The Centre-State Relations Archives

41. Which one of the following statements is not correct about the nature

Which one of the following statements is not correct about the nature of India’s federal system?

[amp_mcq option1=”There is no equality of representation of States in the Council of States.” option2=”Sikkim was not initially included in the Union as a full-fledged State.” option3=”Special provisions have been laid down in the Constitution of India for Andhra Pradesh under Article 371 D.” option4=”The Constitution of India enables the federal government to acquire the strength of a unitary system during emergencies.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2021

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Let’s examine each statement:
A) There is no equality of representation of States in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). This is correct. Representation is based on the population of states (as per the Fourth Schedule), unlike federations like the USA where states have equal representation. This reflects the asymmetric nature of Indian federalism.
B) Sikkim was not initially included in the Union as a full-fledged State. This is correct. Sikkim was granted the status of an ‘associate state’ initially by the 35th Amendment Act, 1974, before being made a full state by the 36th Amendment Act, 1975. This is a historical fact about state formation.
C) Special provisions have been laid down in the Constitution of India for Andhra Pradesh under Article 371 D. This is correct. Article 371D provides special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding public employment and education. This is an example of asymmetric federalism.
D) The Constitution of India enables the federal government to acquire the strength of a unitary system during emergencies. This is correct. Articles 352, 356, and 360 provide emergency powers to the Union government, allowing it to centralize powers and control over states, effectively transforming the system into a unitary one during such periods.
All statements A, C, and D describe ongoing structural or functional aspects that are widely considered part of the ‘nature’ of India’s federal system (asymmetric representation, asymmetric provisions for states, centralizing tendency). Statement B describes a specific historical event related to the formation of the Union. While relevant to the evolution of the federation, it is arguably less a descriptor of the *nature* of the system itself compared to A, C, and D which describe its structure, differential treatment of units, and behavior during crises. In the context of asking about the “nature” of the system, a historical event of accession (B) is the least likely to be considered a fundamental defining characteristic compared to structural features (A), differential treatment (C), and operational mode in emergencies (D). Thus, B is the statement that is arguably “not correct about the nature” in the same sense as the others.

– India’s federal system is often described as ‘quasi-federal’ or ‘federal in form, unitary in spirit’.
– Key features of its nature include a strong centre, division of powers, integrated judiciary, single citizenship, appointment of governors by the centre, unequal representation in Rajya Sabha, and emergency provisions.
– Asymmetric federalism, involving special provisions for certain states (like Article 371 series), is also a characteristic feature.

– Article 371D was inserted into the Constitution by the 32nd Amendment Act, 1973.
– The process of integrating princely states and other territories like Sikkim into the Indian Union reflects the flexibility and evolving nature of the federation.

42. Why was constitutional amendment needed for introducing GST?

Why was constitutional amendment needed for introducing GST?

[amp_mcq option1=”States were not willing to agree with the Union for introduction of GST without amendment in the Constitution.” option2=”GST was to be implemented on concurrent base and Article 246 was inadequate for such a case.” option3=”The Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers had recommended for constitutional amendment.” option4=”The GST Council had recommended for constitutional amendment so that its power enhances.” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2017

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Constitutional amendment was needed for introducing GST primarily because the existing distribution of taxation powers between the Union and the States, as defined in Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, did not allow for a concurrent tax like GST covering both goods and services. Before GST, the Union had powers to tax manufacturing and services, while states had powers to tax sales within their territory. To subsume multiple taxes into one and allow both the Union and States to tax the same base (supply of goods and services), the Constitution had to be amended to create specific provisions granting this concurrent power. Article 246 was inadequate for such a concurrent base.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a concurrent tax on the supply of goods and services, requiring a constitutional amendment to grant concurrent taxing powers to both the Union and the States, which was not possible under the original framework of Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule.

The Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 introduced GST by inserting Article 246A, which grants concurrent powers to the Parliament and State Legislatures to make laws with respect to GST levied on every supply of goods or services or both. It also made necessary amendments to other articles and the Seventh Schedule.

43. As per the State List under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution o

As per the State List under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, the States have jurisdiction over agricultural land in connection with which of the following subjects?

1. Taxes on agricultural income
2. Duties in respect of succession of agricultural land
3. Estate duty in respect of agricultural land

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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All three subjects – Taxes on agricultural income, Duties in respect of succession of agricultural land, and Estate duty in respect of agricultural land – are under the jurisdiction of the States as per the State List.

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution contains lists distributing legislative powers between the Union and the States. Several entries in the State List (List II) specifically deal with land, agriculture, and related taxes and duties, confirming State jurisdiction over these matters.

Specifically, Entry 46 of List II pertains to “Taxes on agricultural income”, Entry 47 to “Duties in respect of succession to agricultural land”, and Entry 48 to “Estate duty in respect of agricultural land”.

44. Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian

Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian Federalism ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The federating units consented to form a union” option2=”Residuary powers vest with the Centre” option3=”Single citizenship” option4=”An extensive Union and Concurrent list” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2022

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Option A is correct because, unlike federations like the USA, the Indian union was not formed by an agreement or consent among already existing independent states (federating units). The states were formed by carving out territories from British India and integrating princely states. This makes the Indian union “indestructible” while the states are “destructible” (their boundaries can be altered by Parliament).

Indian federalism is often described as quasi-federal or federal in form but unitary in spirit, with a strong central government. One key difference from classical federations is the origin of the union.

Characteristic features of Indian federalism include the division of powers between Centre and States (albeit with a strong Centre), a written constitution, the supremacy of the constitution, an independent judiciary, residuary powers with the Centre (B), single citizenship (C), and a detailed distribution of legislative subjects through extensive lists (D). The non-consensual formation of the union is a key aspect that distinguishes Indian federalism.

45. M.M. Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations has recommended the

M.M. Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations has recommended the disposal of a bill reserved for the consideration of the Union Executive within

[amp_mcq option1=”four months.” option2=”six months.” option3=”eight months.” option4=”five months.” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2021

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The M.M. Punchhi Commission, established in 2007 to review Centre-State relations, recommended that the Union Government should take a decision on a bill reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President within six months.

The recommendation aims to prevent undue delay in decision-making regarding state legislation reserved by the Governor, thereby addressing a long-standing issue in Centre-State relations.

Article 201 of the Indian Constitution deals with bills reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President. While it outlines the process, it does not specify a time limit within which the President must give assent or withhold assent. The Punchhi Commission’s recommendation sought to introduce a time limit to improve efficiency and accountability.

46. The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 on the recommendation of

The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 on the recommendation of

[amp_mcq option1=”Punchhhi Commission” option2=”Sarkaria Commission” option3=”Rajamannar Commission” option4=”Mungerilal Commission” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2019

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The correct answer is B) Sarkaria Commission.

The Sarkaria Commission was appointed in 1983 by the Central Government to examine the relationship and balance of power between the Centre and States in India. One of its significant recommendations, made in its report submitted in 1987, was the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council to facilitate coordination and cooperation between the Union and the States.

Acting on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission, the Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 by a Presidential Order under Article 263 of the Constitution. The Punchhi Commission (2007-2010) was another commission appointed to review Centre-State relations. The Rajamannar Commission was appointed by the Tamil Nadu government in 1969 to examine the issue of Centre-State relations.

47. Which of the following statements regarding Indian federal system is/a

Which of the following statements regarding Indian federal system is/are correct?

All States have equal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
Consent of a State is not required for altering its boundaries.
There is no dual citizenship in India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”2 only” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2017

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Statement 1 is incorrect because representation of States in the Rajya Sabha is based on population, not equal for all States (Fourth Schedule of the Constitution). Statement 2 is correct as the Parliament can alter the boundaries or names of existing States without their consent (Article 3 of the Constitution). Statement 3 is correct as the Constitution of India provides for single citizenship for the entire country, not dual citizenship. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

The Indian federal system exhibits features of both federal and unitary systems. Unequal representation in Rajya Sabha and Parliament’s power to alter state boundaries are considered unitary features.

Article 3 allows Parliament to form new States, increase or decrease the area of any State, and alter the boundaries or name of any State by law. The procedure requires a Bill to be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President, and the President is required to refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views within a specified period. However, Parliament is not bound by the views of the State Legislature.

48. Which one of the following statements about the All India Services is

Which one of the following statements about the All India Services is correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”The All India Services may be created by an Act of the Parliament.” option2=”The endorsement of the Rajya Sabha is not essential for the creation of the All India Services.” option3=”The rules of recruitment to the All India Services are determined by the UPSC.” option4=”The conditions of service to the All India Services may be altered by the UPSC.” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2017

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Statement A is correct. Article 312 of the Constitution of India provides for the creation of All India Services common to the Union and the States. It states that if the Rajya Sabha has declared by a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest so to do, Parliament may by law provide for the creation of one or more All India Services. Thus, Parliament can create AIS by an Act, but it requires a specific resolution from the Rajya Sabha.

The creation of All India Services requires a specific procedure involving a Rajya Sabha resolution followed by an Act of Parliament.

Statement B is incorrect because the endorsement (resolution) of the Rajya Sabha is essential for the creation of new All India Services under Article 312. Statement C is incorrect; the rules of recruitment and conditions of service are determined by the Central Government in consultation with the State Governments, not solely by the UPSC. The UPSC conducts the recruitment examinations. Statement D is incorrect; conditions of service are determined by the Central Government and cannot be altered by the UPSC.