Co-operative, not Coercive Federalism for Strong Republic

Published By : Admin | January 25, 2012 | 09:30 IST

Dear Friends,

26th January 1950 was a very special day in the life of our nation. It was the day we gifted ourselves one of the most elaborate Constitutions in the world. Under the stewardship of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar we enshrined in the Constitution our ideals, values and aspirations. This year we also mark the 60th anniversary of the first General Elections in independent India. Right from the beginning we showed the world that we were not only a vibrant democracy but also one that diligently followed the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. It took Britain centuries after the signing of the Magna Carta and a series of Reform Acts to embrace twin principles on ‘one man one vote’ and ‘one vote for all’. USA conferred voting rights to women in the early 20th century and to African Americans as late as 1964! Due to the foresight of our forefathers in the Constituent Assembly our democracy was considerably evolved and totally equitable from the very beginning.

Co-operative, not Coercive Federalism for Strong Republic

In their great wisdom, the makers of our Constitution envisioned a federal structure of Government in which the states would be treated as equal stakeholders of India’s development. It is not without reason that the phrase ‘Federal in Structure, Unitary in Spirit’ is used to describe the Indian state.A vast and diverse country such as ours cannot survive without a vibrant and functional federal structure. Sitting in New Delhi, the Centre may not always be able to do justice to the potential and needs of various states across India. By virtue of being closer to the people, State Governments can respond much better in understanding and fulfilling the expectations of the people through good governance.

It is, however, a matter of great concern that the federal structure of our Republic has come under increasing strain, contrary to the spirit of our Constitution, merely to suit the whims and fancies of the rulers inDelhi. What we are witnessing today is the systematic disruption of our country’s federal structure both in letter and spirit. A Republic such as ours cannot be run in the form of a family run corporation - it will simply lead to chaos and destruction.

The systematic onslaught on the federal structure has taken various forms. It is most unfortunate that the Centre has shown tremendous weakness in areas where it must show maximum courage. The country is suffering due to the menace of Naxalism and terrorism but the Centre has been delaying key initiatives that would be beneficial. The Gujarat Assembly thrice passed the GUJCOC bill but the Centre has kept it waiting for four years now. This despite the fact that law and order is a matter clearly in the State List. What better to expect from a Government that thrives on the evil of votebank politics?

Paradoxically, the rulers in New Delhi have repeatedly flexed their muscles in areas where they should ideally be friendly and co-operative with the states. In order to do so, they have not sparred any Constitutional office. There are many instances of non-UPA states being targeted through the office of the Governor. Several other bodies are also being misused by the Centre to weaken the states ruled by the Opposition in order to score political brownie points. Chief Ministers are not consulted on crucial appointments. Rather, appointments are being thrust down violating the spirit of the laws of the land.

Prime Minster Indira Gandhi appointed the Sarkaria Commission which called for a mechanism of consultation between the states and the Centre on matters pertaining to the Concurrent List. But even decades after these reports were submitted their recommendations have not seen the light of the day. The Communal Violence Bill was conceived by the NAC without consulting the states. It does not matter to those in power that such bills will destroy the peaceful fabric of India. These issues can be dealt better if the states are consulted and allowed to handle it themselves.

There is even larger destruction of the federal structure in fiscal areas. In the name of ‘public good’ or ‘people’s rights’, more and more funds are making their way to New Delhi. The Finance Commission allocated substantially lesser resources to the states keeping a lion’s share of funds with the Centre. The Centre has become adept at passing populist schemes but there is no financial support given to the states for their execution. Adequate central funds are not an obligation from New Delhi but the right of every state to pursue development.

Today our economy is weak and the country is reeling under the ill effects of rampant hunger and price rise but the Centre has even played politics in this. To uncover stored food grains, raids were launched across the country but most of them were in non-UPA states even though UPA rules some of India’s largest states and those that witnessed highest farmer suicides in recent times!

