Federalism: Contrasting India and Pakistan’s Structures

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The choice of federal structure adopted by India and Pakistan after independence was shaped by the unique historical, political, and cultural contexts of each country. While both countries opted for a federal system of Government, there were significant divergences in the way that power was distributed between the central Government and the states or provinces, as well as in the organization of the states or provinces themselves.

India and Pakistan were both formed as independent nations in 1947 following the withdrawal of British colonial rule. Both countries inherited a federal system of Government from the British, with a division of powers between the central Government and the states or provinces. However, the specifics of this federal system differed significantly between the two countries.

Divergences between the federal structure of India and Pakistan

Distribution of power

One of the main differences between the federal systems of India and Pakistan was the way that power was distributed between the central Government and the states or provinces. In India, the central Government has more power and authority, while the states have more autonomy and decision-making power. This is reflected in the structure of the Indian Constitution, which clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of the Central Government and the states. The Constitution assigns certain powers to the central Government (such as defense, foreign affairs, and taxation), while other powers are reserved for the states (such as education, health, and law and order). This system of shared powers is known as a ‘federal balance,’ and it is designed to ensure that the states have a degree of autonomy and control over their own affairs while also giving the central Government the authority it needs to effectively govern the country as a whole.

In contrast, Pakistan’s federal system is more centralized, with the central Government having more control over the provinces. This has often led to tension between the central Government and the provinces, as the provinces have sometimes felt that their autonomy and decision-making power has been limited. In Pakistan, the Central Government has the authority to override decisions made by the provinces, and the provinces have less control over their own affairs. This centralization of power has sometimes led to resentment and resistance from the provinces, particularly in regions such as Balochistan, which have historically been marginalized by the central Government.

Way of organization of States

Another difference between the federal systems of India and Pakistan is the way that the states or provinces are organized. In India, the states are organized on the basis of linguistic and cultural groups, which has helped to promote a sense of identity and unity among the states. This system was designed to recognize and accommodate the diverse linguistic and cultural groups within the country and to give them a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives.

In Pakistan, the provinces are organized on the basis of administrative convenience, and this has sometimes led to tension and conflict between the provinces. For example, the province of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) had a significantly different cultural and linguistic makeup than the rest of the country, and this contributed to the demands for greater autonomy and, eventually, the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

Commonalities between the federal structure of India and Pakistan

Legislature

Despite these differences, there are also some commonalities between the federal systems of India and Pakistan. Both countries have a federal system of Government, with a division of powers between the central Government and the states or provinces. Both countries also have a bicameral legislature, with a lower house (the Lok Sabha in India and the National Assembly in Pakistan) and an upper house (the Rajya Sabha in India and the Senate in Pakistan).

In both countries, the president is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of Government. The president is a ceremonial figure who represents the country on the international stage and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The prime minister, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Government and for implementing policy.

Judiciary

Both countries have a hierarchical system of courts, with the Supreme Court at the top, followed by the High Courts and the lower courts. The judiciary plays an important role in interpreting and enforcing the law, and it serves as a check on the powers of the other branches of Government.

Parliamentary system of Government

Both India and Pakistan have adopted a parliamentary system of Government, with the prime minister serving as the head of Government and the president serving as a ceremonial head of state. In a parliamentary system, the prime minister is appointed by the president and is responsible for forming a government and leading the country. The parliament, which consists of the lower house and the upper house, serves as a forum for debate and for passing legislation.

References

Subrata K. Mitra and V.B. Singh. “Democracy and Social Change in India: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Electorate.” Sage Publications.
Brass, Paul R. “The Politics of India since Independence.” Cambridge University Press.
Jaffrelot, Christophe. “The Pakistan Paradox: Instability and Resilience.” Oxford University Press.
Baxter, Craig. “Pakistan on the Brink: Politics, Economics, and Society.” Lexington Books.
Bhattacharyya, Harihar. “Federalism in Asia: India, Pakistan and Malaysia.” Routledge.
Talbot, Ian. “Pakistan: A Modern History.” St. Martin’s Press.
Lutz, Diana. “Federalism in South Asia.” Routledge.

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