Q. Which of the following statements represent the unitary features of Indian constitution?
1. Laws on the subjects under concurrent list can be made by both central and state government.
2. The states in India do not have any right to frame their own constitution.
3. Amendments to the Seventh Schedule can be done by the joint action of the central and state government.
4. The governor is empowered to reserve certain types of bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President.
5. Comptroller and Auditor-General of India is appointed by the President of India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Exp) Option c is the correct answer.
In the unitary government, the powers of the government are centralised in the central government & the states are subordinate to the centre. In the federal constitution, there is a division of power between the states & the central government & both are independent in their own spheres.
Statement 1 is a federal feature of Indian constitution. Division of Powers: The Constitution divided the powers between the Centre and the states in terms of the Union List, State List and Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule. Both the Centre and the states can make laws on the subjects of the concurrent list.
Statement 2 is a Unitary feature of Indian constitution. Single Constitution: Usually, in a federation, the states have the right to frame their own Constitution separate from that of the Centre. In India, on the contrary, no such power is given to the states. The Constitution of India embodies not only the Constitution of the Centre but also those of the states. Both the Centre and the states must operate within this single-frame.
Statement 3 is a federal feature of Indian constitution. Rigid Constitution: The division of powers established by the Constitution as well as the supremacy of the Constitution can be maintained only if the method of its amendment is rigid. Hence, the Constitution is rigid to the extent that those provisions which are concerned with the federal structure (i.e., Centre–state relations and judicial organisation) can be amended only by the joint action of the Central and state governments.
Statement 4 is a Unitary feature of Indian constitution. Veto Over State Bills: The governor is empowered to reserve certain types of bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President. The President can withhold his assent to such bills not only in the first instance but also in the second instance. Thus, the President enjoys absolute veto (and not suspensive veto) over state bills.
Statement 5 is a Unitary feature of Indian Constitution. Integrated Audit Machinery: The Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India audits the accounts of not only the Central government but also those of the states. But his appointment and removal are done by the president without consulting the states. Hence, this office restricts the financial autonomy of the states.
