Demand for greater state autonomy and its impact on functioning of Indian polity.

India opted for federal structure of the government, after independence. This federalism has bought about political unity, emotional unity is yet to be achieved. India is a country of multidimensional culture with distinct socio-cultural personality. In very region there is atmosphere of imbalances in economic growth of all part or regions. The intense regional inequalities are reflected by the differences in per capita incomes of various states.

People in different states are realizing their backwardness because of being neglected in matters of education and job opportunities in carrying on development activities in their region in the allocation of central funds and grants. The bifurcation and creation of states on the basis of language has added much strength to regronalistic tendencies. With the rise of regional political parties in different states the situation has changed. After 1967 we can see in most of the states different parties are coming up. In centre also there is coalition government formed. Regional parties have demanded more and more autonomy for states.

Some areas where the central can control states are:

• Dependence of the states on the centre for financial assistance apart from these direct constitutional controls.
• Appoint of Governors.
• Residuary power with centre.
• Power to make laws with respect to state lists.
• Provision of planning commission.
• Provision of UPSC.

But the demands of more and more autonomy has resulted into conflicts and frictions between the centre and states. Sarkaria commission has suggested some measures to normalize centre-state relations. Recently appointed M.M Punchi commission is also constituted to report on this aspect.

In this situation we can say that if there is a demand for greater state autonomy, creates instability in the government and developmental works will be affected. However genuine autonomy to states with necessary centralization factor is the way for political progress.

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