Actual Article
Article 257: Control of the Union over States in certain cases
- The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
- The executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared in the direction to be of national or military importance.
- The executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the measures to be taken for the protection of the railways within the State.
- Where in carrying out any direction given to a State under clause (2) as to the construction or maintenance of any means of communication or under clause (3) as to the measures to be taken for the protection of the railways, any expenditure has been incurred by the State, there shall be paid by the Government of India to the State such sums as may be agreed, or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Chief Justice of India.
UPSC Notes for Article 257
Explanation:
- Non-impediment Clause: Clause (1) mandates that the executive power of every State must not impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union. It allows the Union government to issue directions to State governments to ensure compliance.
- National or Military Importance: Clause (2) extends the Union’s power to issue directions regarding the construction and maintenance of means of communication deemed of national or military importance.
- Protection of Railways: Clause (3) allows the Union to direct State governments on measures to protect railways within their territories.
- Financial Reimbursement: Clause (4) ensures that States are reimbursed by the Union government for any expenditure incurred in complying with the directions under clauses (2) and (3).
Key Points:
- Ensuring Coordination: Article 257 ensures that State actions do not hinder Union activities, particularly those related to national and military importance or the protection of railways.
- Directive Power: The article empowers the Union government to issue directives to State governments in specific situations to ensure national interests are safeguarded.
- Financial Provision: The reimbursement clause ensures that States are not financially burdened by complying with Union directives, promoting cooperation.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 257
Cases:
- State of Rajasthan vs. Union of India (1977): This case highlighted the extent of the Union’s power to issue directions to the States under Article 257, emphasizing the balance between state autonomy and national interests.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Examined the balance of power between the Union and the States, including the use of directives under Article 257, and recommended measures to promote cooperative federalism.
- Punchhi Commission: Further explored the dynamics of Union-State relations and suggested mechanisms to enhance cooperation while respecting state autonomy.
Important Reports Related to Article 257:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Analyzed the implications of Union directives on State governments and recommended strategies for effective compliance and cooperation.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 257
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Under Article 257, what must the executive power of every State not do?
- A. Impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union
- B. Override the legislative power of the Union
- C. Conflict with the financial power of the Union
- D. Hinder the judicial functions of the Union Correct Answer: A. Impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) What does Article 257(2) empower the Union government to do?
- A. Issue directions to States on matters of public health
- B. Direct States on the construction and maintenance of means of communication of national or military importance
- C. Legislate on State List subjects
- D. Control State budgets Correct Answer: B. Direct States on the construction and maintenance of means of communication of national or military importance
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 257
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 257 in maintaining coordination between the Union and State governments. How does it balance state autonomy with national interests?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the role of Article 257 in ensuring the protection of national infrastructure. What are the implications of this provision for Union-State relations?”
Additional Insights:
- National Infrastructure and Security: Article 257 ensures that the construction and maintenance of infrastructure critical to national security and communication are not hindered by state actions.
- Collaborative Federalism: The article promotes collaborative federalism by enabling the Union to issue necessary directives while providing financial support to States for compliance.
Understanding Article 257 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the mechanisms for ensuring coordination between the Union and State governments, emphasizing the balance between state autonomy and national interests. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the legislative and executive framework within the Indian federal structure.