Question

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.

1. If you were participating in this conversation, what would be your response to each of these?
2. Which of these reflect a wrong understanding of what federalism is?
3. What makes India a federal country?

Answer 1

1. 1. Response to Khag Raj: I disagree with your opinion; what different caste groups are receiving are privileges that they have been denied for years. Federalism works when there is mutual trust among different segments of society. This represents the spirit of democracy.
   2. Response to Sarita: No, Sarita, whether a country is large or small does not affect its federalisation. Nepal is also a varied country made up of people with various interests. For example, Belgium is a small country with a complex socioeconomic structure. This could only be resolved by forming a federation. So we also need a federal system that empowers all of its citizens equally.
   3. Response to Babu Lal: Yes, I agree with Babu Lal. Along with the Terai area, there are other areas that require more autonomy. So the only way is to create a federal system in which each region receives its fair part and can live together in mutual trust while contributing equally to the nation's development.
   4. Response to Ram Ganesh: Yes, I agree. Power should not be concentrated in one hand; this harms the will of the common people. In a democracy, citizens govern themselves. The decentralisation of power will ensure that varied groups and views in society are respected, and everyone will have a say in how public policy is developed.
2. Of these, Khag Raj and Sarita have a wrong understanding of what federalism is.
3. In India, there are three levels of government: national, state, and local. These have their own jurisdictions. There is a Constitution that defines their powers and duties. There is an apex court inside an independent judiciary that can decide disagreements between them. All state governments have their own sources of income. Income is also given to the central government. All of these features make India a federal country.