Sir, every Member of this House I am sure will admit that the power that is being conferred on the Central Government is a drastic power. It is necessary therefore for us to understand why article 280A is proposed to be inserted in the Constitution at the fag-end of the debate on the Second Reading of the Constitution. This matter, if it is of cardinal importance, could have been dealt with along with the other financial provisions contained in the Constitution. But the fact that this was not done shows that there was no general need felt at the time the financial articles were considered for enabling the Central Government to exercise complete budgetary control over the provinces. What has occurred since then to justify this amendment? Sir, clause (4) of the amendment refers to certain matters that may be included in the directions given by the President when a Proclamation has been issued declaring that the financial stability or credit of India or of any part of it is threatened. The President will have the power to direct any state to observe such ‘canons of financial propriety’ as may be specified in the directions given by him. Clause (4) is illustrative of the directions that the President may issue. Sub-clause (a) of this clause empowers the President to require a State to reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of public servants. Sir, we had to go through a serious economic crisis not many years ago. It affected not merely the Central Government, but also the provinces. Were the provinces backward then in reducing their expenditure? Did they show any reluctance to reduce the salaries of their public servants or were they only too glad to follow the example of the Central Government and reduce the salaries of all classes of public functionaries? Why has it been necessary, with this experience before us, to propose such an amendment to this House? Is there any reason why, disregarding all past experience, we should show complete distrust of the provinces and treat them is though they were children and the President a village school master?
