A.2. Functions and responsibilities of the state
State government is defined as the government of the subdivisions of the country and it shares political power with the national government. In India, state governments are the governments below the central government. Each state of the country is governed by a state government.
- The functions and responsibilities of the state governments are as follows:
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Management of different departments |
State governments have different departments for the efficient running of the state. States have jurisdiction over education, agriculture, public health, sanitation, hospitals and dispensaries and many other departments. |
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Internal Security |
State governments have to maintain internal security, law and order in the state. Internal security is managed through the state police. |
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Public order |
States have jurisdiction over police and public order. |
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Agriculture |
State governments have to provide assistance to farmers, funds for best agricultural practices, disease prevention, and support during disasters such as floods or droughts. |
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Finance |
The State Legislature handles the financial powers of the state, including the authorization of all expenditure, taxation, and borrowing by the state government. It has the power to make money bills. It has control over taxes on entertainment and property and sales tax. |
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Reservation of Bills |
The Governor of a State can reserve any bill for the consideration of the President. |
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Transport |
The state government runs trains, trams, buses and ferry services and other public transport in the state’s cities and towns. |
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Water Supply |
Water supply to cities and towns for drinking purposes including irrigation for farmers is the responsibility of the state governments. |
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Budget |
State governments prepare the budget for the state. |