Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (250 words)
The Indian Constitution exhibits centralizing tendencies in order to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation, as demonstrated by the following examples:
- Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897: This act gives the central government the power to take measures to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases within India. This allows the central government to take swift and decisive action in the event of an outbreak, and ensures that a uniform approach is taken across the country. The act also gives the central government the power to issue orders and directions to state governments and local authorities in order to prevent the spread of disease.
- Disaster Management Act, 2005: This act establishes a national authority and a framework for disaster management in India, with the central government playing a coordinating role. This allows the central government to effectively manage disasters that affect multiple states, and ensures that a coordinated response is taken. The act also gives the central government the power to issue directions to state governments and other authorities in order to mitigate the effects of disasters.
- Recently passed Farm Acts: The three farm acts passed by the central government in 2020 have sparked protests by farmers, who argue that these acts undermine the powers of state governments and harm their interests. These acts demonstrate the centralizing tendencies of the Indian Constitution, as they give the central government more control over the agricultural sector and bypass the consultation process with state governments. The acts also give the central government the power to fix prices and regulate the sale of agricultural produce, which has traditionally been the domain of state governments.
