Part XI - Union-State Relations • Article

Article 257 Simplified: Control of the Union over States in certain cases

Article 257 directs states to exercise their executive powers in a way that does not restrict or harm the Union's executive functions. It also allows the Center to give states directions on constructing/maintaining communications of national or military importance (like national highways or military networks) and protecting railways. The Center reimburses states for any extra administrative costs incurred.

Official Text

(1) 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. (2) 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: Provided that nothing in this clause shall be taken as restricting the power of Parliament to declare highways or waterways to be national highways or national waterways or the power of the Union with respect to the highways or waterways so declared or the power of the Union to construct and maintain means of communication as part of its functions with respect to naval, military and air force works. (3) 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. (4) 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 any railway, costs have been incurred in excess of those which would have been incurred in the discharge of the normal duties of the State if such direction had not been given, there shall be paid by the Government of India to the State such sum as may be agreed, or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Chief Justice of India, in respect of the extra costs so incurred by the State.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The central government can order state governments to build or maintain roads/bridges of national importance, and protect train tracks. The central government will pay for any extra costs the state spends to do this.

Student Mode

Article 257 ensures that the executive power of States does not impede or prejudice the Union's executive operations. It specifies that the Union can direct states to maintain communications of military or national importance and protect railways. Crucially, Clause (4) mandates that the Union must compensate the State for any extra expenses incurred to carry out these directions.

Example

If a state government plans a local construction project that blocks a crucial national military communication line or railway track, the Central Government can issue a directive under Article 257 to stop the project. The Union will pay the state for any extra costs incurred during compliance.

Key Takeaway

Article 257 protects the administrative machinery and defense communication channels of the Union from state-level interference.

FAQs

What specific directions can the Union give to a State under Article 257?

Directions to construct and maintain means of communication of national/military importance, and measures to protect railways within the state.

Who pays for the extra cost if the Union directs a state to protect railways under Article 257?

The Government of India is constitutionally obligated to pay the State Government for the extra costs incurred.

Quiz

Under Article 257, the Union can issue directions to states regarding the protection of:

Answer: Railways

What is the financial rule when the Union issues directions under Article 257?

Answer: The Union must compensate the State for extra costs