Administrative Relations Between Centre and State in India
Administrative Relations Between Centre and State in India
1. Introduction
India is a federal country with a unitary bias, meaning powers are divided between the Centre and the States, but the Centre has more authority in certain matters.
The administrative relations between the Union and the States are outlined in Part XI of the Constitution (Articles 256 to 263). These provisions deal with the distribution of administrative responsibilities, cooperation, coordination, and control between the Union and the States.
2. Constitutional Provisions
A. Article 256 – Obligation of States and Control of the Union
It mandates that every State must ensure that its executive power is exercised in accordance with the laws made by Parliament.
The Union can issue directions to the States to ensure compliance.
B. Article 257 – Control of the Union Over States
The executive power of every State must not prejudice the executive power of the Union.
The Centre can issue directions to ensure proper execution of Union laws.
The Centre can also give directions regarding the construction of railways, military installations, and communication systems of national importance.
C. Article 258 – Power of the Union to Confer Functions on States
The President may, with the consent of the State government, entrust Union functions to the State governments.
D. Article 258A – Power of States to Entrust Functions to the Union
This article (added by the 7th Constitutional Amendment) allows State governments to entrust their executive functions to the Union, with consent.
E. Article 261 – Full Faith and Credit Clause
This ensures that public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of one State are recognized in all other States.
F. Article 263 – Inter-State Council
The President can establish an Inter-State Council to discuss and resolve disputes or issues of common interest among States or between the Centre and States.
3. Centre-State Administrative Cooperation
The Constitution encourages cooperation through mutual consent, consultation, and delegation.
All-India Services (e.g., IAS, IPS) function under dual control – recruited by the Centre, but serving both Union and State governments.
Planning and development programs often involve cooperation between Centre and States.
4. Centre’s Power to Give Directions
The Centre can give directions to States in the following situations:
To ensure compliance with Union laws (Article 256).
For national interest regarding means of communication, railways, defense, etc. (Article 257).
During emergency (Article 353) – the executive power of the Union extends to giving directions to any State.
5. Administrative Control During Emergency
During National Emergency (Article 352): The Centre assumes full control over State administration.
During President’s Rule (Article 356): The State government is dismissed, and the Centre governs the State through the Governor.
During Financial Emergency (Article 360): The Union may issue directions for reduction of salaries and reorganization of financial matters in States.
6. Inter-Governmental Institutions for Cooperation
Inter-State Council (Article 263)
NITI Aayog – for cooperative federalism (non-constitutional body)
Zonal Councils – statutory bodies under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956
7. Case Laws on Administrative Relations
✅ 1. State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977)
Facts: The Centre issued directions to States to dissolve Assemblies after the change in the central government.
Held: The Supreme Court ruled that although the Centre has powers to give directions, it cannot use this power arbitrarily.
Significance: Reinforced federal character and restricted misuse of Article 356.
✅ 2. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Facts: Related to the misuse of President’s Rule in States.
Held: President’s Rule under Article 356 is subject to judicial review, and administrative actions must respect federalism.
Significance: Landmark case on Centre-State relations, limiting arbitrary interference by the Centre.
✅ 3. R.C. Poudyal v. Union of India (1994)
Held: The Supreme Court highlighted that Indian federalism is not rigid, and the Union has greater powers to ensure national unity.
Significance: Emphasized cooperative federalism and flexibility in Centre-State administrative relations.
8. Challenges in Administrative Relations
Over-centralization: Excessive use of directions by the Centre can undermine the autonomy of States.
Political differences: Different parties ruling at Centre and States often lead to conflict and non-cooperation.
Lack of effective coordination mechanisms: Institutions like Inter-State Council are underutilized.
Financial dependency: States often rely on the Union for funds, which affects their administrative autonomy.
9. Recent Developments and Trends
Emphasis on “Cooperative Federalism” through NITI Aayog, GST Council, etc.
Increasing use of technology and digital platforms for Centre-State collaboration.
Greater demand from States for decentralization and autonomy.
10. Conclusion
The Indian Constitution establishes a balanced administrative framework that encourages both autonomy and coordination between the Centre and States. While the Union has overarching powers in the national interest, the States are constitutionally empowered to manage their affairs. The success of Indian federalism lies in maintaining cooperative and harmonious relations between both levels of government, supported by constitutional mechanisms and judicial safeguards.
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