COVID 19 pandemic is testing the resilience and administrative capabilities of both developed and developing nations. Countries with democratic-federal setup find it even more difficult to counter the menace of COVID 19 virus as it demands co-operation amongst units (provinces/states) and at the same time requires transparency, accountability and authenticity in government’s action.COVID 19’s propensity to spread quickly and without knowing borders makes it essential that the fight against the virus be carried on in a similar fashion – without recognising state borders and in a rapid and united manner.
Reports of federal units quarrelling in securing medical equipment and testing kits in world’s oldest democracy (U.S.A.) brings about a question as to how world’s largest democracy’s (India) federal structure of governance is dealing with the problem.
Indian Federalism
Federalism is duality of government. Indian federalism is mostly described to be quasi-federal as the constitution is centrally biased (unitary form of governance in emergencies showing tilt towards central government). This has caused friction multiple times on reasons mostly – Role of Governor in State, All India Services Personnel, use of article 356 to impose President’s rule etc.
Plus, COVID 19 being a health emergency (probably the biggest health emergency post-independence) and health (Public health and sanitation) being state subject, these are testing times for this quasi-federal arrangement. The performance so far has been following:
Positives
Negatives
The primary responsibility to deal with heath exigencies is of state government and to effectively deal with COVID 19 it requires adequate funds and administrative autonomy. Few roadblocks in this smooth sailing are as follows:
Suggestions
Smooth co-operation between federal units is must to tackle COVID 19 effectively. Few measures to ensure same are following:
Conclusion
Indeed, a more consultative and community-based strategy is vastly preferable to a unilateral, top-down approach reflected in decision making like the abrupt announcement of a lockdown. Regardless to issues, this crisis has made it evident that the Constitution of India, while allowing adequate leeway to the State Governments to govern, has also made enough allowance for the Central Government to ensure a united approach to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. So far, despite the odd differences of opinion, co-operative federalism seems to have triumphed.