GS Question

The Indian constitution has certain provisions that exhibit centralising tendencies, which aim to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. This can be observed in the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005; and the recently passed Farm Acts.

Firstly, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 provides the central government with the power to take necessary measures to control and prevent the outbreak of dangerous diseases. Under this act, the central government has the authority to enforce regulations, quarantine measures, and other necessary actions, overriding the powers of the state governments. This allows for a uniform response to epidemics throughout the country, ensuring that necessary steps are taken to protect public health.

Similarly, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 empowers the central government to take control during the occurrence or impending occurrence of a disaster. It establishes a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headed by the Prime Minister, which has the authority to issue guidelines and directions to state governments. The central government can also provide financial assistance and resources to the affected states. This centralisation of power helps in a coordinated and swift response to disasters, ensuring the effective management of resources and relief efforts.

Additionally, the recently passed Farm Acts, although pertaining to agricultural reforms, also showcase centralising tendencies. These acts provide for the deregulation of agricultural markets, allowing farmers to sell their produce directly to private buyers outside the traditional mandi system. By bypassing state-controlled Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), these acts reduce the role of state governments in regulating agricultural trade. This centralisation of power in the hands of private buyers and the central government aims to create a unified and efficient agriculture market system, disregarding the authority of state governments.

In all these instances, it is evident that the Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. The central government is given overriding powers, enabling it to act swiftly and uniformly during times of epidemics, disasters, and certain sectors of governance. While centralisation can ensure cohesive decision-making and resource allocation, it is also important to strike a balance between maintaining unity and respecting the autonomy and diversity of states.