The central-state relations in
India are based on a federal system of government, which means that there is a
distribution of powers and responsibilities between the central government and
the state governments. The Indian Constitution provides for a three-fold
distribution of legislative, executive, and financial powers between the
central government and the state governments.
The central government has the power to make laws
on subjects in the Union List, which includes matters of national importance
such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency. The state governments have the
power to make laws on subjects in the State List, which includes matters of
local and regional importance such as public order, police, and health. Both
the central government and the state governments can make laws on subjects in
the Concurrent List, which includes matters such as education, social welfare,
and forest conservation.
In addition to the distribution of legislative
powers, there is also a distribution of executive powers between the central
government and the state governments. The central government is responsible for
the administration of matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency,
while the state governments are responsible for the administration of matters
such as public order, police, and health.
The financial relationship between the central
government and the state governments is also an important aspect of the
central-state relations in India. The central government collects taxes on
subjects in the Union List and shares the revenue with the state governments.
The state governments also have the power to levy taxes on subjects in the
State List and the Concurrent List.
Overall, the central-state relations in India are
an important aspect of the federal system of government and play a crucial role
in ensuring that power is distributed in a way that allows for effective
governance and local representation.