Assignment Code: BPSC-143/ASST/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: BPSC-143

Assignment Name: State Politics in India

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Assignment - I

Answer the following in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks.

Q1) Examine the various approaches to the study of state politics in India.

Ans) The study of state politics in India requires a variety of methodologies, which is reflective of the multifaceted nature of the political environment in India. When conducting research on state politics, academics use a variety of lenses, each of which provides a distinct perspective:

a) Institutional Approach:

1) Focus: This method examines the formal structures and institutions that have an impact on state politics. These structures and institutions include legislative bodies, executive bodies, and electoral systems.

2) Analysis: The purpose of this research is to get an understanding of the ways in which institutions impact the development and implementation of policy by examining the functioning of state assemblies, the roles of governors, party systems, and electoral processes.

b) Comparative Regionalism:

1) Focus: Examines regional variations and peculiarities in state politics.

2) Analysis: Scholars recognise the diversity that exists within India's federal structure by comparing the political dynamics of different states. This allows them to find distinctive trends, local issues, and regional political cultures across the country.

c) Party System Analysis:

1) Focus: Centers on the role and dynamics of political parties within states.

2) Analysis: Scholars examine the ideology, structures, electoral strategies, and alliances of political parties in order to get an understanding of the development of state politics and the impact that political parties have on many aspects of governance.

d) Social Movements and Identity Politics:

1) Focus: Explores the impact of social movements, caste dynamics, and identity politics on state politics.

2) Analysis: Examining how social movements and identity-based politics shape state-level policies and electoral outcomes, scholars delve into the intersectionality of caste, religion, and regional identity in state politics.

e) Comparative Federalism:

1) Focus: Studies the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the central and state governments.

2) Analysis: Scholars investigate the dynamics of cooperative federalism, intergovernmental relations, and the role of states in policy implementation, shedding light on how federal structures influence governance.

f) Policy Analysis:

1) Focus: Evaluates state-level policies and their impact on governance and development.

2) Analysis: Scholars assess the formulation, implementation, and outcomes of state-level policies, offering insights into the effectiveness of governance mechanisms and the role of states in development.

g) Historical Approach:

1) Focus: Examines the historical context and evolution of state politics.

2) Analysis: By tracing the historical trajectory of states, scholars identify the legacies, colonial influences, and socio-political developments that have shaped the contemporary political landscape.

h) Ethnographic Studies:

1) Focus: Utilizes qualitative methods to understand state politics from the ground level.

2) Analysis: Researchers engage in fieldwork, studying local politics, governance structures, and grassroots movements to provide nuanced insights into the lived experiences of individuals within state politics.

i) Comparative Public Policy:

1) Focus: Compares policy decisions and implementation across states.

Analysis: As a means of contributing to a better knowledge of state-level governance, academics examine the results of public policies implemented in a variety of states, taking into account socio-economic factors, administrative capacities, and local demands.

j) Political Economy Approach:

1) Focus: Investigates the economic dimensions influencing state politics.

2) Analysis: In order to gain a better understanding of the relationship between economics and politics, numerous academics investigate the ways in which economic considerations, resource distribution, and economic policies influence political dynamics inside states.

Q2) Discuss the federal division of powers between the Centre and States in India.

Ans) The federal division of powers between the Centre and States in India is enshrined in the Constitution, reflecting a quasi-federal structure that seeks to balance the autonomy of states with the need for a strong central government. This division is outlined in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which categorizes subjects into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.

a) Union List:

1) Nature of Subjects: The Union List exclusively vests powers in the central government, encompassing subjects of national importance. These include defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and currency and coinage.

2) Exclusive Domain: Parliament has the exclusive authority to legislate on Union List subjects. State governments have no jurisdiction over these matters.

b) State List:

1) Nature of Subjects: The State List comprises matters of local or regional significance, empowering state legislatures to enact laws. Examples include police, public health, agriculture, and land.

2) Exclusive State Jurisdiction: State legislatures have exclusive authority to legislate on subjects in the State List. The central government cannot interfere in matters within this domain.

c) Concurrent List:

1) Nature of Subjects: The Concurrent List includes subjects of shared jurisdiction between the Centre and the States. Examples are education, marriage, bankruptcy, and bankruptcy and insolvency, among others.

