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Home / IAS Preparation / Administrative Relation Between Union and State

Administrative Relation Between Union and State: Exploring Roles, Mechanisms, and Significance

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The Constitution of India governs the administrative relations between the union and the states. The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the states into three lists. These are named the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. The Union List contains subjects that are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the union government. The State List contains subjects that are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the state governments. The Concurrent List contains subjects that are shared by the union and the state governments.

The Administrative Relation Between Union and State constitutes an important part of the UPSC IAS Optional Paper in the Mains Examination.

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Key Features of the Administrative Relation between Union and State

Here are some of the key features of administrative relation between union and state in India:

Division of powers

The Constitution divides powers between the Union and the states into three lists:

  • the Union List,
  • the State List, and
  • the Concurrent List.

Union government's power to give directions

The union government can give directions to the state governments on matters that are in the State List. This can be done only if the directions are necessary:

  • for the "coordination of the activities of the Union and the States" or
  • for the "implementation of any Union law".

Governor's role

The union government appoints governors to the states. The governors have certain powers to control the state governments.

Evolutionary nature

The administrative relations between the union and the states are constantly evolving. The Constitution provides a framework for these relations. The specific details are worked out through legislation and through the political process.

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Constitutional Framework of Administrative Relations

The administrative relation between union and states is guided by the provisions in the Constitution. Some key aspects of this framework include:

Distribution of Powers

  • Article 246: This article delineates the distribution of legislative powers between the union and the states.
  • Seventh Schedule: It contains three lists specifying the subjects on which the union, states, or both can legislate.
    • Union List,
    • State List, and
    • Concurrent List.

Union Executive Authority

  • President: The President of India is the head of the union executive. He exercises executive powers on behalf of the central government.
  • Council of Ministers: The President appoints a council of ministers, led by the Prime Minister. The council aids and advises in the exercise of executive powers.

State Executive Authority

  • Governor: Each state has a Governor who represents the President. He acts as the head of the state executive.
  • Chief Minister: The Chief Minister, appointed by the Governor, is the head of the state government. He exercises executive authority.

Administrative Relation Between Union and State – All India Services

The All India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFoS) play a crucial role in the administrative relations between the union and the states. Let's explore this aspect in detail:

Establishment and Recruitment

  • Union Responsibility: The recruitment and appointment of officers to the All India Services falls under the purview of the union government.
  • Role in States: These officers are allotted to different states and work in key positions. They serve both the union and the states.

Authority and Jurisdiction

  • Dual Control: All India Services officers operate under dual control. They are accountable to both the union and the state governments.
  • Administrative Functions: They handle administrative matters, policy implementation, and law enforcement in their assigned states.

Training and Cadre Management

  • LBSNAA: The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie provides training to these officers. It operates under the union government.
  • Cadre Allocation: The union government determines the cadre allocation for these officers. This is done in consultation with the state governments. It considers factors like vacancies, seniority, and the officer's preference.

Coordination and Collaboration

  • Intergovernmental Cooperation: All India Services officers act as a bridge between the union and the states. They facilitate coordination and collaboration on various issues.
  • Liaison Role: They work closely with both the union and state governments. They ensure the effective implementation of policies and schemes.

Roles and Responsibilities

The administrative relation between union and states entails distinct roles and responsibilities for each entity. Some key aspects are:

Union Government

  • National Defense and Foreign Affairs: The union government handles matters related to national defense and foreign policy.
  • Interstate Matters: It oversees the resolution of disputes between states. It promotes cooperation among states.
  • Union Territories: The union government directly administers Union Territories without a separate state government.

State Governments

  • Law and Order: Maintaining law and order is primarily the responsibility of the state governments.
  • Education and Health: State governments play a crucial role in providing education and healthcare services to their citizens.
  • State-specific Subjects: They have the authority to legislate and administer subjects listed in the State List.

Administrative Mechanisms

To ensure effective coordination and cooperation, various administrative mechanisms are in place between the union and the states. These mechanisms include:

Inter-State Council

  • The Inter-State Council is set up as per Article 263 of the Constitution. It facilitates consultations on matters of common interest between the union and the states.
  • It aims to promote cooperative federalism and resolve inter-state disputes amicably.

Planning Commission/NITI Aayog

  • The NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing development policies. This is done in coordination with the states.
  • It acts as a platform for interaction between the union and the states. It ensures a cooperative approach towards national development.

Conclusion

The administrative relation between union and states forms the bedrock of Indian federalism. This article has explored the constitutional framework, roles, responsibilities, and administrative mechanisms associated with this relationship. For UPSC aspirants, comprehending these dynamics is crucial to grasp the nuances of Indian governance.

We hope all your doubts regarding the topic Administrative Relation Between Union and State would have been addressed now. Testbook provides study material for several competitive examinations. Ace your UPSC exam preparation by downloading the Testbook App!

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Administrative Relation between Union and State FAQs

Yes, if a state government believes that a decision of the union government encroaches upon its jurisdiction, it can challenge it in the courts.

Yes, the Supreme Court acts as the ultimate arbiter in disputes between the union and the states.

No, the Union List exclusively empowers the union government to legislate on subjects listed therein. States cannot make laws on these subjects unless empowered by the union.

Yes, the Constitution includes the following provisions to ensure financial relations: grants-in-aid, tax-sharing arrangements, and the Finance Commission.

Yes, the union government can intervene in state affairs in specific situations. This might include failure of constitutional machinery in a state or in times of emergency.
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