Question

Examine the different arguments made in the Constituent Assembly over the federal structure of the Indian Government.

Answer 1

The rights of the federal government and the states were one of the hotly contested issues.

1. Nehru promoted a powerful center.
2. Three lists of topics were included in the proposed constitution: the Union, State, and Concurrent lists.
3. The authority to assume state administration on the governor’s advice was granted under Art. 356.
4. The emphasis was on fiscal federation.
5. K Santhanam defended state sovereignty.
6. A small number of members believed that the fiscal provision would make the provinces poorer.
7. Many worked hard to reduce the number of issues on the Union and Concurrent lists.
8. Ambedkar desired a powerful and cohesive Center.
9. The center’s authority had to be strengthened in order to prevent intercommunal conflicts.
10. Gopalaswarmi Ayyangar desired a powerful center.
11. BK. Sharma pushed for a powerful center for the nation’s welfare.
12. A small number of members want a powerful center for “proper administration and mobilisation of economic resources.”