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PSIR Optional PYQ Solutions · Model answer

“Cooperative federalism produces a strong central, or general government, yet it does not necessarily result in weak provincial governments that are largely administrative agencies for central policies. Indian federation has demonstrated this.” (Granville Austin). Examine the uniqueness of Indian federalism in the light of the above statement.

  • UPSC 2013
  • 20 marks
  • Federalism

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Granville Austin made this claim in The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation (1966). It answered K. C. Wheare's verdict that India was only "quasi-federal". For Austin every federation is sui generis; the Assembly had devised a federalism suited to India's needs. The claim's force lies in its second half.

You are reading the opening of the model answer. The full answer is part of the PSIR Optional PYQ Solutions.

What the full answer covers

  • The first half: a strong centre by design
  • The second half: states that remain governments
  • What makes India unique
  • Limits to Austin's claim
  • Conclusion
PSIR Optional PYQ Solutions

PSIR Optional PYQ Solutions

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