Centre-State Relations in India:
An Introduction
The Governor's Roles &
Responsibilities
The image shown is an example of a "formal portrait" or "official
address" photograph, commonly used to depict public officials in
professional and dignified settings.
The Executive Role
Appointments Key Appointments
Appoints Chief Minister and Appoints Advocate General
Council of Ministers and State Election
Commissioner
Recommend Chancellor Role
President’s Rule
Acts as Chancellor of State
Can recommend President’s Universities
Rule (Article 356)
The Legislative Role
Summons and Dissolves
Summons and dissolves the State Legislature.
Annual Address
Addresses the first session each year.
Bill Reservation
Can reserve bills for the President.
Anglo-Indian Nomination
Nominates 1 Anglo-Indian member (if needed).
The Financial Role
Budget Recommendati Economic
Presentation on for Money Oversight
Bills
Ensures the state No money bill can be Guide economic
budget is presented introduced in the growth and monitor
annually to the legislature without fiscal responsibility.
legislature. the Governor’s
recommendation.
The Judicial Role
Judicial Clemency Example
Appointments Powers
Governor exercises
Appoints judges to Can grant pardons, clemency powers to
lower courts reprieves, and ensure justice and
respites (Article mercy.
161)
The Discretionary Powers
Declare Emergencies
Power to declare states of emergency during crises.
Mobilize National Guard
Deploy military forces to assist in emergencies.
Disaster Leadership
Lead response and recovery efforts effectively.
Example: Florida’s response to Hurricane Ian demonstrating swift action.
Introduction to India's
Federal Structure
India is a federal democracy where power is constitutionally divided
between the Centre and the States. This system ensures regional
autonomy as well as national unity.
Understanding Centre-State relations is vital to appreciating how
governance functions in India, balancing diverse interests within a
unified framework.
Constitutional Framework
Based on the Indian Constitution (Articles 245 to 263), this framework
outlines the distribution of legislative, administrative, and financial
powers between the Centre and the States.
Types of Centre-State
Relations
• Legislative: Division of law-making powers between the Centre and
States as per the Constitution.
• Administrative: Coordination and control over the implementation
of laws and policies.
• Financial: Distribution and management of financial resources
including taxation and grants.
Legislative Relations - Overview
Articles 245 to 255 of the Indian Constitution define the
legislative powers shared between the Centre and the
States. These articles establish the basis for the division of
subjects into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List,
determining who can legislate on what matters.
This division ensures a balance between national interests
and regional autonomy by clearly specifying the scope of
legislative authority for both levels of government.
Three Lists in Seventh
Schedule
• Union List: 100 subjects (e.g., defense, foreign affairs)
• State List: 61 subjects (e.g., police, public health)
• Concurrent List: 52 subjects (e.g., education, forest)
Parliament's Power over
State List
• In national interest (Rajya Sabha resolution)
• During a national emergency
• With consent of states
• For implementation of international agreements
Administrative Relations
- Overview
Articles 256 to 263 of the Indian Constitution outline the administrative
relations between the Centre and the States, emphasizing cooperation
and coordination in governance to ensure effective administration
across the country.
Direction by the Centre
Article 256: State compliance with Union laws
The Centre has the authority to ensure that States comply with Union
laws, maintaining uniformity and effective governance throughout the
country.
Article 257: Control of Union over state in specific cases
The Union government may exercise control over States in matters such
as use of land, resources, and infrastructure to ensure national interests
and coordination.
All India Services
IAS, IPS, IFS
These services represent a shared responsibility between the Centre
and the States, ensuring coordination and uniformity in administration
across India.
Inter-State Council
Established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, the Inter-State
Council serves as a vital forum for discussion and coordination between
the Centre and the States.
It facilitates cooperation on matters of common interest, promoting
harmonious relations and resolving disputes between states or between
the Centre and states.
The Council plays a key role in fostering cooperative federalism by
addressing constitutional and administrative issues requiring collective
attention.
Financial Relations -
Overview
Articles 268 to 293 of the Indian Constitution govern the distribution of
financial powers between the Centre and the States. This framework
outlines the division of taxation authority and fiscal responsibilities,
ensuring balanced economic governance across the country.
• Division of taxation powers between Centre and States
• Tax types assigned to the Union and State governments
• Mechanisms for financial transfers and grants
• Role of Finance Commission in fiscal federalism
Grants-in-Aid
Articles 275 and 282 provide the constitutional basis for Grants-in-Aid.
This mechanism allows the Centre to financially assist states in need to
ensure balanced development and tackle regional disparities.
Grants-in-Aid are given to states to supplement their resources for
specific or general purposes, including support for tribal welfare,
disaster relief, and development projects.
Article 275 empowers the Centre to provide grants to states requiring
assistance, while Article 282 allows grants for purposes not explicitly
covered in the Constitution, emphasizing flexibility in financial support.
The Finance Commission also plays a key role in recommending the
allocation of these grants, ensuring equitable distribution of financial
resources across states.
Finance Commission
Article 280
• Role: Distribution of taxes and grants between the Centre and the
States
• Constitutional body established by the President of India every five
years or earlier as needed
• Recommends distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the
Centre and States and among the States
• Ensures balanced fiscal federalism
• Suggests measures to augment Consolidated Fund of States for
specific purposes
• Promotes harmonious financial relations and equitable economic
growth across the country
GST Council
The GST Council is a constitutional body responsible for making key
decisions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
Its members include representatives from the Centre and all States,
ensuring collaborative governance and uniform tax policies across the
country.
Conclusion
• Financial relations are key to India's federal structure • Mechanisms include Grants-in-Aid, Finance Commission,
• Ensure balanced economic development GST Council
• • Address regional disparities and uniform taxation
Promote cooperative governance
• Strengthen fiscal federalism and foster harmonious
growth
