UPSC Mains 2024 GS2 Q13 — Centre-State Relations
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- WhatSuggest
- Scope keywords
- Union GovernmentCentre-State relationsbuild the truststrengthening federalism
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of recent policy/legal shifts (GST compensation, borrowing limits, centrally sponsored schemes, or lateral entry influence).
- Analysis of sources of friction leading to the current 'trust deficit'.
- Specific administrative, fiscal, and institutional measures to restore parity.
- The role of constitutional bodies like the Finance Commission or Inter-State Council in the current context.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on political conflicts between parties rather than structural/administrative changes by the Union Government.
- Ignoring fiscal federalism aspects such as Cess/Surcharge vs. Divisible Pool or the role of the NITI Aayog.
- Failing to mention the 'recent' aspect, such as post-pandemic changes in the Disaster Management Act or the New Education Policy implementation.
- Proposing generic solutions like 'cooperate more' without suggesting specific mechanisms like revitalizing the Inter-State Council.
- Dimensions required
- ConstitutionalFiscal/EconomicAdministrativeLegislativeInstitutional
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 100 words (6-7 marks) to identifying the 'recent changes' across fiscal and legislative domains. Devote the remaining 150 words (8-9 marks) to the 'suggestions' and 'strengthening federalism' part, as this is the forward-looking core of the question, ensuring a balanced mix of constitutional and administrative reforms.
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