These concerns I am sharing today are not only as a Chief Minister but also as a common citizen of India. Why is it that Chief Ministers cutting across party lines are expressing serious apprehensions on these repeated attacks on India’s federal structure? It is high time the Centre realizes that giving to the states what rightfully belongs to them will not weaken the Centre. The states must co-ordinate with the Union Government and not remain subservient to it. Co-operative and not coercive federalism must be the norm in our country.

Friends, I take this opportunity to extend my good wishes on the occasion of Republic Day. On this day, let us all resolve to shape a real federal India, which will embody the real spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Let us all work towards realizing Gandhiji’s dream of Surajya with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. This is the most fitting tribute to the makers of our Constitution.

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Tribute to Shri Ratan Tata
November 09, 2024

It has been a month since Shri Ratan Tata Ji left us. From bustling cities and towns to villages, his absence is deeply felt across every segment of society. Seasoned industrialists, budding entrepreneurs and hardworking professionals mourn his loss. Those passionate about the environment and devoted to philanthropy are equally saddened. His absence has been deeply felt not only across the nation but also around the world.

For the youth, Shri Ratan Tata was an inspiration, a reminder that dreams are worth pursuing and that success can coexist with compassion as well as humility. For others, he represented the finest traditions of Indian enterprise and a steadfast commitment to the values of integrity, excellence and service. Under his leadership, the Tata Group ascended to new heights, embodying respect, honesty and credibility worldwide. Despite this, he wore his achievements lightly, with humility and kindness.

Shri Ratan Tata’s unwavering support for the dreams of others was one of his most defining qualities. In recent years, he became known for mentoring India’s StartUp ecosystem, investing in many promising ventures. He understood the hopes and aspirations of young entrepreneurs and recognised the potential they had to shape India’s future. By backing their efforts, he empowered a generation of dreamers to take bold risks and push boundaries. This has gone a long way in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which I am confident will continue to positively impact India for decades to come.

He constantly championed excellence, urging Indian enterprises to set global benchmarks. This vision, I hope, will inspire our future leaders to make India synonymous with world-class quality.

His greatness was not restricted to the boardroom or helping fellow humans. His compassion extended to all living beings. His deep love for animals was well-known and he supported every possible effort focused on animal welfare. He often shared photos of his dogs, who were as much a part of his life as any business venture. His life was a reminder to us all that true leadership is measured not just by one’s achievements, but by one’s ability to care for the most vulnerable.

For crores of Indians, Shri Ratan Tata’s patriotism shone brightest in times of crisis. His swift reopening of the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai after the 26/11 terror attacks was a rallying call to the nation—India stands united, refusing to yield to terrorism.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of knowing him very closely over the years. We worked closely in Gujarat, where he invested extensively, including in many of the projects he was very passionate about. Just a few weeks ago, I was in Vadodara with the President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez and we jointly inaugurated an aircraft complex where C-295 aircrafts would be made in India. It was Shri Ratan Tata who started working on this. Needless to say, Shri Ratan Tata’s presence was greatly missed.

I remember Shri Ratan Tata Ji as a man of letters—he would frequently write to me on various issues, be it matters of governance, expressing appreciation for government support, or sending congratulatory wishes after electoral victories.

Our close interactions continued when I moved to the Centre and he remained a committed partner in our nation-building efforts. Shri Ratan Tata’s support for the Swachh Bharat Mission was particularly close to my heart. He was a vocal advocate of this mass movement, understanding that cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation are vital for India’s progress. I still remember his heartfelt video message for the Swachh Bharat Mission’s tenth anniversary at the start of October. It was among his final public appearances.

Another cause close to his heart was healthcare and especially the fight against cancer. I recall the programme in Assam two years ago, where we had jointly inaugurated various cancer hospitals in the state. In his remarks that time, he had categorically stated that he wishes to dedicate his final years to healthcare. His efforts to make health and cancer care accessible and affordable were rooted in a profound empathy for those battling diseases, believing that a just society was one that stood by its most vulnerable.

As we remember him today, we are reminded of the society he envisioned—where business can serve as a force for good, where every individual’s potential is valued and where progress is measured in the well-being and happiness of all. He remains alive in the lives he touched and the dreams he nurtured. Generations will be grateful to him for making India a better, kinder and more hopeful place.