Q. With reference to ‘asymmetric federalism’, consider the following statements:
1. It is a condition where one state possess more power than the other.
2. Article 371 of the Constitution of India provides for asymmetric federalism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Exp) Option c is the correct answer
Statement 1 is correct. Asymmetric federalism is found in a federation in which different constituent states possess different powers. Under this one or more of the substates has considerably more autonomy than the other substates, although they have the same constitutional status. Unlike the constitutional symmetry of American federalism, Indian federalism has been constitutionally asymmetric.
Statement 2 is correct. Asymmetric federalism is provided in India by introducing the Article 371. Despite this unitary bias of the Indian Constitution, there are important constitutionally embedded differences between the legal status and prerogatives of different sub-units within the same federation. To meet the specific needs and requirements of some sub-units, asymmetric federalism was always part of the original design to have a unique relationship with them or to give them special status. Under Article 371A, the privilege of special status was also accorded to the NorthEastern State of Nagaland.
