INDIAN FEDERALISM- CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

AUTHOR – HARSHAWARDHAN DHANANJAY DIXIT, DECCAN EDUCATION SOCIETY’S SHRI. NAVALMAL FIRODIA LAW COLLEGE, PUNE

BEST CITATION – HARSHAWARDHAN DHANANJAY DIXIT, INDIAN FEDERALISM- CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 220-231, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

(Catchy line) “Strength in Diversity: The Story of Indian Federalism”

(History)Indian federalism is a remarkable experiment in managing one of the most diverse countries in the world. Rooted in the Government of India Act, 1935, and shaped by the vision of the Constitution of 1950, it was designed to balance the need for unity with respect for regional identities. Unlike other federal systems like the U.S., India’s model is “quasi-federal,” giving the central government more power to hold the country together amidst its linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity.(Present Status) Today, Indian federalism faces real challenges. Disputes between the center and states over legislative and financial powers are growing. States are demanding more autonomy, and regional inequalities continue to widen. Additionally, the rise of coalition politics has made federal decision-making more complex, requiring cooperation rather than confrontation.(Research Problem) This research seeks to explore whether the current federal structure is strong enough to meet these challenges or if reforms are needed. (Hypothesis)The hypothesis suggests that promoting cooperative federalism—where the center and states work together in harmony—can create a more balanced and effective system.(Possible Reforms)Reforms like revisiting the division of powers in the Constitution, ensuring fair distribution of resources, and creating better platforms for dialogue between the center and states could help address these issues. Strengthening financial independence for states and addressing regional disparities are also critical steps toward a more united and equitable India.(Aim and objective The aim is to evaluate the successes and limitations of Indian federalism in addressing today’s challenges. The objective is to find ways to ensure the system evolves to meet the aspirations of a growing and diverse nation.

Keywords: Indian federalism, center-state relations, diversity, constitutional reforms