A study of major challenges to Federalism under the Indian Constitution over the past seven decades

India's federal structure, a unique blend of unitary and federal features, was meticulously crafted to accommodate a vast and diverse nation while ensuring its unity and integrity. Characterized as 'quasi-federal' with a strong central bias, this arrangement has evolved significantly since its inception. This paper delves into the major challenges confronting Indian federalism in the 21st century. It examines issues ranging from political centralization and the erosion of state autonomy to fiscal imbalances, inter-state disputes, administrative complexities, and the implications of asymmetric federalism. By analyzing these multi-faceted challenges, the paper argues that while India's federal framework has demonstrated remarkable resilience, persistent tensions threaten its cooperative spirit, necessitating continuous reform and re-evaluation to foster a more balanced and equitable power-sharing arrangement crucial for national development and cohesion.