2) Simultaneous Legislation: Both the central and state governments can enact laws on Concurrent List subjects. However, in case of a conflict, the central law prevails.

d) Residuary Powers:

1) Reserved for Centre: Any matter not explicitly mentioned in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists falls under the residuary powers. The Constitution grants residuary powers to the central government, ensuring that areas not specifically covered are under its purview.

e) Emergency Powers:

1) Temporary Central Control: During times of a proclaimed national emergency, the distribution of powers undergoes changes. The central government gains authority to legislate on state subjects, effectively centralizing power for the duration of the emergency.

f) Inter-State Council:

1) Cooperative Mechanism: The President is responsible for establishing the Inter-State Council, which serves to facilitate coordination and cooperation between the Centre Government and the States. The resolution of disputes, the promotion of balanced development, and the guarantee of successful policy implementation are all components of this.

g) Finance Commission:

1) Fiscal Distribution: The Finance Commission determines the distribution of finances between the Centre and States. It recommends the sharing of taxes and grants, ensuring financial autonomy for states.

h) Integrated Judicial System:

1) Supreme Court Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court acts as the final interpreter of the Constitution and resolves disputes between the Centre and States. Its jurisdiction extends to matters involving federal relations, ensuring a uniform interpretation of the constitutional provisions.

Challenges and Dynamics

a) Tug of War: The federal structure is not without challenges, often leading to conflicts between the Centre and States. Disputes arise over jurisdiction, resource allocation, and policy implementation.

b) Asymmetry: India's federal structure has elements of asymmetry, with special provisions for certain states like Jammu and Kashmir. However, with the abrogation of Article 370, this asymmetry has undergone significant changes.

c) Center-State Relations: Achieving a balance between central authority and state autonomy is an ongoing process. Striking this balance is crucial for fostering cooperative federalism and ensuring effective governance.

Assignment - II

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. Each question carries 10 marks.

Q1) Elaborate upon constitutional provisions for urban local governments in India.

Ans) The Indian Constitution delineates the powers, functions, and framework for urban local governments through various provisions, primarily in the Articles related to Municipalities, which are under Part IXA.

a) Constitutional Status:

Article 243P: This article specifically introduces the concept of Municipalities in Part IXA, specifying that every state shall constitute such institutions for urban areas.

b) Composition and Structure:

Article 243Q: It outlines the composition of Municipalities, detailing the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women in proportion to their population in the Municipality.

c) Powers and Functions:

Article 243W: This article delineates the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities, empowering them to formulate plans for economic development and social justice, including issues related to urban planning, infrastructure, and economic development.

d) Finance Commission for Municipalities:

Article 243Y: Similar to the Finance Commission at the national level, this article mandates the creation of a State Finance Commission to recommend fiscal measures, grants, and resource allocation for Municipalities.

e) Reservation of Seats:

Article 243T: It mandates the reservation of seats in every Municipality for SCs, STs, and women, ensuring their representation in local governance bodies.

f) Election of Members:

Article 243R: This article specifies the process for the direct election of members to Municipalities, ensuring democratic representation and participation at the local level.

g) Role in Urban Planning:

Article 243ZD: It highlights the role of Municipalities in urban planning processes, directing them to prepare plans for economic development and social justice in urban areas.

h) Ward Committees:

Article 243S: The Constitution also allows for the establishment of Ward Committees in Municipalities, enabling citizen participation and representation at a more localized level.

i) State Legislation for Municipalities:

Article 243X: States have the power to enact laws for the effective functioning of Municipalities, ensuring their autonomy and capacity to function in accordance with local needs.

j) Provisions for Special Municipalities:

Article 243Q: Special provisions can be made for Metropolitan areas, ensuring a separate and more robust framework for urban governance in highly populated and crucial urban regions.

These constitutional provisions establish the framework for urban local governments in India, emphasizing their role in urban development, governance, and ensuring democratic representation at the grassroots level. They aim to empower Municipalities to function as effective local bodies, catering to the needs and aspirations of urban residents while promoting decentralization and local self-governance.

