Q.
Analyze the impact of the pandemic on India's federal structure and the challenges faced by the Centre
and the states in tackling the crisis. Discuss the measures taken by the government to strengthen inter-
governmental coordination during the pandemic.
09 May, 2023 GS Paper 2 Polity & Governance
Approach
Write a brief introduction about the pandemic and its impact.
Analyze the impact of pandemic on federal structure of the nation and associated challenges faced by both
central and state governments.
Mention the measures taken by the government to strengthen the intergovernmental coordination during
the pandemic.
Write a holistic and appropriate conclusion.
Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on India's federal structure, affecting the balance of
power between the central government and the states. The challenges faced by the Centre and the states in
tackling the crisis have been numerous and have varied in severity across different regions of the country.
Body
Impact of pandemic on federal structure of the nation:
One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic on India's federal structure has been the increased role
of the central government in policy making and decision-making. The central government has been
responsible for coordinating the national response to the pandemic, including the distribution of essential
medical supplies, vaccines, and financial aid. This has led to some tensions between the Centre and the
states, as some states have felt that the central government has not done enough to support them in their
efforts to combat the pandemic.
The pandemic has also highlighted existing inequalities between different regions of the country, particularly
in terms of access to healthcare and economic opportunities. Some states have been better equipped to
handle the pandemic than others, due to factors such as higher levels of investment in healthcare
infrastructure, more diversified economies, and better governance. This has led to disparities in the level of
support provided by the central government, with some states receiving more assistance than others.
Another impact of the pandemic on India's federal structure has been the increased decentralization of
decision-making and governance. The states have had to take on greater responsibility for managing the
pandemic within their own borders, including implementing lockdowns, managing the healthcare system,
and distributing vaccines. This has been a significant challenge for some states, particularly those with
weaker healthcare infrastructure or limited financial resources.
The Indian government has taken several measures to strengthen inter-governmental coordination
during the Covid -19 pandemic. Some of the key measures are:
National Disaster Management Act (NDMA): The NDMA was invoked by the central government to
coordinate the country's response to the pandemic. This act empowers the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) to take measures for the prevention of the spread of Covid -19.
Formation of Empowered Groups: The central government formed Empowered Groups to coordinate
with the states and UTs in various areas such as medical infrastructure, logistics, and information
management. These groups provided guidelines to the states and ensured that they are following them.
Regular Video Conferences: The Prime Minister of India regularly conducted video conferences with the
Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories to discuss the pandemic situation in their respective
states. This allowed the central government to understand the challenges faced by the states and provide
them with necessary support.
Financial Assistance: The central government provided financial assistance to the states under the State
Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for Covid -19 related
activities. The government also announced an economic package of Rs. 20 lakh crores to provide relief to
different sectors affected by the pandemic.
Inter-State Movement of Goods and People: The central government coordinated the inter-state
movement of essential goods and people during the pandemic. This was done by issuing standard
operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for the movement of goods and people across different states.
Vaccine Distribution: The central government has been coordinating the distribution of vaccines across
the country. The government created a digital platform called CoWIN to register and schedule vaccination
appointments. The vaccines were distributed to the states based on their population and the number of
healthcare workers and frontline workers.
Conclusion
The pandemic has posed challenges for both the Centre and the states in India, with the need for national
coordination and state autonomy being a balancing act. The government has taken measures to strengthen
inter-governmental coordination, but there is still room for improvement. Strengthening the federal structure
and addressing existing inequalities are crucial for building a resilient and equitable society.
