Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
3) “Cooperative federalism is being replaced with coercive federalism”. Elucidate. Also discuss the importance of fundamental renegotiation of powers between Union and states in favor of political democracy in this context.(250 words)
Why this question:
The article talks about how cooperative federalism with social equity as its primary objective is transforming the Indian society, but when the conditions underlying cooperation are changing, the pressure to expand national power inherent in cooperative federalism is giving rise to coercive federalism.
Key demand of the question:
The question is in the backdrop of the Cooperative federalism increasingly being replaced with coercive federalism, one must explain such statements with recent examples and then move on to explain what need to be done to overcome it.
Directive word:
Elucidate – means to explain and clarify the topic, make it clear with examples.
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin with the importance of the cooperative federalism in Indian context.
Body:
The answer should mainly focus upon:
- the challenges, issues and concerns associated with Cooperative federalism in India – quote examples from agricultural reforms and NAM, Niti Ayog etc.
- What needs to be done In light of contemporary conditions? – a new consensus may have to be forged from elements of cooperative equity, competitive efficiency, and dual accountability etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with renegotiation of powers between Union and states; necessity of cooperative federalism for the development of political democracy in the right direction.
