7th State Finance Commission Flags Mismatch in 16th UFC Grants, Calls for Overhaul of Kerala Local Body Plans for 2026-31

73rd/74th Amendments: India's Unfinished Decentralisation - Need Genuine 3F Devolution & Stronger State Finance Commissions

The article argues that India's decentralisation through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments remains unfinished due to inadequate devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries (3Fs). With the 16th Finance Commission's window, it calls for second-generation reforms to make local governance effective. Critical for understanding federalism, local governance, and the role of Finance Commissions in UPSC/State PSC exams.

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

President Murmu Assents to Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed Keralam via Article 3

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, renaming the state as Keralam. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3, following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This is a key example of the constitutional process for state name changes.

TN Govt Makes English Version of Union-State Relations Committee Report Public: Key Federalism Document

Tamil Nadu has made public the English version of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations report, highlighting federalism issues. This is a key document for UPSC polity mains, especially on Centre-State relations, and contains specific dates, members, and government orders that are exam-relevant.

Himachal Pradesh High Court Strikes Down State Role in Agri V-C Picks, Mandates UGC 2018 Norms

The HP High Court struck down the 2025 amendments that gave the state government a decisive role in appointing V-Cs of agricultural universities, declaring them ultra vires the Constitution and UGC Act, 1956. Fresh selection must now follow Clause 7.3 of UGC Regulations, 2018. This is a high-yield example for federalism, judicial review, and university governance.

Bihar Govt Invokes DSPE Act Section 6; Makes CBI Prior Consent Mandatory for State Employee Probes

Bihar has issued a notification under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, making prior state consent mandatory for CBI to probe state government employees. This move reinforces federal principles and is a critical topic for understanding state-federal relations and CBI jurisdiction.

Allahabad HC Quashes Goonda Act Externment Order, Flags Misuse by UP Govt

The Allahabad High Court has severely criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for misusing the Uttar Pradesh Control of Goondas Act as a tool of harassment. The court quashed an externment order against a man based on an acquitted case and an unverified beat report, highlighting violations of natural justice. This raises critical questions about the misuse of stringent state laws, relevant for understanding judicial review, preventive detention, and state policing in India.

West Bengal Inter-University Transfer Bill Sparks Debate on University Autonomy vs State Control

The West Bengal Assembly passed an Inter-University Transfer Bill allowing the Governor to transfer teachers unilaterally, raising serious constitutional and legal questions about university autonomy. This move exemplifies the 'control model' of higher education that the first University Education Commission (1949) warned against, and could be struck down for targeting specific individuals and violating contractual rights.