without Dust Jacket. Ex Libris.

"This book is a detailed overview of the institutional and historical trajectory of Indian federalism, including both territorial and non-territorial aspects of Indian federalism. An extensive analysis has been made of the various federal policy measures adopted by different rulers from time to time, particularly with an emphasis on federalism under the British colonial rule and the role of princely states in Indian federalism. It has made a critical analysis of the Constituent Assembly Debates on federalism and the role of political leaders in shaping of Indian federalism. Further, a critical analysis has been made about the changing nature and dynamics of Indian federalism in the post-independent India including the contemporary debates on various aspects of Indian federalism. The book is an important compendium for those wishing to have first-hand information on Indian federalism and may be very useful for scholars interested in center-state relations. It can be an important guide for researchers in identifying various research questions for further study on Indian federalism. Most importantly, it can be a very useful course book for students or professionals for whom the existing shorter introductions to the subject may not suffice. Any undergraduate student who needs to undertake an advance level study on Indian Politics and Government or Indian federalism will find the book very useful. International readers of comparative politics will also find the book useful. Additionally, the book may be useful for those who are interested in Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and for the politicians as well."

To understand how politics, the economy, and public policy function in the world’s largest democracy, an appreciation of federalism is essential. Bringing to surface the complex dimensions that affect relations between India’s central government and states, this short introduction is the one-stop account to federalism in India. Paying attention to the constitutional, political, and economic factors that shape Centre–state relations, this book stimulates understanding of some of the big dilemmas facing India today. The ability of India’s central government to set the economic agenda or secure implementation of national policies throughout the country depends on the institutions and practices of federalism. Similarly, the ability of India’s states to contribute to national policy making or to define their own policy agendas that speak to local priorities all hinge on questions of federalism. Organised in four chapters, this book introduces readers to one of the key living features of Indian democracy.

The book discusses the issue of autonomy in India’s federal system and its precision and focused nature. It inquires into the various aspects of the problem autonomy of the states and its emerging trends with special reference of Jammu and Kashmir State autonomy. The book addresses many controversial unanswered question like – Should India adopt and opt for ‘dual’ or ‘competitive’ model of federalism, which has long since been discarded even in the land of its origin or should we evolve robust indigenous solutions to our problem of autonomy of States? To change the metaphor, do we choose a ‘regression model’ or a ‘development model’ of our federal polity? All these discussions which deserve sustained citizen interest and national debate, have been answered in the present book.