PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Indian Federalism
The recent developments in Indian Politics has not eroded the true spirit of federalism in India. Critically examine this statement with the help of appropriate examples.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
rR! Elazar's "self-rule + shared rule" test → developments strain but do not erase spirit R2 federalism as India's multi-level device for diversity → “not eroded" claim must be tested against recent practice
Body flow
self-rule/shared-rule benchmark → fiscal-political pressures: GST compensation, NEET/farm laws, Governor delays, central agencies, scheme conditionalities → Stalin's NEET/NEP/GST critique → Mehta "vanishing act… grin" → reads as recentralisation
Counter-view
resilience holds the spirit → S.R. Bommai caps Art. 356 → GST Council institutionalises bargaining → regional parties/coalitions sustain negotiation → judiciary guards basic structure → asymmetry + State welfare innovation → Mustafa: regional aspirations strengthen unity
Conclusion routes
rR! statement holds with qualification — spirit strained, not destroyed R2 survival rests on consultation, fiscal fairness, constitutional restraint → a negotiated, resilient federation
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
