Why has federalism succeeded in India? Which were the policies adopted by India that ensured this success? Explain.

 

Answer:

Points to Remember

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Reasons for the success of Federalism in India-

The characteristics of democratic politics in our nation can be credited with the true success of federalism in India. 

1. Linguistic States

  • the new States were created post-1947 to ensure that people live in the state of their language.
  • States were also created on the basis of cultural, ethnic, and regional differences.

2. Language Policy

  • No constitutionally designated language. Hindi was identified as the official language.
  • The eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution presently includes 22 languages , which are referred to as "Scheduled Languages" and are now part of this list. Others are called ‘‘non- Scheduled Languages’’. 

3. Centre-State Relations

  • Rise of regional political parties .
  • Coalition Government - A government formed by the coming together of at least two political parties. Usually, partners in a coalition form a political alliance and adopt a common programme.

4. Decentralization of power 

  • Power has been decentralised to local governments.
  • Panchayats in villages and municipalities in cities - local government.

Answer to be written in exam

Reasons for the success of Federalism in India-

  1. The characteristics of democratic politics in our nation can be credited with the true success of federalism in India. By doing this, it was made sure that our nation's common goals of federalism, respect for diversity, and coexistence would be realised.

Federalism in India is practiced in the following major ways-

  1. Linguistic States
    • The New States have been formed while many old States have disappeared. States' territories, borders, and names have changed. Several former Indian States had their borders altered in 1947 in order to make way for new States.

    • To guarantee that speakers of the same language resided in the same State, this was done. Some states were established to recognise differences based on culture, ethnicity, or geography rather than language. States like Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand are among them.

    • The country has been more integrated as a result of the linguistic States' creation. Additionally, it has simplified administration.
  1. Language Policy
    • The designation of national language was not conferred by the Constitution onto any particular tongue. As the official language , Hindi was chosen. 1300 different languages were identified as mother tongues in the 2011 Indian census. The census revealed 121 major languages. 

    • The eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution presently includes 22 languages , which are referred to as "Scheduled Languages" and are now part of this list.

    • Others are called ‘‘non- Scheduled Languages’’. 

    • There are official languages specific to each state. The official language of the relevant State is used for the majority of state purposes.   
  1. Centre-State Relations
    • Another way federalism has been enhanced in practice is through restructuring the relationship between the Center and the States. The degree to which the ruling parties and leaders implement the constitutional provisions for power sharing will determine how well they function in practice.

    • In various states around the nation, regional political parties suddenly began to flourish after 1990 . Additionally, this marked the start of the age of coalition governments , which are created when at least two political parties join forces.

    • The major national parties had to create an alliance with numerous parties, including a number of regional parties , to establish a government at the Centre because no single party received a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.  
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  1. Decentralization of power 
    • In India , power has been decentralized to local governments.

    • Panchayats in villages and municipalities in cities come under local government.

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