Question

Explain the division of powers among three different lists as mentioned in the Constitution.

Answer 1

The Constitution of India has divided the powers of the central and the state governments into different lists of subjects.

  They are:

1. The Union List
2. The State List and
3. The Concurrent List.

1. Union List:

1. There are 100 such subjects in the Union list (earlier 97 subjects).
2. It mainly consists of subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking, railway, communication, post and telegraph, etc.
3. Only the Union government can make laws or pass the law for subjects in the Union list.

2. State List:

1. The State list comprises 61 subjects (earlier 66 subjects).
2. It mainly consists of subjects like law and administration, state government institutions, police, local government, agriculture, health, land, inter-state trade and commerce, etc.
3. The respective State governments have the power to make the laws for the subjects in the State List.
4. The Union Government feels occurrence of disturbances in the law and order of the State, then it can send Reserved Police Force (RPF) to the State to control it.

3. Concurrent List:

1. In addition to the two lists, the Constitution has provided for a third list called the Concurrent list. This list contains subjects that are a common concern to both i.e., the center and the state governments.
2. Both the Union as well as State government can make laws on these subjects. However, if there is a conflict between the two, the law passed by the union government will be considered as valid.
3. The Concurrent list had 52 subjects (earlier 47 subjects).
4. This list includes subjects like criminal and civil procedure marriage and divorce, education, economic planning, trade union, etc.