The election manifesto of the Indian National Congress has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny since the day it was released. One of the standout aspects of this manifesto, and the one which is of most relevance to Tamil Nadu, is the emphasis on federal principles.
It, thereby, marks an important historical departure from previous Congress manifestos and reshapes the party’s position on states’ rights. By doing so, it has set the stage for a larger, wide ranging discourse on federalism.
Chapter 27 of the manifesto, Federalism and Centre-State Relations, is dedicated to the doctrine of decentralization of powers. This section includes important promises including the devolution of powers to states with regard to school education, healthcare, child nutrition, drinking water and sanitation, as well as setting up of inter-state ministerial groups on agriculture, education and healthcare along the lines of the Goods and Services Tax council.
The manifesto also promises statutory council for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. There is also a special mention with regard to Puducherry and Delhi. Andhra Pradesh has been promised ‘Special Category Status’ whereas North Eastern States have been assured a number of special provisions including enhanced financial assistance to autonomous district councils and withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Though there is no direct concession for Tamil Nadu, a couple of issues are note-worthy. First, a historical demand of the state for return of school education back to the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution will be acceded to. One of the most contentious issues in recent times – National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) – has been treated from the perspective of state autonomy. Chapter 45 of the manifesto says the interference of NEET with regard to “the state government’s right to admit students domiciled in the state to medical colleges” is acknowledged. In this spirit, the manifesto promises to dispense with NEET and replace it with a “state-level examination of equivalent standard, approved by the competent authority for admission to medical colleges”.
The manifesto of the DMK, which leads the Secular Progressive Alliance in the state, prioritizes federalism and state autonomy. While this is not unusual for the DMK, it is a first for the Congress. 2009 and 2014 manifestos make only cursory mentions of federalism and there are no cogent action points with regard to decentralization.
Under such circumstances, the 2019 manifesto marks a stark departure in tone and tenor of the Congress with regard to federalism. Moreover, the synergy between the DMK and the Congress manifesto with regard to the return of state education to the state list and removal of NEET is apparent. In the lead up to 2026, when issues surrounding fresh delimitation, Finance Commission and decentralization of powers will take precedence, a new national deliberation on federalism is needed; and the Congress manifesto paves way for this. It is possible that when such a discourse is held, Tamil Nadu will lead the way.
Manuraj Shunmugasundaram
(The author is an advocate and DMK spokesman)
Link to the Article: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/a-promise-to-give-power-to-the-states/
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