Q2) Analyse how state-level leadership evolved during the late 1960s and early 1980s.

Ans) During the late 1960s and early 1980s, state-level leadership in India witnessed significant evolution, marked by socio-political movements, the emergence of regional parties, and shifts in governance:

a) Emergence of Regional Leaders:

Socio-Political Movements: Various socio-political movements, such as the anti-Hindi agitations in South India and the language-based movements in several states, galvanized local leaders and regional parties. Leaders like M.G. Ramachandran in Tamil Nadu and N.T. Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh emerged from these movements, asserting regional identity and leadership.

b) Rise of Regional Parties:

Shift from National to Regional: The era witnessed the rise of regional parties and the decline of Congress dominance in some states. Regional leaders founded parties like the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), advocating state-specific issues and regional aspirations.

c) Challenge to Congress Hegemony:

Decentralization of Power: Congress, which had a firm grip on Indian politics, faced challenges to its hegemony. State-level leaders began asserting their autonomy, demanding greater decentralization and more power for states in the federal structure.

d) Assertion of State Autonomy:

Demands for Greater Autonomy: State-level leaders, influenced by regional sentiments, advocated for greater autonomy for states in decision-making, financial matters, and policy formulation, reflecting a shift towards a more decentralized form of governance.

e) Diversification of Political Leadership:

Multiple Centers of Power: The emergence of regional leaders diversified the political landscape, creating multiple centers of power outside the central government. This shift decentralized political authority and increased the significance of state-level leadership in Indian politics.

f) Impact on National Politics:

Coalition Dynamics: The rise of regional leaders and parties significantly impacted national politics. It led to the formation of coalition governments at the center, necessitating alliances with regional parties to gain a majority, highlighting the growing influence of state-level leadership on national policies and governance.

g) Influence of Grassroots Movements:

Local Movements Shaping Leadership: Grassroots movements, particularly those addressing regional grievances, contributed to the emergence of leaders who championed these causes, strengthening state-level leadership and shaping state politics.

In essence, the late 1960s and early 1980s witnessed a transformation in Indian state-level leadership, with the emergence of assertive regional leaders, the rise of regional parties, and a shift towards greater state autonomy. This evolution decentralized political power, diversified the political landscape, and significantly impacted both state and national politics in India.

Q3) Examine the autonomy demands from regional political parties in India.

Ans) Regional political parties in India have historically advocated for greater autonomy, asserting the distinct regional identities and aspirations of their respective states:

a) Cultural and Linguistic Autonomy:

Preservation of Culture: Many regional parties have demanded cultural autonomy to protect and promote the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of their states. For instance, parties in South India have consistently advocated for the preservation of their languages and traditions.

b) Fiscal Autonomy:

Control Over Finances: Several regional parties have demanded fiscal autonomy, seeking greater control over state finances, allocation of funds, and revenue collection. They emphasize the need for a fairer distribution of central funds and resources to address regional development disparities.

c) Administrative Autonomy:

State-Centric Governance: Regional parties often call for administrative autonomy, advocating for decentralization of power and decision-making processes. They argue for more state-centric governance and less interference from the central government in state affairs.

d) Political Autonomy:

Representation and Governance: Regional parties seek political autonomy, asserting their right to represent and govern their respective states effectively. They advocate for more regional representation in national policies and decision-making bodies.

e) Resource Autonomy:

Control Over Resources: Some regional parties demand greater control over natural resources within their states, advocating for the right to manage and exploit these resources for local development.

f) Special Category Status:

Unique Needs and Assistance: States like Jammu and Kashmir, and more recently, Andhra Pradesh, have demanded special category status, seeking additional assistance and fiscal benefits from the central government due to specific developmental needs.

g) Legislative Autonomy:

State-Specific Laws: Regional parties often push for legislative autonomy, advocating for the enactment of state-specific laws and policies tailored to address local issues and concerns.

h) Constitutional Reforms:

Restructuring Federal Relations: Some regional parties have called for constitutional reforms to restructure federal relations, emphasizing the need to redefine the balance of powers between the Centre and the States, ensuring more autonomy for states.

