Q. Consider the following statements regarding Federalism in India:
1. The new economic policy of 1991 helped in strengthening federalism in India.
2. Judicial Supremacy forms an essential part of federal polity.
3. Indian model of federalism is “Coming together”, unlike US model which is “Holding together”.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
A federal government is one in which powers are divided between the national government and the regional governments by the Constitution itself and both operate in their respective jurisdictions independently.
Statement 1 is correct: The new economic policy of 1991 and the economic reforms laid out a new trajectory in which federalism got strengthened. It facilitated fiscal federalism.
Statement 2 is incorrect: To prevent conflicts between the Centre and the State, there is an independent judiciary to settle disputes. The response of judicial supremacy is that courts perform that function and other officials are bound not only to respect judges’ decisions in particular cases but also, in formulating future public policy, to follow the general principles judges have laid down. It is not an essential nor it is a desired part in federal structure.
Statement 3 is incorrect The difference between Coming Together and Holding Together Federations is that in the Coming Together Federation, there is no sharing of power or retention of nationality; while in Holding Together Federation, states unite their resources and sovereign rights to create a stronger country. India is an example of holding together model, whereas USA is an example of coming together model.
