ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 4(e) COVID-19 Pandemic and the Shift in Federal Balance Towards the Union Government

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 4(e) COVID-19 Pandemic and the Shift in Federal Balance Towards the Union Government. Detailed answer discussing how pandemic management affected Centre-State relations in India.

COVID-19 Pandemic and the Shift in Federal Balance Towards the Union Government

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question

Q.4(e) “The Indian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the federal balance in its favour.” Illustrate with suitable examples.

Answer :

The COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a significant expansion of the Union Government's role in policymaking and crisis management. This led many observers to argue that the federal balance temporarily shifted in favour of the Centre.

One major example was the nationwide lockdown imposed in March 2020 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The Union Government issued uniform guidelines that were binding on states, limiting their autonomy in responding to local conditions.

The Centre also played a dominant role in coordinating health protocols, containment strategies, interstate movement regulations, and vaccination policies. National guidelines issued by central agencies influenced state-level decision-making throughout the pandemic.

The management of vaccine procurement initially involved centralized purchasing and distribution mechanisms. This further strengthened the role of the Union Government in pandemic response.

Financial issues also highlighted federal tensions. Several states raised concerns regarding reduced revenues, GST compensation, and the need for greater fiscal support during the crisis. As states became more dependent on central assistance, the Centre's influence increased.

However, states continued to play a critical role in implementing health measures, managing hospitals, conducting testing, and ensuring delivery of essential services. The pandemic demonstrated that effective crisis management requires both strong central coordination and active state participation.

Thus, while the Centre's role expanded significantly during the emergency, cooperative federalism remained essential for addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily enhanced the role of the Union Government in governance and crisis management. While this strengthened central coordination, it also highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism and effective Centre-State collaboration in addressing national emergencies.