Discuss the need for a new federal compact in India. Assess the structural weaknesses in the existing Centre–State framework. Suggest constitutional and institutional reforms.

Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Topic: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure,

Q3. Discuss the need for a new federal compact in India. Assess the structural weaknesses in the existing Centre–State framework. Suggest constitutional and institutional reforms. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question Debates around centralisation, fiscal federalism, Governor’s role and post-2026 delimitation have revived concerns about the future of India’s federal balance. The need for a structural reset in Centre–State relations has become a significant contemporary governance issue. Key Demand of the question The question requires examination of why a new federal compact is necessary in present conditions, identification of structural weaknesses in the existing Centre–State framework, and suggestion of constitutional as well as institutional reforms. All three dimensions must be addressed distinctly and analytically. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly situate India as a “holding together” federation whose original centralised design now faces new political, fiscal and representational pressures. Body Need for a new federal compact: Indicate one broad reason such as growing centralisation and imbalance in fiscal and political domains necessitating recalibration. Structural weaknesses: Indicate one analytical weakness such as concentration of residuary and emergency powers creating asymmetry in constitutional design. Reforms: Indicate one corrective direction such as strengthening institutional mechanisms and clarifying constitutional boundaries to restore cooperative federalism. Conclusion Conclude by linking federal balance to democratic deepening and long-term national cohesion. Why the question Debates around centralisation, fiscal federalism, Governor’s role and post-2026 delimitation have revived concerns about the future of India’s federal balance. The need for a structural reset in Centre–State relations has become a significant contemporary governance issue.

Key Demand of the question The question requires examination of why a new federal compact is necessary in present conditions, identification of structural weaknesses in the existing Centre–State framework, and suggestion of constitutional as well as institutional reforms. All three dimensions must be addressed distinctly and analytically.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction Briefly situate India as a “holding together” federation whose original centralised design now faces new political, fiscal and representational pressures.

• Need for a new federal compact: Indicate one broad reason such as growing centralisation and imbalance in fiscal and political domains necessitating recalibration. • Structural weaknesses: Indicate one analytical weakness such as concentration of residuary and emergency powers creating asymmetry in constitutional design. • Reforms: Indicate one corrective direction such as strengthening institutional mechanisms and clarifying constitutional boundaries to restore cooperative federalism. Conclusion Conclude by linking federal balance to democratic deepening and long-term national cohesion.