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

Model Answer: 

National vs Regional Parties: Centralization and State Autonomy in India

The Indian political landscape reflects a clear divide between national and regional parties regarding the balance of power between the Centre and States. This dichotomy is rooted in India’s federal structure and has significant implications for governance.

National parties, such as the BJP and Congress, generally favor centralization for several reasons:

• Promoting national unity and integration
• Ensuring uniform development across states
• Implementing nationwide policies effectively (e.g., GST, MGNREGA)
• Maintaining a strong central government for international affairs and national security

These parties often advocate for:
– Centralized planning and resource allocation
– Uniform laws and policies across states
– Strong central institutions and agencies

Regional parties, on the other hand, champion greater state autonomy:

• Protecting regional interests and identities
• Addressing state-specific issues more effectively
• Preserving linguistic and cultural diversity
• Gaining greater control over resources and development

Examples of regional parties’ demands include:
– More financial powers for states
– Greater control over law and order (e.g., separate state police cadres)
– Autonomy in education and language policies

This debate has evolved over time, with key milestones like the Sarkaria Commission (1983) and Punchhi Commission (2007) recommending ways to balance central-state relations. Recent developments, such as the implementation of GST and the COVID-19 response, have reignited discussions on the appropriate distribution of powers.

The centralization vs. state autonomy debate impacts various aspects of governance:

• Fiscal federalism and resource allocation
• Implementation of welfare schemes
• Law and order management
• Education and language policies

While national parties argue that a strong center is crucial for India’s unity and progress, regional parties contend that greater state autonomy leads to more effective governance and preservation of regional identities.

Conclusion: Balancing centralization and state autonomy is crucial for effective governance in India’s diverse federal structure.