Relation between the Union and the States In India, the Central Government and the State Government are in a relationship, and when they both work together, the country functions properly. The Indian nation is said to be a federation with a unitary bias. Part XI of the Indian Constitution, that is Article 245 to Article 263, deals with Centre-State relations.The financial relationship between the Centre and states is covered in Part XII of the Indian Constitution. Article 280 deals with the mandate provision for setting up the Finance Commission. Indian Constitution: Federal In Form But Unitary In Spirit: Article 248: The phrase “unitary bias” arises because residuary powers to legislate on the matters not enumerated in the central, state, or concurrent list subjects are given to the Centre under Article 248.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT State Governments: Operates in particular states or regions of a country. e As specified by the Constitution of the State List subjects, rule, and make laws on issues like public order, police, local government, agriculture, ete. Have their legislative bodies enact special laws for the states. e Is headed by the Chief Minister who is in charge of administration of the state affairs. ¢ The CM ought to supervise and control the state’s level of expenditure and revenue. e National law is applicable within a state, and hence state agencies need to implement their policies within such limits.Central Government (Union/Federal Government): ¢ Operates on a national level and administers the whole nation. The union government makes laws on union list topics under the Constitution such as defense, foreign relations, and banking among others. Has a bicameral parliament comprising Lok Sabha, the lower house (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha, the upper house (Council of States). The prime minister is the executive head and the person of the highest authority in the country. He is responsible for national administration. Develops, and executes policies at the national level. Controls and monitoring of state governance under the constitution. Supports national budgets, finances, interstate, and foreign issues.10 reasons why the Indian central government is powerful than state governments The Centre was made more powerful than states can be recognised from the following points:- 1. Single Citizenship There is no state citizenship. Every Indian has the same rights of citizenship, no matter in which state he resides. 2. The Centre Can Change the Name And Boundaries Of StatesArticle 3 gives the Central Government the right to change the name and boundaries of states. 3. Single Unified Judiciary In India, the Supreme Court and High Courts form a single integrated judicial system. To ensure the uniformity of the laws, they are placed in the concurrent list. 4. Uniquely In Emergencies Under the Constitution, the President of the Republic has been given emergency powers under Article 352, Article 356, and Article 360.5. Common All India Services The Constitution has certain special provisions to ensure the uniformity of the administrative standards. These services include IAS, IFS, IPS, JES, and many others. 6. Inequality Of Representation In the Council of States There is bicameralism in India, but states have not been given equal representation. Here the state with more population will have higher representation than smaller ones. Note: In government, bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers.7. Appointment Of Governors The President appoints the Governor, and this enables the Union Government to exercise control over the State Administration. 8. The Office Of Comptroller and Auditor General The office of CAG comes under the central government, but his concern is not only with the accounts and auditing of the union government but also states. 9. Centralized Electoral Machinery The President appoints the body of the Election Commission. He is in charge ofconducting elections not only to Parliament but also to the state legislatures. 10. Financial Dependence Of States In a federation, states should be financially self-sufficient to ensure maximum autonomy. But in India, the states depend on the Centre for all development. It is the centre that gives grants to the states.