Unit-11

UNIT 11 CHANGING NATURE OF THE INDIAN STATE

11.0 Learning Outcome

• Appreciate the changing role of the State in India

• Understand the structural and functional evolution of the State

• Analyze the issues confronting the State in India

11.1 Introduction

• Previous units discussed the nature, scope, and evolution of the State mostly in theoretical terms.

• This unit focuses on the role of the State in the Indian context, taking into account:

  • The complexity of State-society relationships in developing States.

  • Evolution of the Indian State during the national movement.

  • Constitutional mandates, goals set by Constitution makers, and State operations.

  • Issues of democratic participation, socio-political mobilization, and the crisis of governability.

11.2 The Role of the State in India

• Political disagreement exists regarding the role of the State, reflecting various views on its relationship with society and the individual.

• Different perspectives:

  • Classical Liberals advocate for minimal State intervention, providing only peace and order.

  • In contrast, the 20th century saw an expanded role due to electoral pressures for economic and social security.

• Indian society blended the idea of a modern Nation State with traditional concepts, resulting in tensions between indigenous and colonial structures.

• The nationalist movement aimed for a powerful State to drive capitalism and develop a social order.

11.3 Emergence of the Modern State

• The Indian Constitutional State emerged in 1947 after a prolonged struggle for political emancipation.

• The Indian National Congress embraced a secular and State-centered ideology, progressively adopting Socialism to meet State construction needs.

• The Constitution of 1950 established a secular, parliamentary democracy with:

  • A bicameral parliament, multi-party system, and independent judiciary.

  • Goals for comprehensive justice, equality, and citizen dignity.

  • Fundamental Rights that protect individuals from Parliament action.

  • Directive Principles of State Policy focusing on social welfare and preventing wealth concentration.

• Powers are divided between the Centre and States:

  • Union Government handles defense, foreign affairs, and trade.

  • States manage public order, health, and education.

  • The Concurrent List covers issues for joint legislation, like marriage and welfare.

11.4 Structural and Functional Evolution

• Modern States displace other societal structures, becoming the mandatory rule source.

• The colonial State in India laid a complex governmental framework that extended its influence post-independence.

• A significant bureaucratic expansion occurred as the State became involved in managing the economy through:

  • Public sector management, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks.

  • The economy was largely governed by bureaucrats who held significant power over private enterprises.

• The Rudolphs' analysis delineates between Demand and Command politics:

  • Demand Politics: directed by electoral pressures and private interests.

  • Command Politics: oriented towards State-defined long-term goals.

11.5 Issues before the Indian State

• The Indian State faces a crisis due to increasing demands and complexities:

  • Democratic transformations and identity group demands for autonomy.

  • The shift towards participatory governance has exposed government weaknesses.

  • A growing perception of the State as weak, overly bureaucratic, and susceptible to corruption.

• Political and social conflicts, alongside competing elites, have weakened the capacity for effective governance.

• The tension between secularism and religion complicates State intervention, highlighting challenges in policy enforcement.

11.6 Conclusion

• Despite criticisms, the performance of the Indian State post-independence has surpassed many developing countries.

• Key elements of strength include:

  • Democratic institutionalization, federal governance, and judicial independence.

  • Economic planning focused on poverty alleviation and human resource development.

• The State is adapting to globalization by promoting free trade, privatization, and human rights.

• The last fifty years demonstrate the State's transformative abilities in integrating caste and religious dimensions into politics.

11.7 Key Concepts

• Consociational State: A stable governance model in ethnically divided societies via elite consultation.

• Public Interest Litigation: Citizens can seek legal remedies for public interest issues, enhancing access to justice.

11.8 References and Further Reading

• Various scholars have explored different facets of the Indian State, from its colonial legacy to contemporary challenges, underlining the complexity of political and societal interactions.

11.9 Activity

• Research recent news on the Indian State's role, identifying six distinguishing features.