Official Question UPSC 2025
Solution & Analysis
Answer:
Medium Applied Logic
Rationale and Anomalies of Indian Federalism
Deconstruct Rationale and Anomalies of Indian Federalism using previous year trends.
Quick Recall
India adopted a federal system of government to manage its massive size and accommodate its immense socio-cultural diversity, balancing national unity with regional autonomy. However, unlike pure federations, India does not grant equal parliamentary representation to all states; Rajya Sabha seats are allocated based on population.
Concept Flow Mapping
Federal System
accommodates
accommodates
Socio-cultural Diversity
Federal System
reconciles
reconciles
National Unity and Regional Autonomy
Indian Constitution
denies
denies
Equal Representation in Parliament
Concept Question
Does the Indian Constitution provide for equal representation for all states in the Rajya Sabha to protect federalism?
Key Takeaway
No, representation is unequal and based strictly on population, which is a unitary feature.
Examiner's Trap
Since equal representation in the upper house (like the US Senate) is a hallmark of classic federalism, candidates logically but incorrectly assume it was a reason for India adopting the system. The trap exploits the difference between theoretical federalism and Indian federalism.
Core Insight
India adopted federalism out of pragmatic necessity (size and diversity) rather than pure ideological commitment, which is why it freely modifies standard federal rules (like equal upper-house representation) when necessary.