The Indian Constitution establishes a federal structure with a strong unitary bias. It divides powers and responsibilities between the Central Government and State Governments to ensure smooth governance.
👉 Part XI (Articles 245 to 263) of the Indian Constitution deals with Centre-State Relations.
👉 These relations are divided into three categories:
- Legislative Relations (Articles 245-255) – Law-making powers.
- Administrative Relations (Articles 256-263) – Division of governance responsibilities.
- Financial Relations (Articles 268-293) – Division of financial resources.
I. Legislative Relations (Articles 245-255)
These articles define law-making powers of the Union and the States.
1. Distribution of Legislative Powers
✅ Article 246 divides subjects into three lists in the Seventh Schedule:
| List | Controlled by | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Union List (97 subjects) | Parliament (Centre) | Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Banking, Atomic Energy |
| State List (66 subjects) | State Legislatures | Police, Public Health, Agriculture, Forests, Liquor, Land |
| Concurrent List (52 subjects) | Both Centre & State | Education, Criminal Law, Trade Unions, Marriage, Electricity |
🔹 If there is a conflict between Centre and State laws on the Concurrent List, the Central law prevails (Article 254).
🔹 Residuary Powers (Article 248): Any subject not mentioned in any list falls under the Union Government (e.g., Cyber Laws, Space Technology).
2. Parliament’s Control Over State Laws
✅ Article 249 – Parliament can make laws on State List subjects if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority.
✅ Article 250 – During a National Emergency, Parliament can make laws on any subject, including those in the State List.
✅ Article 252 – If two or more states request Parliament, it can legislate on a State List subject.
II. Administrative Relations (Articles 256-263)
These articles define how the Centre and States interact in governance.
1. States’ Obligation to the Union
✅ Article 256 – States must follow laws made by the Union Government.
✅ Article 257 – The Union Government can give directions to the State Government.
2. Centre’s Power Over States
✅ Article 258 – The Centre can delegate powers to States to implement Union laws.
✅ Article 263 – Establishment of an Inter-State Council to resolve disputes between States.
3. During Emergencies
- Article 352 (National Emergency) – The Union Government can take full control of all states.
- Article 356 (President’s Rule) – If a state government fails to function, the President can dismiss the government and impose Central rule.
- Article 360 (Financial Emergency) – The Centre can reduce financial resources to States.
III. Financial Relations (Articles 268-293)
These articles define how financial resources are shared between the Centre and States.
1. Division of Taxes
✅ Article 268 – Some taxes (e.g., stamp duties) are collected by the Centre but given to States.
✅ Article 270 – Income tax and corporate tax are shared between Centre and States.
✅ Article 272 – Excise duties are distributed between Centre and States.
2. Grants-in-Aid & Financial Assistance
✅ Article 275 – The Centre provides Grants-in-Aid to States for development.
✅ Article 280 – Finance Commission recommends the distribution of revenue between Centre & States.
IV. Mechanisms for Resolving Centre-State Disputes
✅ Inter-State Council (Article 263) – Resolves disputes between States & Centre.
✅ Zonal Councils – Advisory bodies to improve cooperation between States & Centre.
✅ Supreme Court (Article 131) – Resolves Centre-State disputes.
Challenges in Centre-State Relations
❌ Centralization of Power – The Centre often dominates State governments.
❌ Disputes Over Revenue Sharing – States demand more financial autonomy.
❌ Governor’s Role – Governors are appointed by the Centre, leading to political bias.
❌ Use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) – Often misused for political reasons.
Recent Developments in Centre-State Relations
✔ GST (Goods and Services Tax) – Merged all indirect taxes into one national tax system, reducing state control over taxation.
✔ Abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir, 2019) – Removed special status and made it a Union Territory.
✔ COVID-19 Pandemic – Led to conflicts over medical supplies and lockdown measures between Centre & States.
MCQs on Centre-State Relations
1. Which Article divides legislative powers between the Centre and States?
A) Article 245
B) Article 246
C) Article 250
D) Article 275
Answer: B) Article 246
2. Under which Article can Parliament make laws on State subjects if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution?
A) Article 250
B) Article 249
C) Article 356
D) Article 270
Answer: B) Article 249
3. Which Schedule of the Constitution contains the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists?
A) Fourth Schedule
B) Sixth Schedule
C) Seventh Schedule
D) Ninth Schedule
Answer: C) Seventh Schedule
4. Which Article allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a State?
A) Article 352
B) Article 360
C) Article 356
D) Article 275
Answer: C) Article 356
5. Which Article provides for an Inter-State Council?
A) Article 270
B) Article 280
C) Article 263
D) Article 275
Answer: C) Article 263
6. Who recommends the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and States?
A) Finance Minister
B) Planning Commission
C) Finance Commission
D) Supreme Court
Answer: C) Finance Commission
7. During a National Emergency, who has full control over all states?
A) Prime Minister
B) Chief Minister
C) President
D) Supreme Court
Answer: C) President
8. Which Article allows the Centre to give financial assistance to States?
A) Article 268
B) Article 270
C) Article 275
D) Article 280
Answer: C) Article 275
9. Who heads the Inter-State Council?
A) Prime Minister
B) President
C) Chief Justice of India
D) Home Minister
Answer: A) Prime Minister
10. Residuary powers belong to the:
A) State List
B) Concurrent List
C) Union Government
D) Inter-State Council
Answer: C) Union Government
Conclusion
✅ Legislative Relations – Laws are divided into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
✅ Administrative Relations – The Centre can direct States and impose President’s Rule if necessary.
✅ Financial Relations – Taxes and grants are shared between the Centre and States.
✅ Challenges remain, especially regarding financial autonomy and political interference.
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