Union and States: Federal Structure and Devolution

2017 · Q110 marks150 words

"The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance." Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

2018 · Q1115 marks250 words

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

2018 · Q1515 marks250 words

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?

2019 · Q410 marks150 words

From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, 'Principle of Federal Supremacy' and 'Harmonious Construction' have emerged. Explain.

2019 · Q1315 marks250 words

"The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process." Comment.

2020 · Q310 marks150 words

How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

2020 · Q1115 marks250 words

Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.

2020 · Q1315 marks250 words

The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funds' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

2021 · Q310 marks150 words

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

2021 · Q1115 marks250 words

The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

2022 · Q310 marks150 words

To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

2022 · Q1315 marks250 words

"While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

2023 · Q310 marks150 words

"The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.

2023 · Q1315 marks250 words

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

2023 · Q1515 marks250 words

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

2024 · Q510 marks150 words

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

2024 · Q1315 marks250 words

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

2025 · Q1415 marks250 words

Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?

2026 · Q1115 marks250 words

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?

2026 · Q1315 marks250 words

How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.