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The NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7: Federalism from the Indian Constitution at Work textbook explores the federal structure of India, which balances unity and diversity through a division of powers between the centre and states. It examines the strong central bias in India’s federal system, the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes, centre-state conflicts, demands for autonomy, and special provisions for certain states. This section provides detailed solutions to the chapter’s exercise questions, offering clear explanations to help students understand federalism’s functioning and prepare effectively for exams.
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Explore Notes of Class 11 Political Science: Indian Constitution at Work
NCERT Solutions Class 11 Indian Constitution at Work Chapter 7: Federalism
This section provides clear solutions for Class 11 Indian Constitution at Work Chapter 7: Federalism. The detailed explanations below help students understand the subject thoroughly.
Exercise
1. From the list of following events which ones would you identify with the functioning of federalism? Why?
- The Centre on Tuesday announced Sixth Schedule status to GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which would ensure greater autonomy to the governing body in the Hill district of West Bengal. A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, West Bengal government and the Subhas Ghising-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) after two days of hectic deliberations.
- Government for action plan for rain-hit States: Centre has asked the rain-ravaged States to submit detailed plans for reconstruction to enable it to respond to their demands for extra relief expeditiously.
- New Commissioner for Delhi: The Capital is getting a new municipal commissioner. Confirming this, present MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta said he has received his transfer orders and that he is likely to be replaced by IAS officer Ashok Kumar, who is serving as the Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, has been heading the MCD for about three-and-a-half years.
- CU Status for Manipur University: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to convert the Manipur University into a Central University with the Human Resource Development Minister promising such institutions in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Sikkim as well.
- Funds released: The Centre has released Rs. 553 lakh to Arunachal Pradesh under its rural water supply scheme. The first instalment was of Rs. 466.81 lakh.
- We’ll teach the Biharis how to live in Mumbai: Around 100 Shiv Sainiks stormed J. J. Hospital, disrupted daily operations, raised slogans and threatened to take matters into their own hands if no action was taken against non-Maharashtrian students.
- Demand for dismissal of Government: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in a representation submitted to State Governor recently, has demanded dismissal of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for its alleged financial mismanagement and embezzlement of public money.
- NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms: Amid a walkout by opposition RJD and its allies Congress and CPI (M), the Bihar government today appealed to the naxalites to shun the path of violence and reaffirmed its pledge to root out unemployment to usher in a new era of development in Bihar.
2. Think which of the following statements would be correct. State why.
- Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one’s culture being imposed upon them by others.
- Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.
- A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
3. Based on the first few articles of Belgian constitution – given below – explain how federalism is visualised in that country. Try and write a similar Article for the Constitution of India.
Title I: On Federal Belgium, its components and its territory.
Article 1 : Belgium is a Federal State made up of communities and regions.
Article 2 : Belgium is made up of three communities: The French Community, the Flemish Community and the German Community.
Article 3 : Belgium is made up of three regions: The Walloon region, the Flemish region and the Brussels region.
Article 4 : Belgium has four linguistic regions: The Frenchspeaking region, the Dutch-speaking region, the bilingual region of Brussels Capital and the German-speaking region. Each «commune» (county borough) of the Kingdom is part of one of these linguistic regions. ……..
Article 5 : The Walloon region is made up of the following provinces: The Walloon Brabant, Hainault, Liege, Luxemburg and Namur. The Flemish region is made up of the following provinces: Antwerp, the Flemish Brabant, West Flanders, East Flanders and Limburg. ……
4. Imagine that you were to rewrite the provisions regarding federalism. Write an essay of not more than 300 words making your suggestions about:
a. division of powers among the centre and the States,
b. distribution of financial resources,
c. methods of resolving inter-State disputes and
d. appointment of Governors
5. Which of the following should be the basis for formation of a State? Why?
a. Common Language
b. Common economic interests
c. Common religion
d. Administrative convenience
6. Majority of people from the States of north India – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar—speak Hindi. If all these States are combined to form one State, would it be in tune with the idea of federalism? Give arguments.
7. List four features of the Indian Constitution that give greater power to the central government than the State government.
8. Why are many States unhappy about the role of the Governor?
9. President’s rule can be imposed in a State if the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution. State whether any of the following conditions are a fit case for imposition of President’s rule in the State. Give reasons.
- two members of the State legislative assembly belonging to the main opposition party have been killed by criminals and the opposition is demanding dismissal of the State government.
- Kidnapping of young children for ransom is on rise. The number of crimes against women are increasing.
- No political party has secured majority in the recent elections of the State Legislative Assembly. It is feared that some MLAs from the other parties may be lured to support a political party in return for money.
- Different political parties are ruling in the State and at the centre and they are bitter opponents of each other.
- More than 2000 people have been killed in the communal riots.
- In the water dispute between the two States, one State government refused to follow the decision of the Supreme Court.
10. What are the demands raised by States in their quest for greater autonomy?
11. Should some States be governed by special provisions? Does this create resentment among other States? Does this help in forging greater unity among the regions of the country?
