COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM

27 May 2023 COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM

COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Cooperative Federalism”. The topic “Cooperative Federalism” has relevance in the Polity and Governance section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance of the topic “Cooperative Federalism”

For Prelims:
What is Cooperative Federalism?

For Mains:
GS 2: Polity and Governance
What is the significance of Cooperative Federalism?
What are the issues with Cooperative Federalism?
Way Forward

Why in the news?

The Chief Ministers of Non BJP have decided not to attend the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. They have cited previous engagements as reasons for not attending the meeting. This is a blow to the concept of Cooperative Federalism that binds the centre and states into one union. 

What is Cooperative Federalism?

Cooperative federalism is a concept that describes the relationship and interaction between the central government and state governments in a federal system. It’s all about working together and collaborating to tackle common issues and achieve shared goals.

In this model, the central government and state governments join forces to develop and implement policies, programs, and projects. They share responsibilities, resources, and decision-making authority to address complex problems that affect the entire nation.

What is the significance of Cooperative Federalism?

• Effective Problem Solving: Cooperative federalism allows for better problem-solving and policy implementation by combining the strengths and resources of the central government and state governments. 

1. 1. 1. For example, the highest functionaries both from centre and states have the capacity to tackle complex issues efficiently. 

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Cooperative federalism enables states to adapt national policies to their unique circumstances. While the central government sets overarching standards, state governments have the flexibility to tailor policies and programs to meet the specific needs of their constituents. 

1. 1. 1. For example, a lot of Central schemes are modelled by the states catering to their requirements. 

• Resource Sharing: Cooperative federalism promotes the sharing of resources between different levels of government. The central government often allocates funds to states to support specific initiatives or programs. 

1. 1. For example, the GST Council is a good example where decisions are made by both the centre and states. 

What are the issues with Cooperative Federalism?

• Fiscal Imbalance: The central government holds greater financial resources and decision-making authority, while state governments often depend on the central government for financial assistance. 

1. 1. 1. For example, only 42 percent of the divisible pool is given to the states. In times of emergency, the states are dependent on the centre. 

• Centralization of Power: Critics argue that cooperative federalism in India is skewed toward the centralization of power. They contend that the central government often encroaches upon the domain of state governments and interferes in their policy areas, limiting their autonomy.

1. 1. 1. For example, the constitutional posts like governor are being misused for political purposes to stall the functioning of the state governments.

• Political and Ideological Challenges: Cooperative federalism requires effective coordination and collaboration between the central government and state governments. However, differing political ideologies, bureaucratic hurdles, and administrative complexities can hamper the smooth implementation of policies. 

Way Forward

Thus, the benefits of Cooperative Federalism cannot be discounted. Addressing the issues requires ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperative federalism in India. It involves promoting fiscal autonomy, ensuring equitable resource distribution, enhancing intergovernmental coordination mechanisms, and fostering a better understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of different levels of government.

Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1926777

QUESTION FOR PRELIMS

Q.1 Cooperative federalism means:

1. Good relations between Centre and States.
2. Hostile relations between Executive and Judiciary.
3. Good relations between two states.
4. Hostile relations between Parliament and Legislature.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1.  1 only
2.  1 and 3 only 
3.  3 and 4 only 
4.  All of the above

Answer: (b)

Q.2 Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog:

1. NITI Aayog is the successor to the erstwhile Planning Commission. 
2. NITI Aayog has the power to grant finances to the states.
3. It has no representation from the Union Territories. 

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1.  1 only
2.  1 and 3 only 
3.  3 and 4 only 
4.  All of the above

Answer: (a)

QUESTION FOR MAINS EXAMINATION

1. Cooperative federalism is a healthy concept for the smooth functioning of the government. But this has been weakening in recent times. Substantiate with appropriate examples. What are the measures needed to strengthen Cooperative Federalism?  

Yojna ias daily current affairs eng med 27th May 2023

Mohit Pratap Singh