The Governance System

The Constitution of India has a federal structure as it divides powers between the central government and the state governments.
However, it also has certain unitary features that give the central government more power in certain situations.
This blend of features makes the federal structure of the Indian Constitution more flexible and adaptable as per the needs.
The Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr. Ambedkar, said that "Our Constitution would be both unitary as well as federal according to the requirements of time and circumstances".
Unitary Features of the Indian Union

• The flexibility of the Constitution - the Constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity. Certain provisions of the Constitution can be easily amended. In case the amendments seek to change aspects of federalism in India, the provision to bring about such amendments is not easy. (Read about types of majorities in Indian Parliament using which amendments or certain other provisions are introduced.)
• More power vests with the Centre - the constitution guarantees more powers with the Union List. On the Concurrent List subjects, the parliament can make laws that can override the laws made by a state legislature on some matters. The parliament can also make laws regarding certain subjects in the State List.
• Unequal representation of states in the Rajya Sabha - the representation of the states in the upper house is based on the states populations. For example. Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats and Goa, I in the Rajya Sabha, in an ideal federal system, all the states should have equal representation.
• The executive is a part of the legislature in India, the executive in both the centre and the states is a part of the legislature. This goes against the principle of division of powers between the different organs of the government.
• Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha - in our system, the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the upper house and unequal powers to two houses is against the principle of federalism.
• Emergency powers the centre is provided with emergency powers. When an emergency is imposed, the centre has increased control over states. This undermines the autonomy of the states. (You may also read about President's rule - Article 356 in the linked article.)

Indian federalism is called a quasi-federal structure because it exhibits features of both federal and unitary systems of government.

The Constitution of India has a federal structure as it divides powers between the central government and the state governments.
However, it also has certain unitary features that give the central government more power in certain situations.
This blend of features makes the federal structure of the Indian Constitution more flexible and adaptable as per the needs.
The Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr. Ambedkar, said that "Our Constitution would be both unitary as well as federal according to the requirements of time and circumstances".
Unitary Features of the Indian Union

• The flexibility of the Constitution - the Constitution is a blend of flexibility and rigidity. Certain provisions of the Constitution can be easily amended. In case the amendments seek to change aspects of federalism in India, the provision to bring about such amendments is not easy. (Read about types of majorities in Indian Parliament using which amendments or certain other provisions are introduced.)
• More power vests with the Centre - the constitution guarantees more powers with the Union List. On the Concurrent List subjects, the parliament can make laws that can override the laws made by a state legislature on some matters. The parliament can also make laws regarding certain subjects in the State List.
• Unequal representation of states in the Rajya Sabha - the representation of the states in the upper house is based on the states populations. For example. Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats and Goa, I in the Rajya Sabha, in an ideal federal system, all the states should have equal representation.
• The executive is a part of the legislature in India, the executive in both the centre and the states is a part of the legislature. This goes against the principle of division of powers between the different organs of the government.
• Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha - in our system, the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the upper house and unequal powers to two houses is against the principle of federalism.
• Emergency powers the centre is provided with emergency powers. When an emergency is imposed, the centre has increased control over states. This undermines the autonomy of the states. (You may also read about President's rule - Article 356 in the linked article.)

Classical administrative theory, developed by thinkers like Fayol and Gulick, proposed principles like unity of command, span of control, and departmentalization as universal guides for effective organization. However, Simon, in his seminal work "Administrative Behavior," argued that these principles were often contradictory and could be applied in different situations to achieve opposite outcomes.
For example, while unity of command suggests that a subordinate should report to only one superior, Simon pointed out that in some cases, having multiple superiors might be more beneficial depending on the specific context. He argued that these principles were more like proverbs-catchy phrases that sound good but don't necessarily reflect reality or offer practical guidance.

• Laws define boundaries and ensure that everyone's actions are constrained by similar rules. This prevents individuals from infringing on the rights and freedoms of others, creating a more stable and predictable environment where everyone can exercise their freedoms without fear of constant interference or harm.
• In a lawless society, the "freedom" to do whatever one wants would quickly devolve into a state of chaos and conflict. The strong would dominate the weak, and individual rights would be constantly violated.
• Laws are essential for safeguarding fundamental rights, such as the right to life, property, and freedom of speech. These rights are not absolute and need to be balanced against the rights of others, which is achieved through the establishment of legal frameworks.

Here's a breakdown of each principle:
1. Division of Work: Specializing tasks among employees to increase efficiency and output.
2. Authority and Responsibility: Managers should have the power to give orders (authority) and be accountable for the results (responsibility).
3. Discipline: Employees need to follow rules and respect authority for a smooth operation.
4. Unity of Command: Each employee should receive instructions from only one superior to avoid confusion.
5. Unity of Direction: All activities within a group should be directed toward the same goal under one plan.
6. Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest: The organization's goals should take precedence over personal interests.
7. Remuneration: Employees should be paid fairly for their work to motivate them.
8. Centralization: The degree to which decision-making power is concentrated at the top of the organization.
9. Scalar Chain (Line of Authority): A clear chain of command should exist from top to bottom, with communication flowing through each level.
10. Order: Both people and materials should be in the right place at the right time for efficient operations.
11. Equity: Managers should treat employees fairly and impartially.
12. Stability of Tenure: Employee turnover should be minimized to maintain stability and efficiency.
13. Initiative: Encouraging employees to come up with new ideas and take initiative.
14. Esprit de Corps: Promoting teamwork and a sense of unity among employees.

The statement itself underscores a critical truth: effective administration is fundamental to societal well-being and the prevention of societal collapse Moving forward, a focus on strengthening governance structures, promoting transparency and accountability, and investing in capable administrators is crucial for ensuring sustainable and equitable societal development. This requires a holistic approach that addresses both the structural and human aspects of effective administration, upholding constitutional values and promoting good governance as cornerstones of a thriving civilization

Basic Features Of Democratic Government

• Rule by the People: In a democratic political system, ultimate authority and decision-making power rest with the people. Citizens typically have the right to participate in the political process through voting.
• Representation: Democracies often employ a representative system, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is known as representative democracy.
• Protection of Individual Rights: Democracies emphasize the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Constitutions or legal frameworks often guarantee citizens certain fundamental rights.
• Rule of Law: Democracies operate under the rule of law, where laws apply equally to all individuals, including government officials. No one is above the law.
• Pluralism and Diversity: Democratic societies tend to value diversity of opinions and perspectives. Multiple political parties and a vibrant civil society are common features.
• Free and Fair Elections: Democratic elections are expected to be free and fair, allowing citizens to choose their leaders without coercion or manipulation.
• Peaceful Transfer of Power: In a stable democracy, power transitions occur peacefully, often through regular elections.