Federalism and Worker Rights in a Moving India

Federalism faces challenges in a moving India. Centralisation struggles to respond to evolving needs. Worker rights and voter rights need to be addressed.

The article delves into the complexities of federalism in the context of a rapidly changing India. It argues that the current trend towards centralized politics, marked by a 'One nation-ism' approach, is inadequate in meeting the evolving needs of a dynamic country. The author points out the limitations of such a system in responding to the challenges posed by a mobile workforce and the need for flexible policies.

One of the key issues highlighted is the need for coordination across state borders, particularly in ensuring the portability of social safety nets like ration and cash transfers. The author argues that centralized institutions are best equipped to address this challenge, as they can build robust mechanisms for seamless implementation across geographical boundaries. This highlights the importance of a strong federal structure in effectively managing and distributing resources in a diverse and dynamic nation.

Beyond the administrative complexities, the article also addresses the political dimension of this issue. It emphasizes the crucial role of worker rights, arguing that granting workers political rights, including ensuring their voter rights, is essential in addressing the challenges posed by a mobile workforce. The author suggests that empowering workers politically will create a more responsive and representative system that can better cater to their needs and aspirations.

Source: Whither our Right to Work freely anywhere we choose?