Distribution of Powers Between Center and States

Generally, three models are followed in the matter of division of powers in a federation. In the first model, the powers of the Centre are defined and the residuary powers are left to the States. This model is found in America. In the second module, the powers of the federating units or States are defined and the residuary powers are given to the centre.

Canada follows this model. And in the third model, the powers of both the governments are clearly laid down. Australia has this model of federation. In India, we follow the combination of both the Canadian and the Australian models.

The Constitution of India divides powers between the Union and the State governments. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution includes three lists of subjects – the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List. The Central or Union Government has exclusive power to make laws on the subjects which are mentioned in the Union List.

The States have the power to make law on the subjects which are included in the Concurrent List. With regard to the Concurrent List, both the Central and State governments can make laws on the subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List. Finally, the subjects which are not mentioned in the above three lists are called residuary powers and the Union government can make laws on them.

It may be noted here that in making laws on the subjects of the Concurrent list, the Central government has more authority than the State governments. And on the subjects of the State List also the Central government has indirect control. All this shows that though the Indian Constitution has clearly divided powers between the two governments, yet the Central government has been made stronger than the State governments.

We can discuss the division of powers between the two governments in India under three headings, such as, legislative relations, administrative relations and financial relations with reference to the three lists.