Introduction
Federalism in India is a unique experiment. Unlike classical federations such as the U.S., India adopted a quasi-federal structure with a strong center but significant powers given to the states. The COVID-19 pandemic tested this system in unprecedented ways. From nationwide lockdowns to vaccine policies, the pandemic revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of India’s federal setup. For UPSC and other competitive exam aspirants, understanding this dynamic is essential to grasp the real-world application of constitutional federalism.
Historical Background of Indian Federalism
- The Constitution of India (1950) envisages a federation with a unitary bias.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called it “a federal system with strong centralizing tendencies.”
- Key federal features: division of powers, bicameral legislature, independent judiciary.
- Unitary features: residuary powers with the center, emergency provisions, powerful role of the Union executive.
Federalism During COVID-19: The Legal Framework
The pandemic was managed primarily under two central legislations:
- Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA) – Gave the central government authority to issue nationwide guidelines. States were bound to follow these.
- Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 – Empowered states to take special measures.
This created an unusual situation: while the center dictated the broad framework, states were responsible for actual implementation.
Strengths of Federalism Shown During COVID-19
- Decentralized Action
- States like Kerala and Maharashtra showed leadership in contact tracing and health preparedness.
- Local self-governments and panchayats were critical in awareness campaigns.
- Cooperative Federalism
- Central guidelines ensured uniformity, while states customized based on local needs.
- Examples: staggered lockdown relaxations, localized containment zones.
- Judicial Oversight
- The Supreme Court and High Courts acted as guardians of federal balance by hearing issues like oxygen supply allocation, migrant worker rights, and vaccine distribution disputes.
- Innovation at State Level
- States introduced mobile apps, community kitchens, and testing innovations that later became national models.
Weaknesses of Federalism Exposed
- Over-Centralization
- Nationwide lockdown in March 2020 was announced without consulting states, causing migrant crises and logistical chaos.
- States often complained of “one-size-fits-all” rules.
- Financial Strain on States
- States bore the brunt of health and welfare expenditure but had limited revenue sources due to GST centralization.
- Delay in GST compensation from the center worsened the fiscal crisis.
- Conflict in Vaccine Policy
- Initially centralized procurement, later shifted to partial state responsibility, and again recentralized—confusing and politically contentious.
- Governor vs State Government Conflicts
- In some states, disputes between governors and elected governments highlighted federal friction even during a public health crisis.
Lessons for the Future
- Need for Genuine Cooperative Federalism
- Instead of a top-down approach, future crises demand consultation and coordination between center and states.
- Institutions like Inter-State Council should be revitalized.
- Fiscal Federalism Reform
- States need more autonomy in taxation and timely release of central funds.
- Reconsideration of the GST structure to ensure state liquidity during emergencies.
- Strengthening Local Governance
- Panchayats, municipalities, and urban local bodies should be empowered with funds and training for frontline crisis management.
- Clear Legal Framework for Health Emergencies
- A modern, comprehensive Public Health Act is needed to balance central authority with state flexibility.
UPSC & Exam Relevance
- Prelims: Articles 245–263 (division of powers, inter-state relations), Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Mains: “Critically analyze the impact of COVID-19 on Indian federalism.”
- Essay: Topics like “Cooperative Federalism: Myth or Reality?”
- Interview: Questions on reforms needed for better center-state coordination in future crises.
Conclusion
COVID-19 proved that Indian federalism is both resilient and flawed. While states innovated and local bodies became the backbone of crisis management, central overreach and fiscal constraints highlighted the limits of cooperative federalism. For India to truly prepare for future challenges, federalism must evolve into a partnership of equals, where the center provides leadership but states enjoy real autonomy to act according to local needs.
In essence, the pandemic taught India that a strong nation requires strong states. Balancing power, resources, and responsibilities between different levels of government will be the real test of federalism in the 21st century.