Centre – State Relations (VSAQs)

Political Science-2 | 5. Centre – State Relations – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 5: Centre – State Relations. This page features the most significant FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Answers are given in simple English and follow the exam format. This helps you focus on essential concepts and aim for top marks in your final exams.


VSAQ-1: Write a note on the Union List.

The Union List is like a special list of things that only the central government in India can make rules about. Originally, it had 97 topics, but now it has 98. Some important topics on this list include banking, railways, defense, foreign affairs, and income tax.

Think of the Union List as a rulebook for the entire country. Just like how a school principal makes rules for the whole school, the central government uses this list to make sure that important things are managed the same way across all states.


VSAQ-2: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog is a group that helps the Indian government come up with big plans and ideas for the country’s future. It was set up on January 1, 2015, to replace an older group called the Planning Commission.

The Prime Minister leads NITI Aayog, and it includes leaders from all the states and Union Territories, kind of like how a company’s board includes managers from different departments. This group makes sure that everyone’s ideas are heard, and that plans are made with input from all parts of India.


VSAQ-3: Residuary Powers

Residuary powers are like a backup plan for the Indian Parliament. If there’s something new that isn’t covered by the existing lists of topics (Union, State, or Concurrent), the Parliament can make rules about it.

It’s like when a teacher can decide what to do in a situation that isn’t covered by the school’s rulebook. These powers give the Parliament the flexibility to handle unexpected issues that come up.


VSAQ-4: How are legislative matters divided between the Union and the States?

In India, making rules is divided between the Union (central government) and the States using three lists:

  • The Union List: The central government makes rules on these topics, like a school principal making rules for the whole school.
  • The State List: The state governments make rules on these topics, similar to how teachers manage their own classrooms.
  • The Concurrent List: Both the central and state governments can make rules on these topics, like how both the principal and teachers might work together on school events.

This system helps balance the power between the central government and the states, ensuring that both can manage the things they are responsible for.


VSAQ-5: Write a brief note on the Sarkaria Commission

The Sarkaria Commission was set up in 1983 to check how well the central and state governments in India were working together. Led by Justice Ranjit Singh Sarkaria, the commission looked at whether the relationship between the Union and States was strong and fair.

Imagine it like a group of inspectors visiting a company to see how well the head office and branch offices are getting along. The Sarkaria Commission made suggestions on how to improve this relationship, ensuring that both the central and state governments could work smoothly together.