Importance of cooperative federalism in ensuring inclusivity

    All nations of the world desire to develop rather than grow. Growth is quantitative and talks only about the economy as a whole while development is qualitative and talks about the quality of growth of individuals who make up the nation. In order to attain this development, inclusivity becomes the prime criteria and Cooperative federalism is the first step towards inclusivity.

    Federalism is a concept wherein the powers are divided between the centre and the states quite rigidly. The centre cannot interfere in the matters of the states and vice versa. The Indian constitution is a blend of rigidity and flexibility. In order to ensure the unity and integrity, there is some rigidity and to be inclusive there is some flexibility. When there is too much separatist attitude of the state, the constitution gives some  leverage to the centre to maintain the unity and at the same time provides provisions for the states to be independent in their own spheres.

    Over centralisation always leads to resentment. Centralisation entails a "One shoe fits all principle" and fails to recognise the abilities of the states to work efficiently for the betterment of the people. It assumes that the states are not capable of handling their own affairs and the centre acts as a protecting parent. But in a country which identifies itself diversity, centralisation fails to satisfy the aspirations of the people. The multitude of diversity in race, religion, caste, sex, place of birth, language, culture, society, etc. requires a local plan in order to be inclusive in the development agenda. This diversity requires that a certain degree of freedom be given to the states to plan and execute actions which are suitable to that region.

    The Indian constitution has some provisions like the interstate council and recently the GST council which is supposed to promote cooperative federalism. When a law is to be implemented uniformly across the country, even in uniformity, there has to be a range and a leverage for the states to modify the plans and execute it according to its local needs. The British governance system was a classic example of centralisation and exploitation. The centralised educational system of the colonial era has brought us today in the present scenario where our human development index is at a far minimum. The National education policy has been to a certain extent more diverse and inclusive in providing vocational education but it has to be careful that it does not lead to over centralisation in education which will nullify the actual benefits.

    Inclusivity happens when an individual is allowed to develop in his/her own spheres of strength. These strengths have to be essentially identified and nurtured by the states rather than forced down the throat by the centre. Only when inclusivity is ensured, there can be peace within the society. Inclusivity ensures to a certain extent in keeping the morale standard of the society ethical and moral. When everyone is given a fair opportunity to grow, the feeling of resentment is less and this is what is required for today's India to sustain itself with Aatmanirbhar Bharat in this conflict ridden, multi polarised, protectionist world.