Center-State Relations in India

India’s federal structure, a cornerstone of its democratic system, is designed to balance the powers between the central government and the states, ensuring that both can operate effectively while respecting the autonomy of each. This delicate balance is enshrined in the Constitution, which outlines the division of powers, the role of governors, and the principles of cooperative federalism. However, recent actions by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government have sparked concerns about the erosion of federal values, leading to growing discontent among states. In this article, we explore the complexities of center-state relations through the lens of quantum dialectics—a philosophical framework that emphasizes the interplay of cohesive and decoherent forces, dynamic equilibrium, and emergent properties. This approach offers a deeper understanding of how these relationships are being strained and what measures are needed to protect and strengthen federalism in India.

The Role of Governors in Center-State Relations

Governors are intended to serve as a cohesive force within India’s federal structure, acting as a bridge between the center and the states. Their role, as outlined by the Constitution, is to ensure that state governments operate within the constitutional framework, mediating between state policies and central directives when necessary.

By maintaining constitutional propriety, governors help stabilize state governments, ensuring that the diverse political landscapes of India do not lead to fragmentation or instability. This stability is crucial for the cohesive functioning of India’s federal system.

Recently, there have been instances where governors, acting under the influence of the central government, have exercised their powers in ways that appear partisan, thereby introducing decoherent forces that destabilize state governments. This includes delaying the approval of state bills, interfering in state legislative processes, and recommending President’s Rule without clear justification.

In Maharashtra, the actions of the then-Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari during the formation of the state government in 2019 drew significant controversy. The Governor’s decision to invite the BJP to form the government, despite the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress forming a post-poll alliance with a majority, was seen as an attempt to favor the BJP. This action introduced decoherent forces that disrupted the political equilibrium in the state, leading to a period of instability and legal challenges.

The relationship between the Governor of West Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government has been particularly strained. The Governor’s frequent public criticisms of the state government, delays in approving bills, and involvement in administrative matters have been perceived as partisan, fueling tensions between the state and central governments. These actions have created significant decoherent forces, undermining the cooperative federalism that is essential for effective governance in a diverse state like West Bengal.

The Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan, has been involved in several controversies that have strained center-state relations. For example, the Governor’s refusal to approve bills passed by the state legislature, including those related to higher education reforms, has been seen as an attempt to undermine the state government led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Additionally, the Governor’s public criticisms of the state government, including questioning its policies on law and order, have introduced significant decoherent forces, disrupting the equilibrium of governance in Kerala.

In Tamil Nadu, the Governor R.N. Ravi has been accused of overstepping his constitutional role by delaying the approval of important bills passed by the state legislature, such as the NEET exemption bill, which reflects the state’s opposition to the central government’s education policies. The Governor’s actions have been perceived as aligned with the central government’s agenda, causing friction with the DMK-led state government. This has led to tensions that challenge the dynamic equilibrium of federalism in Tamil Nadu, where the state’s autonomy is being perceived as under threat.

The role of governors should ideally reflect a dynamic equilibrium, balancing the interests of the state with the directives of the central government. When this balance is maintained, federalism is strengthened, with both levels of government working in harmony. However, when governors act as extensions of the central government’s political agenda, this equilibrium is disrupted, leading to tensions that threaten the stability of the federal structure.

The erosion of trust between the center and states is an emergent property of such disruptions. When governors are perceived as partisan actors, states begin to distrust not only the central government but also the very mechanisms designed to ensure constitutional governance. This distrust can lead to an overall weakening of the federal framework.

Equity in Sharing Funds and Resources

The Constitution envisions financial devolution as a cohesive force that binds the center and states together. Through institutions like the Finance Commission and mechanisms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the aim is to ensure a fair distribution of resources, enabling states to fulfill their responsibilities while maintaining national unity.

The GST Council, a body that includes representatives from both the center and states, is a prime example of how financial cooperation can function as a cohesive force. It was designed to create a unified market while respecting the fiscal needs of individual states, thus maintaining a delicate balance in the federal structure.

The BJP-led central government has been criticized for delays in GST compensation and the centralization of funds, actions that introduce decoherent forces into the federal financial system. These delays and centralizations undermine the financial autonomy of states, leading to fiscal imbalances that exacerbate tensions between the center and states.

Kerala’s frequent appeals for timely disaster relief and public health funds highlight the strain caused by the central government’s control over resources. The state’s proactive governance during crises has been hampered by financial delays from the center, illustrating how decoherent forces can disrupt the equitable distribution of resources necessary for effective governance.

Achieving dynamic equilibrium in financial federalism involves balancing the fiscal needs of states with national economic priorities. When this equilibrium is disrupted by central overreach or delays in fund transfers, the result is increased financial strain on states, leading to a breakdown in cooperative federalism.

The centralization of financial control by the central government can lead to the emergence of regional inequities, where wealthier states are better able to cope with financial challenges while poorer states become increasingly dependent on central grants. This inequity threatens the unity of the federation and the principle of equal opportunity for all states.

