Understanding Contemporary Indian Federalism

This volume analyzes centre-state dynamics in India placed against the backdrop of the election of a Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata (BJP) government to central power in 2014. It reflects on how centre-state relations have been shaped by the legacy of nearly two decades of broad-based coalition government at the centre and the concurrent and ongoing liberalization of the Indian economy. To this purpose, the volume engages with several relevant questions linked to the political economy of Indian federalism and its ability to manage ethno-linguistic difference. Did liberalization strengthen the economic or political autonomy of the Indian states? What impact did party system change have on the capacity of parties in central government to influence the actions of state governments? How did party system change and liberalization influence the fiscal and financial autonomy of the states and the capacity of the centre in planning and social development? Did both processes strengthen the autonomy of Chief Ministers in foreign policy-making? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Indian federalism in ethno-linguistic conflict management and what do the recent split of Andhra Pradesh or the proposed formation of Bodoland tell us about the dynamics underpinning the management of ethno-linguistic difference in contemporary India? The chapters originally published as a special issue of India Review.

This volume analyzes centre-state dynamics in India placed against the backdrop of the election of a Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata (BJP) government to central power in 2014. It reflects on how centre-state relations have been shaped by the legacy of nearly two decades of broad-based coalition government at the centre and the concurrent and ongoing liberalization of the Indian economy. To this purpose, the volume engages with several relevant questions linked to the political economy of Indian federalism and its ability to manage ethno-linguistic difference. Did liberalization strengthen the economic or political autonomy of the Indian states? What impact did party system change have on the capacity of parties in central government to influence the actions of state governments? How did party system change and liberalization influence the fiscal and financial autonomy of the states and the capacity of the centre in planning and social development? Did both processes strengthen the autonomy of Chief Ministers in foreign policy-making? What are the strengths and weaknesses of Indian federalism in ethno-linguistic conflict management and what do the recent split of Andhra Pradesh or the proposed formation of Bodoland tell us about the dynamics underpinning the management of ethno-linguistic difference in contemporary India? The chapters originally published as a special issue of India Review.

"This book is a detailed overview of the institutional and historical trajectory of Indian federalism, including both territorial and non-territorial aspects of Indian federalism. An extensive analysis has been made of the various federal policy measures adopted by different rulers from time to time, particularly with an emphasis on federalism under the British colonial rule and the role of princely states in Indian federalism. It has made a critical analysis of the Constituent Assembly Debates on federalism and the role of political leaders in shaping of Indian federalism. Further, a critical analysis has been made about the changing nature and dynamics of Indian federalism in the post-independent India including the contemporary debates on various aspects of Indian federalism. The book is an important compendium for those wishing to have first-hand information on Indian federalism and may be very useful for scholars interested in center-state relations. It can be an important guide for researchers in identifying various research questions for further study on Indian federalism. Most importantly, it can be a very useful course book for students or professionals for whom the existing shorter introductions to the subject may not suffice. Any undergraduate student who needs to undertake an advance level study on Indian Politics and Government or Indian federalism will find the book very useful. International readers of comparative politics will also find the book useful. Additionally, the book may be useful for those who are interested in Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and for the politicians as well."

To understand how politics, the economy, and public policy function in the world’s largest democracy, an appreciation of federalism is essential. Bringing to surface the complex dimensions that affect relations between India’s central government and states, this short introduction is the one-stop account to federalism in India. Paying attention to the constitutional, political, and economic factors that shape Centre–state relations, this book stimulates understanding of some of the big dilemmas facing India today. The ability of India’s central government to set the economic agenda or secure implementation of national policies throughout the country depends on the institutions and practices of federalism. Similarly, the ability of India’s states to contribute to national policy making or to define their own policy agendas that speak to local priorities all hinge on questions of federalism. Organised in four chapters, this book introduces readers to one of the key living features of Indian democracy.

This book talks about the Indian political regime after 2014. It explores the changing meaning of diaspora and reflects upon the nature and features of Diaspora Policy of Prime Minister Modi and its impact on the changing perception about India in the world. The book also gives a glimpse of gender based perspective on how security of the environment promotes gender security. It also explores the adequate options existing for women to participate in order to improve human security in current political regime. A review of social welfare policies of current government is another highlight of this book; the present Government’s social welfare schemes aim to make programmes and schemes more efficient and give priority to empowerment of the vulnerable sections of the society including women, children and the marginalised. It also emphasises on the fact that Indian federalism is conducive to the social structure of India which has a plural and multicultural socio-cultural split. Furthermore it explains about how India followed a geopolitical code of regional ‘brothers’, a foreign policy belief system. The issue of Maoism and failure of the policy is also discussed in this tome. There is an emphasis on National Security which symbolizes a sense of confidence that the government of a sovereign state is able to instill into its citizenry through its proactive approach and actions. Moreover there is an enhanced focus on the increasingly localised economic development, which is a global concern, and currently gaining momentum.

Edited by Neera Chandhoke and Praveen Priyadarshi, Contemporary India addresses issues facing the nation-state and civil society from diverse perspectives: those of political science, sociology, economics and history. The book is thematically divided into three parts Economy, Society, and Politics and includes discussions on topics as wide-ranging as poverty, regional disparities, policies, social change and social movements, the elements of democracy, dynamics of the party system, secularism, federalism, decentralization, and so on. The common thread of democracy, which strings together different aspects of contemporary India, serves as the framework of understanding here and underlies discussions in all the chapters. The book includes 23 original, well-researched and up-to-date chapters by authors who teach different courses in the social sciences. Without compromising on the complexity of their arguments, the authors have used a lucid, conversational style that will attract even readers who have no previous knowledge of the topics. The contributors have also provided a glossary, questions and further readings lists with students examination needs in mind.

Likening fiscal federalism to a game between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves, Indian Fiscal Federalism lays bare the complex rules of play. It examines the pivotal role of Finance Commissions and assesses momentous events since 2014, such as the replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog, the emergence of the GST Council, and the controversies surrounding the Fifteenth Finance Commission. States, and among the States themselves, Indian Fiscal Federalism lays bare the complex rules of play. It examines the pivotal role of Finance Commissions and assesses momentous events since 2014, such as the replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog, the emergence of the GST Council, and the controversies surrounding the Fifteenth Finance Commission. A contemporary, timely, and comprehensive analysis of fiscal federalism in India, this practitioners’ perspective is a must-read for all those interested in the subject.