The Indian Constitution is primarily federal, providing for two governments—the national or federal government at the centre—and the government of each of the component units, i.e. States. A division of authority exists between the federal government and those of the States. There are three lists enumerating the powers—the Union, State and Concurrent list. Every power—Executive, Legislative and Judicial, whether it belongs to the federation or the component is controlled by the Constitution.
The book describes the federal system in India and all its pertinent aspects. The subject matter is divided into five chapters. The first chapter, “The Devolution Dilemma” studies the nature of Indian State, the functional efficiency of the federal system and its capacity to achieve equitable growth and political stability. The second chapter is on the coalition culture and presents an analytical review of the record of various coalitions made and reformed over India’s recent political history. The third chapter, based on a research on voter behaviour tries to answer the question as to why the two main national parties in India—Congress and the BJP are losing their vote base in the States. It concludes that there is a democratic deficit both at regional and national level. The issue of democratic deficit has been dealt with in detail in the fourth chapter based on the author’s survey data on the State of Punjab. The fifth chapter brings to light the concepts relevant for a party system in India. Bibliography and Index have been provided at the end of the book.
The book will be useful for the students and teachers of political science and researchers in this field. It will also prove beneficial for policymakers and parliamentarians. To those who wish to know about the various aspects of Indian democracy, coalition culture, party system and Centre-State relations, the book will provide for a richly rewarding and stimulating reading.
P.N. Chopra has taught M.A. Economics classes for 33 years in various Government colleges of Punjab. He got his Ph.D. degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh in 1983 and his research work was published as Multilevel Planning in India in 1987. He also did a research project for the UGC dealing with the Strategy and Policy of India’s Economic Development.
Prof. Chopra has specialised in the areas of Macroeconomics and Development Planning. His book, Macroeconomics (fifth edition), published by Kalyani Publishers, is popular all over India. He attends seminars and symposia on Indian economic policy regularly.
