Cooperative Federalism and Centre-State Relations
India's Constitution establishes a quasi-federal structure — a strong Centre with federal features — rather than a classical federation. The constitutional framework divides legislative, executive, and financial powers between the Union and States through the Seventh Schedule (Lists I, II, III). However, during emergencies or major national challenges, the Constitution enables stronger central coordination, while cooperative federalism seeks to achieve this through consent and collaboration rather than coercion.
- Article 256: The executive power of every State shall be exercised so as to ensure compliance with laws made by Parliament; the Union may give directions to States to that end.
- Article 257: The Union may give directions to States to ensure that the exercise of executive power of the State does not impede or prejudice the exercise of executive power of the Union.
- Article 352 (National Emergency), Article 356 (President's Rule), and Article 360 (Financial Emergency) represent the constitutionally specified mechanisms under which central authority can override State autonomy — none of which were invoked here.
- Institutions promoting cooperative federalism: NITI Aayog (replaced Planning Commission in 2015), GST Council (Article 279A), Zonal Councils, Inter-State Council (Article 263).
- The COVID-19 response demonstrated "cooperative federalism in action" — the Centre coordinated vaccine procurement, oxygen supply, and lockdown protocols while States managed healthcare infrastructure and local enforcement.
● Tracked since March 27, 2026 · last seen May 02, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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