GK Question

polity medium true_false

The Preamble's ideal of 'Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation' reflects Indian federalism's core philosophy: balancing regional diversity with national unity through constitutional design.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Unity in diversity federal philosophy: (a) Preamble foundation: Fraternity (brotherhood transcending divisions), dignity (individual worth regardless of identity), unity/integrity (national cohesion amid diversity) provide normative framework for federal design, (b) Constitutional operationalization: (i) Single citizenship (Article 5-11) for national unity, (ii) Federal division of powers (Seventh Schedule) for regional autonomy, (iii) Fundamental Rights (Part III) protecting individual dignity against State/Union excess, (iv) Directive Principles (Part IV) guiding equitable development across regions, (c) Institutional balance: (i) Strong Centre: Residuary powers, Emergency provisions, All India Services for national integrity, (ii) Autonomous States: Legislative/executive domains for regional expression, (iii) Cooperative mechanisms: GST Council, Finance Commission, Inter-State Council for shared governance, (d) Applications: (i) Language policy: Balance Hindi promotion with regional language autonomy, (ii) Affirmative action: Reservation addresses regional/social inequalities while maintaining national standards, (iii) Emergency provisions: Temporary unitary features for crisis management, federal normalcy restored post-crisis, (e) Illustrates distinctive Indian model: Federalism not as compromise but as positive framework for managing diversity while building unity; Preamble values guide institutional design to realize 'unity in diversity' as core constitutional identity. Essential for UPSC Mains conceptual answers.

Topic Federalism - Unity in Diversity Philosophical Foundation
Exam Relevance Federalism philosophical foundation frequently asked in UPSC Mains