Extra constitutional factors influencing federal polity

The constitution clearly demarcates the financial, legislative and executive functions between the union and the state governments. The constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, Finance Commision etc. facilitate the working of the federal polity.

But there are many other extra-constitutional institutions and factors that affect the functional relations between the two tiers of government. 

• The bulk of the central plan assistance to the states is routed through the Planning Commission, the National Development Council acts as a super cabinet in approving the five-year plans and deliberating on major socio-economic problems facing the country.
• The elements of discretion and political bargain have a considerable influence in fund transfer from centre to the states for the centrally sponsored schemes.
• The growing influence of regional political parties and their rising clout in the era of coalition politics at the centre has resulted in instances of foreign policy decisions being held hostage to the local political machinations of the coalition partners of the ruling party. For Ex: Teesta river water treaty and India's stand against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC are cases in point.
• The states have been complaining against the unilateral actions of the union in setting up bodies like the NCTC. This they call an attack on the federal structure.

The centre and states need to function in the spirit of cooperative federalism, the goals of economic prosperity and inclusive development can be realised only when there is mutual trust and collaborative action in fighting internal security problems, setting up institution of Lokpal, ushering in direct and indirect tax reforms, resolving inter-state water disputes and fighting disease and hunger.

References

Mainstream Weekly