Is Indian federal system is an quasi-federal
Yes. Indian federal system is a quasi-federal.
Quasi federal refers to a system of government where the distribution of powers between the centre and the state are not
equal. Here the the central or the union government is more powerful than the provinces or regional governments.
India can be called as quasi federal state because:
a. India is a federation with a unitary bias and is referred as a Quasi federal State because of strong central machinery.
b.The distribution of powers by the constitution between the Centre and states is unequal, Centre has more powers and
important areas of jurisdiction within it purview. For example the union list containing more subjects and important subjects
like defence, foreign affairs.
c. The Constitution also empowers the centre to create new states, to change the boundaries of the existing states, to split or
merge existing states.
d. The Centre is financially more powerful, making states dependent on it for resources.
e. The position of the Governor, explains the centres’ stronger position, the Governor is the central nominee , and acts a the
representative of the centre in a state. Governor has the power to reserve bill for the consideration of the President passed by
the states legislature , it has the power to give report on the breakdown of state machinery to the centre.
f. There has also been increased dependence of states on central forces like CRPF to maintain internal security and law and
order.
g. States are also dependent on the centre for resources.
h. The country has single citizenship.