Functions and Responsibilities of the State: Structure and Functions

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Functions and Responsibilities of the State

The functions of the state government are comparatively easier and notably different from those of the Union government. The Constitution of India has stated rules and regulations for both the State and the Union separately and clearly to avoid any dispute in any case. In India, the State does not withdraw any level of authority from the centre, nor are they the creation of the centre. Furthermore, the State and the Union both require the Constitution of India for decision-making powers. In this blog, you will get to know about the Functions and Responsibilities of the State, which includes the Structure and Functions as well. 

What is the Structure of the State Government?

The structure of the state government is quite similar to the Union government. 

Executive: The governor and the Chief Minister, along with the Council of Ministers, are the key executives of the state. The President of India appoints the Governor of the state for a tenure of 5 years. The governor is the sole executive power holder. The CM, along with the council of ministers, has the real power that enables the smooth functioning of the state. 

Judiciary: Any criminal, civil, and more forms of litigation are handled by the State government that holds the sole jurisdiction of the state. In some cases, a state court may have to answer to the Supreme Court of India, which may override its judgment. 

Legislature: In all the 29 states of India, there is a different legislative assembly consisting of the governor and one or two houses as and when required. There are 7 states named Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh that have bicameral legislation. 

What are the Functions of the State? 

Subjects under the sole jurisdiction of the State governments are included in the State List (List II). Law enforcement, public health, agriculture, and land are a few examples.

  • Police and Public Order: Upholding law and order inside the state; the state is in charge of policing and criminal justice.
  • Health and Sanitation: Hospitals and public health programs fall mostly under state control. Regulation and development of public health and sanitation are under state jurisdiction.
  • Agriculture and Irrigation: State-level irrigation and water management, agricultural policy, and development are all taken care of by the state. 
  • Land and Revenue: The state is principally in charge of maintaining land records and implementing land reforms. This includes control over land, including agriculture and revenue collection.
  • Education: Creating state-level education policies and managing and administering educational establishments are some of the core niches a State has to look after. 
  • Budget: It is the responsibility of the state to prepare the union budget every year. 
  • Water supply: The state government is responsible for water supply, which includes drinking water, irrigation, and other purposes. 

What are the Functions of the Local Government?

Local government includes the management of entities like panchayats and municipalities as well as programmes for rural and urban development.

  • Police: Within their borders, state governments can establish, manage, and oversee police units.
  • Public services: Include hiring and overseeing state employees, as well as state governance and public administration.

Also Read: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the State Government?

Furthermore, the roles and responsibilities of the State Government are as follows: 

  • The State government is supposed to look after the proper implementation of law and order within the political boundaries of the state. 
  • The matters of security within the state are looked after by the police and public order. 
  • The state government has to continuously adopt new strategic planning and goals for the educational and agricultural sectors to contribute to the growth of the nation. 
  • The proper functioning of the state and the union government is an important and integral part of the nation’s growth. 

In simple terms, the State plays a key role in making sure that people live in peace, safety, and fairness. It creates rules, provides public services like education, health, and transport, and works to reduce poverty and inequality. The structure of the State, divided into the legislature, executive, and judiciary, helps in carrying out these responsibilities effectively. Overall, the State is responsible for building a society where every citizen gets equal opportunities and basic rights. Understanding its structure and functions helps us become more aware and active as responsible citizens.

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FAQs

Q1. What are the functions and responsibilities of the state government?

Ans. The provision of justice and the upkeep of law and order are the two most important roles.

Q2. What is the function of the state?

Ans. The state should fulfil the basic functions, such as providing security, maintaining law and order, and delivering public services.

Q3. What are the functions and responsibilities of the Union Government of India?

Ans. Executive control over administration, rule-making to run the country, natural and political crises, and disasters, financial management by fiscal supervision, and budget presentation also fall under the union’s responsibilities.

Q4. What are the key functions of the State in a democratic country like India?


Ans. In a democracy like India, the State performs vital functions such as maintaining law and order, protecting citizens’ rights, providing public services like education and healthcare, ensuring national security, and promoting social and economic development.

Q5. How does the State fulfil its responsibilities toward public welfare?

Ans. The State fulfils its welfare responsibilities through policymaking, implementation of social schemes, creating job opportunities, ensuring justice, and regulating essential services. It also works with local bodies to reach every section of society effectively.

We hope this blog on ‘Who is Paralympics Winner Murlikant Petkar?’ was informative and helped boost your general knowledge. For more engaging and insightful content on historical events and Famous Personalities, visit the General Knowledge section on Leverage Edu.

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