CBSE Class 11 India Constitution Work Chapter 7: Federalism NCERT Solutions

The following events demonstrate the functioning of federalism:

1. Event 1 (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council): This is a clear example of federalism. The involvement of the Centre, the State government (West Bengal), and a regional body in a settlement that grants greater autonomy to the Hill Council signifies the cooperative and power-sharing nature of federalism.
2. Event 2 (Action plan for rain-hit States): This event reflects federalism. The Centre's role in coordinating and providing assistance to states facing natural calamities, by asking for detailed plans, shows the supportive relationship between the central and state governments in addressing common challenges.
3. Event 3 (New Commissioner for Delhi): This event is related to administrative transfers within the civil services. While it involves movement between states (e.g., Chief Secretary in Arunachal Pradesh to MCD Commissioner in Delhi), it primarily showcases administrative flexibility and personnel management rather than a core federal principle of power distribution between governments.
4. Event 4 (CU Status for Manipur University): This is an aspect of federalism. Education is on the concurrent list in the Indian Constitution, allowing both the Centre and states to legislate on it. The establishment of Central Universities by the HRD Ministry in North-Eastern states demonstrates the Centre's role in promoting higher education and ensuring national standards, which is a function within the federal structure.
5. Event 5 (Funds released): This is a direct example of federalism. The Centre releasing funds to a state (Arunachal Pradesh) under a specific scheme (rural water supply) illustrates the financial transfers and support mechanisms that are integral to the functioning of federalism in India.
6. Event 6 (Shiv Sainiks in Mumbai): This event cannot be identified with the functioning of federalism. The actions described do not promote cooperation, mutual trust, or respect between different groups or regions. Instead, they suggest regional animosity and disruption, which are contrary to the spirit of federalism.
7. Event 7 (Demand for dismissal of Government): This event is primarily a matter of state-level political dynamics and governance. While the Governor is involved, the demand for dismissal based on alleged mismanagement is a political process within a state's administration and not a direct illustration of federal power-sharing between the Centre and the state.
8. Event 8 (NDA government asks naxalites to surrender arms): This is a function of the state government. The Bihar government's appeal to naxalites and its pledge to address unemployment are actions taken by the state to maintain law and order and promote development within its jurisdiction. While the Centre may support such efforts, the primary initiative and responsibility lie with the state government.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement 1: Correct. This statement is correct because a federal system, by distributing power between the central government and constituent units (like states or regions), creates a framework where different cultural groups can coexist. The recognition and protection of regional identities and cultures reduce the fear of dominance by any single group, thereby enhancing interaction and mutual respect.
2. Statement 2: Not correct. This statement is incorrect. A federal system, with its emphasis on distinct regions and often facilitating inter-state agreements, can actually promote and facilitate economic transactions. By providing a stable political framework and potentially harmonizing certain economic regulations, federalism can encourage trade and the exchange of resources between different regions.
3. Statement 3: Correct. This statement is correct. A fundamental characteristic of federalism is the division of powers. This division inherently limits the scope of authority of the central government, as significant powers are reserved for the constituent units. This ensures that power is not concentrated solely at the centre, thereby keeping its powers limited.

Federalism in Belgium as visualized in the provided articles:

The Belgian constitution, as presented in these articles, visualizes federalism as a state structure composed of distinct communities and regions. Article 1 explicitly states that Belgium is a Federal State formed by these entities. Articles 2 and 3 identify the specific communities (French, Flemish, German) and regions (Walloon, Flemish, Brussels) that constitute Belgium. Article 4 further elaborates on the linguistic divisions within these regions, highlighting the importance of language in defining Belgium's federal structure. Article 5 details the provinces that make up the Walloon and Flemish regions, showing a layered administrative division within the federal framework. This model emphasizes the recognition and accommodation of linguistic and cultural diversity through the creation of autonomous communities and regions.

A similar article for the Constitution of India:

Drawing inspiration from the Belgian model's emphasis on constituent units, a similar article for India could be conceptualized. While India is already a Union of States, an article emphasizing its federal nature and the basis of its constituent units could be drafted. For instance:

Article 1 (as per Indian Constitution): India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

Proposed Article (inspired by Belgium): India is a federal union comprising States, recognized for their linguistic and cultural diversity, and Union Territories, which are administered centrally but contribute to the nation's federal fabric.

Explanation of the proposed article: This proposed article aims to reflect India's federal nature, acknowledging the 'Union of States' as per Article 1 of the Indian Constitution. It implicitly recognizes the diversity (linguistic and cultural) that forms the basis of its states, similar to how Belgium's federalism is built upon communities and regions. It also includes Union Territories, acknowledging their role within the broader federal structure, albeit with a different administrative arrangement.