The Union and the States in India have distinct functions and responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution. Here's a general overview:
Functions and Responsibilities of the Union:
1. Defense and Foreign Affairs: The Union is responsible for matters related to defense, external affairs, and foreign policy. This includes the defense forces, international treaties and agreements, diplomatic relations, and national security.
2. Currency and Monetary Policy: The Union has the authority to regulate and control the currency, coinage, and monetary system in the country. It also formulates and implements monetary policies in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank of the country.
3. Inter-State Relations: The Union is responsible for promoting cooperation and coordination among the States, ensuring the smooth functioning of the federal structure. It also resolves disputes between States and deals with issues related to inter-state rivers, water resources, and interstate trade and commerce.
4. Union List: The Union has exclusive legislative authority over subjects listed in the Union List. These subjects include defense, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking, telecommunications, and other matters of national importance.
5. Central Institutions and Services: The Union establishes and maintains central institutions and services such as the All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS), central public sector undertakings (PSUs), central universities, and national research institutes. It is responsible for their functioning, administration, and policy formulation.
Functions and Responsibilities of the States:
1. State List: The State governments have exclusive legislative authority over subjects listed in the State List. These subjects include police and public order, public health, agriculture, local government, public works, and others. They have the power to make laws and regulations concerning these subjects.
2. Police and Public Order: Maintaining law and order, policing, and ensuring public safety and security within the State's jurisdiction are responsibilities of the State governments. They establish and manage state police forces for this purpose.
3. State Finances: The States have the authority to levy and collect various taxes, including state-level taxes such as sales tax, stamp duty, and excise duty on alcohol. They are responsible for managing their own finances, preparing state budgets, and implementing fiscal policies.
4. State Institutions and Services: The State governments establish and maintain state-level institutions such as state universities, state public service commissions, state electricity boards, and state-level public sector undertakings. They are responsible for their administration and policy formulation.
5. Local Governance: The States are responsible for establishing and empowering local governments, such as municipalities, panchayats, and municipal corporations. They delegate powers and functions to these local bodies for efficient governance at the grassroots level.
It's important to note that while the Union and the States have their respective functions and responsibilities, there are areas where they share concurrent powers. In these areas, both the Union and the States can make laws and policies, although the Union law generally prevails in case of conflicts. The Constitution aims to strike a balance between a strong central government and autonomous state governments, promoting cooperative federalism in the country.
Comments