FEDERALISM

Nov. 30, 2018

Union Finance Minister has suggested new Federal institution for healthcare and agriculture sectors similar to the GST Council to coordinate State and Central policies and schemes.

About:

  • Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Health Summit, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the GST Council, which comprised the Union and State Finance Ministers, was a successful experiment in practical federalism.

  • Similar to the GST Council, Indian healthcare and agriculture sectors also need a federal institution to coordinate State and Central policies and schemes.

  • It is because, while “BOTH HEALTH AND AGRICULTURE ARE STATE SUBJECTS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION”, Centrally sponsored schemes are carried out in both sectors.

  • Both the Centre and the States spent resources, ran schemes, and established hospitals and other institutions.

  • But by having a federal body, Implementation would be the responsibility of the States, with the Centre responsible for coordination.

Source : The Hindu