How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

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As per Rajeev Bhargava, Indian federalism is “multi-layered federalism”, involving cooperation, competition and confrontation.

GST Council (2017-present)– Example of Centre-State cooperation in indirect tax reform.

NITI Aayog– Platform for policy collaboration on health, education, climate, and SDGs.

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-21)– Joint management of lockdowns, vaccination drives, and health protocols.

National Education Policy 2020– Designed through Centre-State consultations.

Ease of Doing Business rankings by DPIIT– States competing to attract investment.

Investment Summits – Gujarat (Vibrant Gujarat), UP (GIS 2023)

NITI Aayog Indices – Eg- SDG Index, Health Index etc

Tourism branding – Kerala (eco-tourism), MP (wildlife), Odisha (sports tourism)

Delhi vs Union (2018 & 2023 SC rulings, GNCTD Amendment Act 2023)– Tussle over control of services and administration.

Farm Laws (2020-21 protests)– States like Punjab opposed Union laws encroaching on agriculture.

NEET & Education policy– Tamil Nadu contesting Centre’s dominance in education, a Concurrent List subject.

Governor-State conflicts– Frequent in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu over assent to bills.

Fiscal confrontations– Disputes over GST compensation cess (2020-22).

Centrally sponsored schemes– States complain of shrinking fiscal autonomy due to high tied grants.

“Federalism is not a monolith; it is a dialogue between self-rule and shared rule.” Both Union & States are creatures of the Constitution