“The Federal Thread: Tamil Nadu’s Quiet Revolution for State Autonomy”

🧭 Thematic Focus

Category: Indian Polity | Federalism | Constitutional Review

📌 Key Highlights

• Recent Development:
  • Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin forms a high-level committee under Justice Kurian Joseph to review Centre–State dynamics.
  • Reflects concerns over diminishing state rights within India’s quasi-federal structure.
• Historical Echo:
  • Inspired by the 1969 Rajamannar Committee led by C. N. Annadurai’s government — a landmark critique of central overreach.
• Rajamannar Committee’s Core Findings:
  • Articles 256, 257, 365 empower the Centre to direct or control states.
  • Recommended repealing Article 356 (President’s Rule) to protect democratic governance in states.
  • Called for a permanent Inter-State Council to encourage dialogue over dominance.
  • Criticised bodies like the Planning Commission for distorting constitutional balance — creating dependency over fiscal autonomy.
• Philosophy of Federalism:
  • Committee warned: Centralisation weakens unity.
  • True unity requires cooperation, not control.
  • Referenced Annadurai’s vision of a Centre limited to defence, external affairs, and communication.
• Present-Day Relevance:
  • Stalin’s move aligns with disputes on NEET, GST compensation, and language policy with the central government.
  • Calls to restore the federal compact envisioned in the Constitution.
• Uncertain Road Ahead:
  • Will the Centre accept the committee’s findings?
  • Past federal reform proposals — including from Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions — were largely ignored.

🧠 Concept Explainer

Why Federalism is More Than a Power Tussle

India’s Constitution promises “cooperative federalism,” but its practice often resembles command federalism. When one thread pulls too tightly, the fabric tears. Tamil Nadu’s effort is not rebellion — it’s a reminder that true unity respects difference and decentralisation.

📜 GS Paper Mapping

• GS Paper II: Indian Constitution – Federal Structure, Centre–State Relations
• GS Paper II: Governance – Inter-Governmental Institutions
• Essay Paper: Unity in Diversity – The Federal Foundation of India

💭 A Thought Spark — by IAS Monk

“A federation is not built on command — it is woven with trust, dialogue, and the dignity of shared purpose. The Centre holds, only when the States stand.”