India is considered a federal country because it meets the essential criteria of federalism through its constitutional and political structure. The key features that make India a federal country are:
- India has a division of powers between different levels of government: Central Government, State Governments, and Local Governments, each having its own jurisdiction and authority derived from the Constitution.
- The Constitution of India provides three lists of subjects in the Seventh Schedule—Union List, State List, and Concurrent List—that clearly delineate the legislative powers of the central and state governments.
- There is a written constitution that guarantees the distribution of powers and the autonomy of states.
- The Constitution establishes an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court empowered to resolve disputes between the Centre and states.
- The Constitution is rigid, requiring special procedures and majorities for amendments affecting federal arrangements.
- India has a bicameral legislature with the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) representing states at the central level.
- Although India is federal, it has unitary features, such as a strong central government capable of overriding state laws in certain cases and control over financial resources.
Thus, India is a federal country that combines federal and unitary features, often described as a quasi-federal system. This arrangement allows it to manage its vast diversity and complex governance needs across multiple regions effectively.