Protecting Federalism and Constitutional Values

India’s federal structure is built on the principle of shared sovereignty, where both the center and states have clearly defined powers and responsibilities. This distribution of power is a cohesive force that ensures the effective governance of a diverse and vast nation.

The judiciary acts as a cohesive force by interpreting the Constitution and adjudicating disputes between the center and states. Through its rulings, the Supreme Court helps maintain the balance of power, ensuring that neither the center nor the states overstep their constitutional boundaries.

The BJP government’s centralization of power and legislative overreach, particularly in areas traditionally managed by states, introduces decoherent forces that undermine federal values. For instance, the imposition of centrally designed schemes with little flexibility for states, and the enactment of controversial laws like the recent farm laws without adequate state consultation, have led to widespread discontent.

The farm laws, which were passed without sufficient input from state governments, sparked massive protests across India. These protests reflect the decoherent forces unleashed by central legislative overreach, which destabilizes state economies and undermines the federal principle of shared decision-making.

Protecting federalism requires maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between state autonomy and national unity. This balance ensures that while states have the freedom to govern according to their local needs, they also contribute to and align with national objectives. Disruptions to this equilibrium, such as those caused by excessive centralization, threaten the overall stability of the federal system.

When the center consistently undermines state autonomy, it can lead to the emergence of strong regionalism, where states assert their identity and demand greater autonomy or even independence. This emergent regionalism can challenge the integrity of the nation and weaken the bonds that hold the federation together.

Growing Discontent Among States

Traditionally, cooperative federalism has been a cohesive force in maintaining federal unity, with states working together to address common issues such as water-sharing, environmental conservation, and regional development. This cooperation strengthens the federation by fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect among states.

The central government’s perceived overreach and the erosion of federal principles have led to growing discontent among states, particularly those governed by opposition parties. This discontent is fueled by the belief that the central government is not respecting the autonomy of states, leading to increased tensions and conflicts over resource allocation, policy implementation, and governance.

In response to these decoherent forces, some states have begun to assert their demands for greater autonomy and more equitable treatment. This includes calls for a re-evaluation of center-state relations, with a focus on giving states more control over their own affairs and ensuring that the central government does not encroach on state powers.

To prevent the disintegration of federal unity, it is essential to maintain a dynamic equilibrium where the diverse needs and aspirations of states are balanced with the overarching goals of national unity. This involves respecting state autonomy while ensuring that states contribute to and benefit from the collective progress of the nation.

The growing discontent among states could lead to the emergence of federal reforms aimed at decentralizing power, enhancing state autonomy, and strengthening cooperative federalism. These reforms, if implemented wisely, could restore the balance of power and reinvigorate the federal structure.

Measures Required to Protect Federalism

To restore the integrity of the federal structure, the role of governors must be depoliticized. Governors should be selected based on their impartiality and adherence to constitutional principles rather than their political affiliations. This would ensure that governors act as true custodians of the Constitution and not as agents of the central government.

Strengthening judicial oversight over the actions of governors, particularly in the exercise of discretionary powers, could serve as a check against the misuse of gubernatorial authority. The Supreme Court’s role in interpreting and enforcing constitutional limits on governors’ actions should be emphasized.

The central government must ensure that GST compensation is released to states in a timely and predictable manner. This is crucial for maintaining the fiscal health of states and upholding the principles of cooperative federalism.

The Finance Commission should be empowered to more accurately reflect the diverse needs of states in its recommendations for resource distribution. This could include giving greater weight to factors such as poverty levels, disaster vulnerability, and regional development needs.

The central government should adopt a more consultative approach when enacting laws that affect the states. This would involve engaging with state governments, taking their concerns into account, and building consensus before passing legislation. This process would help protect federalism and ensure that laws are more reflective of the diverse needs of the country.

Institutions that are key to maintaining federalism, such as the Inter-State Council, should be revitalized. These bodies should be given more authority and resources to facilitate dialogue between the center and states and to address disputes in a constructive manner.

States should be empowered to design and implement policies that reflect their unique circumstances. This could involve giving states greater flexibility in the use of central funds and more control over areas such as education, health, and infrastructure.

Promoting cooperation among states on issues of mutual concern, such as water-sharing, environmental protection, and regional development, can strengthen the federal structure. The central government should facilitate and support such initiatives rather than impose top-down solutions.

India’s federal structure is essential to its democracy, ensuring that power is balanced between the central government and the states. However, the recent actions of the BJP-led central government have raised serious concerns about the erosion of federal principles. The role of governors, the equitable sharing of funds, and the protection of constitutional values are all critical areas where federalism is being undermined.

To safeguard federalism, it is essential to depoliticize the role of governors, ensure fair financial devolution, reaffirm constitutional values, and promote cooperative federalism. These measures are necessary to maintain the balance of power between the center and states, address growing discontent, and uphold the democratic principles that are at the heart of India’s Constitution. Protecting federalism is not just about preserving the rights of states; it is about ensuring the unity, stability, and prosperity of the nation as a whole.