Overall, demands for autonomy from regional political parties in India stem from the desire to protect and promote the unique socio-cultural identities of their respective regions. These demands reflect aspirations for greater control over governance, resources, and decision-making processes, aiming to address regional imbalances and ensure comprehensive development within the federal structure of India.

Assignment - III

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each. Each question carries 6 marks.

Q1) Write a brief note on the decline of the "Congress System.

Ans) The decline of the "Congress System" in India refers to the diminishing dominance of the Indian National Congress (INC) as the preeminent political force in Indian politics:

a) Emergence of Opposition: Post-independence, the Congress faced growing opposition from regional parties, socialist movements, and new political entities, challenging its monopoly on power.

b) Erosion of One-Party Dominance: Electoral setbacks, internal factionalism, and regional dissent weakened the Congress's hold on power, gradually eroding the one-party dominant system.

c) Coalition Politics: The rise of coalition politics further marginalized the Congress, as alliances and regional parties gained significance, reducing the party's dominance at both the national and state levels.

d) Economic and Social Changes: Changing socio-economic dynamics, evolving aspirations, and diversification of political ideologies contributed to the waning influence of the Congress, opening avenues for multi-party politics in India.

e) Leadership Crisis: The party's inability to adapt to changing demographics, address corruption issues, and rejuvenate leadership exacerbated its decline, leading to electoral setbacks and a loss of popular support.

Q2) Write a brief note on the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.

Ans) The Anandpur Sahib Resolution was a document drafted by the Shiromani Akali Dal, a Sikh political party, in 1973. It outlined the demands and aspirations of the Sikh community in India, emphasizing regional and religious autonomy:

a) Autonomy for Punjab: The resolution sought greater autonomy for the state of Punjab, demanding control over resources, administration, and legislative powers.

b) Protection of Sikh Interests: It aimed to safeguard the political, economic, and religious rights of the Sikh community, including protection of their cultural identity and religious institutions.

c) Federalism and Decentralization: The resolution advocated for restructuring the federal system, promoting decentralization, and granting more powers to states.

d) Recognition of Regional Languages: It pressed for the recognition of Punjabi as a regional language and sought its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Q3) Explain the Three-language Formula.

Ans) The Three-language Formula in India was introduced in 1968 by the central government to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism:

a) Mother Tongue: The formula recommends the study of the student's mother tongue or regional language as the first language, emphasizing the importance of preserving linguistic heritage and identity.

b) Hindi, English, and a Third Language: The second language recommended is Hindi, considering its national significance. Additionally, English is advised as a compulsory subject to ensure proficiency in the global lingua franca. The third language could be another Indian language or a foreign language, depending on regional preferences.

c) Educational Implementation: The formula is primarily applied in educational institutions, aiming to facilitate language learning and proficiency in three languages, fostering linguistic harmony and national integration.

Q4) Explain the Residuary power of legislation.

Ans) Residuary power of legislation refers to the authority vested in the central government to make laws on subjects not specifically listed in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists of the Indian Constitution:

a) Exclusive Authority: The Union Parliament possesses this residual power, allowing it to legislate on matters not explicitly allocated to the Centre or States. These subjects fall outside the purview of the three lists.

b) Scope of Residuary Power: This power covers areas that weren't contemplated at the time of framing the Constitution or those not falling within the designated legislative domains.

c) Centralized Jurisdiction: The provision ensures a centralized authority to legislate on issues vital for national interest but not explicitly categorized in the federal distribution of powers between the Centre and States.

Q5) What is the Mandal Commission Report?

Ans) The Mandal Commission Report, officially known as the "Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission," was established in 1979 to assess the status of socially and educationally backward classes in India:

a) Mandate: Formed under the chairmanship of B.P. Mandal, the commission aimed to identify and recommend measures for the upliftment of socially and educationally backward classes.

b) Recommendations: The report, submitted in 1980, advocated for reservation quotas in educational institutions and government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), proposing a 27% reservation.

c) Controversy and Implementation: The implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990 sparked widespread debates, protests, and political upheavals, leading to both support for and opposition against its proposed quotas for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions.