Chapter 12 The Powers of the State| Class 12 History Notes

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 12: These notes for Class 12 History Chapter 12 “The Powers of the State” are made by subject experts to help students prepare for their board exams. They simply explain complex ideas so that students can understand them easily.

Understanding how power is divided between the Central Government and the states is important for students studying History. These notes make it easier for students to learn about federalism and governance, which are important topics in their syllabus. By using these notes, students can improve their understanding and do well in their exams.

The rights of the Central Government and the States sparked intense debate in the Constituent Assembly. Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for a strong Centre, arguing that a weak central authority would harm the country’s interests by failing to ensure peace, coordinate national matters, and represent the nation effectively on the global stage. The Constitution proposed three lists of subjects: Union, State, and Concurrent. The first list was exclusively for the Centre, the second for the States, and the third shared responsibility between the Centre and the states.

Certain items were placed solely under Union control, while others were placed on the Concurrent list, despite objections from the provinces. The Union also had authority over minerals and key industries. Article 356 empowered the Centre to take over a state administration based on the Governor’s recommendation. The Constitution established a complex system of fiscal federalism. The Centre retained all revenue from certain taxes like customs duties and company taxes, shared others like income tax and excise duties with the states, and assigned some entirely to the states, such as estate duties. States could independently levy taxes such as land and property taxes, sales taxes, and the lucrative tax on bottled liquor.

K. Santhanam from Madras passionately defended the rights of the states in the Constituent Assembly. He argued that strengthening both the states and the Centre required a reallocation of powers. Santhanam believed that burdening the Centre with too many responsibilities would hinder its effectiveness. By transferring some functions to the states, the Centre could become stronger.

Santhanam expressed concern that the proposed allocation of powers would cripple the states. He feared that the fiscal provisions favored the Centre, leaving the provinces impoverished. Without adequate finances, how could the states undertake development projects? Santhanam rejected a constitution where states had to rely on the Centre for basic necessities like education and sanitation. He advocated for a unitary system over a federal one.

Santhanam warned of dire consequences if the proposed distribution of powers was adopted unchecked. He predicted that provinces would revolt against the Centre in a few years. Many other provincial representatives shared these concerns. They lobbied for fewer items to be included in the Concurrent and Union lists, fearing excessive centralization of powers under the Constitution.

The call for greater power to the provinces sparked a heated debate in the Assembly. Since the beginning of the Constituent Assembly sessions, there had been a consistent emphasis on the need for a strong central government. Ambedkar stressed the necessity for “a strong and united Centre” stronger than the one established under the Government of India Act of 1935. With the nation torn apart by riots and violence, many members argued that strengthening the Centre was crucial to quell communal tensions.

Reacting to the demands for provincial power, Gopalaswami Ayyangar asserted that “the Centre should be made as strong as possible.” Balakrishna Sharma, a member from the United Provinces, argued that only a robust central authority could effectively plan for the country’s well-being, mobilize economic resources, establish proper administration, and defend against foreign aggression.

Prior to Partition, the Congress had agreed to grant significant autonomy to the provinces in an effort to assure the Muslim League of non-interference in areas where they held power. However, after Partition, most nationalists shifted their stance, believing that the earlier push for decentralization was no longer necessary. The prevailing unitary system, imposed by the colonial government, was further reinforced by the violence of the times, leading to a greater emphasis on centralization to prevent chaos and facilitate economic development.

As a result, the Constitution exhibited a clear bias towards the rights of the Union of India over those of its constituent states.

What were the main concerns addressed in the debates regarding the distribution of powers in the Constituent Assembly?

The debates primarily focused on striking a balance between a strong Centre and empowered states. Issues such as fiscal federalism, administrative responsibilities, and the extent of autonomy for states were thoroughly discussed.

Why did some members advocate for a strong Centre?

Some members argued for a strong Centre to ensure national unity, coordinate vital matters of common concern, and represent the country effectively on the international stage. They believed that a robust Centre was necessary to maintain peace and stability in the nation.

What were the concerns raised by proponents of greater autonomy for states?

Advocates for greater state autonomy emphasized the importance of decentralization to address local needs effectively. They argued that overburdening the Centre with responsibilities could hinder its efficiency and suggested empowering states to undertake development projects independently.

How did the discussions in the Constituent Assembly shape the distribution of powers in the Indian Constitution?

The deliberations led to the creation of a federal structure where certain subjects were exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Centre, while others were shared between the Centre and the states. The Constitution aimed to strike a balance between a strong Centre and autonomous states, reflecting the diverse needs of the nation.

What impact did historical events, such as Partition, have on the distribution of powers?

Historical events, including Partition, influenced the discussions on power distribution. The need to maintain national unity and prevent communal tensions led to a preference for a strong Centre. This influenced the drafting of the Constitution, which leaned towards centralization to address the challenges of the time.