Q. What do you understand by cooperative federalism? Does it exist in India? Discuss.
Cooperative federalism refers to a system of governance in which the Centre and States work together to achieve common national goals. Unlike competitive federalism, which emphasizes autonomy and rivalry, cooperative federalism promotes collaboration, shared responsibilities, and mutual trust across different levels of government.
In this model, both the Union and State governments interact through consultation, coordination, and joint decision-making, especially in areas of concurrent jurisdiction, economic planning, and social welfare.
Existence of Cooperative Federalism in India:
India follows a quasi-federal structure with a strong central bias, but the spirit of cooperative federalism is embedded in both constitutional provisions and institutional practices.
- Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 263: Establishes Inter-State Councils to resolve disputes and promote coordination.
- Article 246 and Schedule VII: Allows both Centre and States to legislate on Concurrent List subjects.
- Finance Commission (Article 280): Facilitates fiscal cooperation between Centre and States.
- Zonal Councils: Promote regional cooperation and policy alignment.
- Institutional Mechanisms:
- NITI Aayog: Replaced the Planning Commission to foster bottom-up planning and Team India approach.
- GST Council: A landmark example where Centre and States jointly decide on tax policies.
- Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Implemented through shared funding and execution.
- Recent Initiatives:
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Jointly monitored by Centre and States.
- Digital India and Skill India Missions: Require coordinated efforts across levels.
Conclusion:
Yes, cooperative federalism exists in India, though its effectiveness depends on political will, institutional strength, and respect for diversity. While challenges like central overreach, fiscal imbalance, and regional disparities persist, the evolving governance landscape—especially through platforms like NITI Aayog and GST Council—reflects a growing commitment to collaborative federalism.