ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the structure, function and process of federalism in India. In fact, the politics of federalism–creating new States, sub-States or adding special provisions for the protection of regional identity and economic interests–has emerged as a valuable coping mechanism for the central government when negotiating with secessionist movements. The central government's capacity to influence the federal division of powers is augmented by the constitution's financial provisions. The framers of the Indian constitution were keen on federalism as a functional instrument for the creation of an Indian nation and a strong, cohesive state. The pre-Independence attempts by the British to institute a federal state, seen as biased in favour of the Muslim League, was perceived by the Indian National Congress as an attempt to weaken the centre. The constitutional, legislative and policy instruments that India has drawn upon to reach the positive outcomes in the development of federalism, have an important implication for comparative analysis of the federal process.
