order the state government to do something. State government has powers of its own for which it is not answerable to the central government. Both these governments are separately answerable to the people. Let us look at some of the key features of federalism : There are two or more levels (or tiers) of government.
Different tiers of government govern the same citizens, but each tier has its own jurisdiction in specific matters of legislation, taxation and administration. The jurisdictions of the respective levels or tiers of government are specified in the constitution. So the existence and authority of each tier of government is constitutionally guaranteed. The fundamental provisions of the constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by one level of government.
Such changes require the consent of both the levels of government. Courts have the power to interpret the constitution and the powers of different levels of government. The highest court acts as an umpire if disputes arise between different levels of government in the exercise of their respective powers. Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly specified to ensure its financial autonomy.
Isn’t that strange? Did our constitution makers not know about federalism? Or did they wish to avoid talking about it? Some Nepalese citizens were discussing the proposals on the adoption of federalism in their new constitution.
This is what some of them said: Khag Raj : I don’t like federalism. It would lead to reservation of seats for different caste groups as in India. Sarita : Ours in not a very big country. We don’t need federalism.
Babu Lal : I am hopeful that the Terai areas will get more autonomy if they get their own state government. Ram Ganesh : I like federalism because it will mean that powers that were earlier enjoyed by the king will now be exercised by our elected representatives. If you were participating in this conversation, what would be your response to each of these? Which of these reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is?
What makes India a federal