Also Read:
- NCERT Notes Class 11 Political Science Indian Constitution at Work Chapter 3: Election and Representation (Free PDF)
- NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6: Citizenship Notes (Free PDF)
Solutions:
1. The events related to federalism are:
- Sixth Schedule status to Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council: This reflects federalism by granting greater autonomy to a regional body within West Bengal, recognizing local diversity and decentralizing power, a key feature of federalism.
- Action plan for rain-hit States: This shows centre-state cooperation, as the centre asks states to submit reconstruction plans, aligning with federalism’s emphasis on collaboration for development.
- Funds released to Arunachal Pradesh: This illustrates the centre’s financial control and states’ dependence on central grants, a characteristic of India’s federal system.
- Demand for dismissal of Government in Nagaland: This involves the governor’s role in recommending President’s Rule (Article 356), a central mechanism in India’s federal structure.
The other events are unrelated:
- New Commissioner for Delhi: This is an administrative appointment, not directly tied to federalism.
- CU Status for Manipur University: This concerns educational policy, not centre-state power division.
- Shiv Sainiks storming the hospital: This reflects regionalism, not federalism, as it involves private actions, not governance.
- NDA government’s appeal to Naxalites: This is a state-level policy issue, not a centre-state federal interaction.
2. a) Correct: Federalism enhances the possibility of people from different regions to interact without the fear of one’s culture being imposed upon them by others.
Why: Federalism recognizes regional diversity (e.g., linguistic, cultural) and grants states autonomy to govern local matters, reducing fears of cultural domination. India’s federal system allows states like Tamil Nadu to promote their language and culture, fostering mutual respect.
b) Incorrect: Federal system will hinder easier economic transaction between two different regions that have distinct types of resources.
Why: Federalism facilitates economic cooperation through a unified national framework (e.g., single citizenship, central control over currency). While states have distinct resources, the centre’s economic powers ensure smooth interstate trade, as seen in the Planning Commission’s role.
c) Incorrect: A federal system will ensure that the powers of those at the centre will remain limited.
Why: In India, federalism is centre-biased. The centre has significant powers (e.g., altering state boundaries, emergency provisions, financial control), as seen in Parliament’s authority and the governor’s role, limiting state autonomy.
3. Belgian Federalism: The Belgian Constitution visualises federalism as a decentralised system accommodating linguistic and regional diversity.
Belgium is a federal state (Article 1) composed of three communities (French, Flemish, German; Article 2) and three regions (Walloon, Flemish, Brussels; Article 3). It recognises four linguistic regions (Article 4) to protect cultural identities, with provinces assigned to regions (Article 5). This structure ensures autonomy for linguistic communities and regions while maintaining national unity, addressing Belgium’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Proposed Article for India:
India is a Union of States, comprising states and union territories, each with distinct cultural, linguistic, and regional identities. The Union is divided into states based on linguistic and administrative considerations, with special provisions for certain states to accommodate their unique historical and social circumstances. Each state and union territory forms part of a unified nation, with powers distributed between the Union and states as per the Constitution, ensuring cooperation and unity in diversity.
4. To strengthen India’s federal system, I propose the following reforms:
- Division of Powers: The division of powers should be rebalanced to grant states more autonomy over subjects in the State List (e.g., education, agriculture) while retaining critical national subjects (e.g., defence, foreign affairs) with the centre. The Concurrent List should be minimised to reduce overlap and conflicts, ensuring states have clear authority over local governance, as seen in demands from states like Tamil Nadu.
- Distribution of Financial Resources: Financial autonomy should be enhanced by allocating states a larger share of tax revenues and independent revenue sources, reducing dependence on central grants. A transparent, formula-based allocation system, overseen by an independent body, would address accusations of discrimination against opposition-ruled states, promoting fairness and development.
- Methods of Resolving Inter-State Disputes: Inter-state disputes, such as border (e.g., Maharashtra-Karnataka over Belgaum) or water-sharing issues (e.g., Kaveri), should be resolved through a permanent Inter-State Council with mediation and negotiation powers, supplemented by judicial arbitration. This would ensure faster, cooperative resolutions, reducing reliance on the Supreme Court.
- Appointment of Governors: Governor appointments should be non-partisan, as recommended by the Sarkaria Commission. A collegium including the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India should select governors to avoid perceptions of central interference, especially in opposition-ruled states, enhancing trust in federal governance.
These reforms would foster cooperative federalism, respect regional diversity, and strengthen India’s unity by balancing power, resources, and dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring a more equitable and effective federal system.
(Word count: 230)
5. Correct Option: a. Common Language
Why: The formation of states based on a common language aligns with India’s federal principle of recognizing cultural and linguistic diversity, as seen in the States Reorganisation Commission (1953) creating linguistic states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Language fosters regional identity and cohesion, enabling effective governance and cultural preservation, as evident in Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi imposition.
