Centre-State Relations
Constitutional Framework
The Indian Constitution, while federal in structure, is described as "quasi-federal" with a strong unitary bias. The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers into the Union List (97 subjects), State List (66 subjects), and Concurrent List (47 subjects). In cases of conflict on Concurrent List subjects, central law prevails under Article 254.
- Article 256: State governments must ensure compliance with central laws.
- Article 257: State governments must not impede exercise of executive power of the Union.
- Article 263: Provides for an Inter-State Council to resolve disputes — but it has met infrequently.
- Sarkaria Commission (1983): Recommended strengthening the ISC, limiting governor's misuse, and greater state autonomy in fiscal matters.
- Punchhi Commission (2007-10): Revisited Sarkaria recommendations; called for time-bound assent to bills, limits on central intervention.
● Tracked since March 03, 2026 · last seen June 13, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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