- Common economic interests (b) are secondary, as diverse economies can coexist within states.
- Common religion (c) is unsuitable, as it contradicts India’s secular framework and could fuel communal tensions.
- Administrative convenience (d) is practical but insufficient alone, as seen in Telangana’s formation, where language and identity were key. Language best balances unity and diversity in India’s federal system.
6. Combining Hindi-speaking states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar into one state would not align with federalism. Federalism accommodates regional diversity and autonomy, allowing states to govern based on local identities and needs. Merging these states would:
- Undermine Regional Identities: Each state has distinct cultural, historical, and administrative identities despite sharing Hindi, e.g., Rajasthan’s Rajput heritage vs. Bihar’s Mauryan legacy. A single state would suppress these differences, risking resentment, as seen in demands for Vidarbha statehood.
- Centralised Power: A mega-state would concentrate power, reducing local governance and contradicting federalism’s principle of decentralised authority, as outlined in the State List.
- Create Administrative Inefficiency: The vast population and area would make governance unwieldy, unlike smaller states like Chhattisgarh, created for efficiency.
- Disrupt Federal Balance: A single Hindi-speaking state could dominate the centre, creating imbalances, as warned against in the chapter regarding dominant units in federations.
7. Four features giving greater power to the central government are:
- Parliament’s Authority over State Boundaries: Parliament can alter state boundaries, names, or create new states (Article 3), ensuring central control over states’ territorial integrity.
- Emergency Provisions: During a national emergency, the centre assumes control over state subjects, and Parliament can legislate on State List matters (Article 356), centralising power.
- Financial Dominance: The centre controls major revenue sources (e.g., income tax) and distributes grants to states, making states financially dependent, as highlighted by states’ demands for autonomy.
- Governor’s Powers: Governors, appointed by the centre, can reserve state bills for the President’s assent and recommend President’s Rule (Article 356), giving the centre influence over state governance.
8. Many states are unhappy about the governor’s role because:
- Central Interference: Governors, appointed by the centre, are often seen as agents of the central government, especially in opposition-ruled states, as their actions (e.g., reserving bills) are perceived as interference.
- President’s Rule (Article 356): Governors can recommend dismissing state governments, as seen in Kerala (1959) and Andhra Pradesh (1980s), leading to accusations of partisan misuse by the centre.
- Non-Partisan Concerns: The Sarkaria Commission noted that partisan appointments fuel distrust, as governors may prioritise central interests over state autonomy.
- Administrative Control: Governors oversee all-India services (IAS/IPS), which states cannot discipline, limiting state administrative autonomy. These issues create tensions in centre-state relations.
9. Conditions fit for President’s Rule (Article 356):
- No political party has secured majority: If no party can form a stable government, it indicates a breakdown of constitutional machinery, as governance cannot proceed, justifying President’s Rule until stability is restored.
- More than 2000 people killed in communal riots: Large-scale communal violence suggests the state government’s failure to maintain law and order, a constitutional duty, warranting central intervention.
- State government refuses to follow Supreme Court’s decision in water dispute: Defying the Supreme Court’s ruling violates constitutional supremacy (Article 141), indicating a breakdown of constitutional governance, justifying President’s Rule.
Conditions not fit:
- Two opposition MLAs killed: While serious, this does not necessarily indicate a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery, as the state can still function.
- Rise in kidnappings and crimes against women: These reflect law and order issues, but do not automatically justify President’s Rule unless the state government is entirely incapable of addressing them.
- Different parties ruling centre and state: Political differences alone do not constitute a constitutional failure, as federalism accommodates diverse governments.
10. States’ demands for greater autonomy include:
- Redistribution of Powers: States like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal demand more powers over State List subjects (e.g., education, agriculture) to reduce central dominance, as seen in the Concurrent List overlap.
- Financial Autonomy: States seek independent revenue sources and greater control over resources, reducing dependence on central grants, as highlighted by West Bengal’s 1977 document.
- Administrative Autonomy: States resent central control over all-India services (IAS/IPS) and demand more authority over administrative machinery.
- Cultural and Linguistic Autonomy: States like Tamil Nadu oppose Hindi imposition, while others (e.g., Punjab) seek recognition of their language and culture, ensuring regional identity is protected.
11. Need for Special Provisions: Some states, like northeastern states (e.g., Nagaland, Assam) and formerly Jammu and Kashmir (Article 370), require special provisions due to their unique historical, cultural, and social circumstances, such as tribal populations or distinct identities.
These provisions ensure tailored governance, as seen in the Sixth Schedule for tribal areas.
Resentment Among States: Special provisions can create resentment among other states, who may perceive unequal treatment or favouritism, potentially straining federal unity, as implied by demands for uniform power distribution.
Forging Unity: Special provisions promote unity by accommodating diversity, preventing alienation (e.g., in the Northeast), and ensuring marginalised regions feel included in the national framework. However, their success depends on addressing regional aspirations without fueling perceptions of bias, as seen in the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
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