What are the demands raised by States in their quest for greater autonomy?
States have raised several demands in their quest for greater autonomy. States seek greater control over their administration and want to reduce the interference of the Centre in their functioning.
One major demand relates to the share in revenue resources. States have been fighting with the Centre over issues like the distribution of financial resources, as they require adequate funds for development.
Another significant demand concerns the limited use of Article 356. States have demanded that this provision, which allows the Centre to dismiss State governments, should be used sparingly. The context notes that after 1967, when non-Congress governments came to power in many States, Article 356 was often used to dismiss elected governments, as happened in Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in the 1980s.
States have also raised concerns about the role of the Governor, demanding that the Governor's office should not be used to prevent the majority party or coalition from assuming office.
Explanation
The textbook context discusses the tensions in India's federal system, particularly regarding Centre-State relations. It explicitly mentions that States fight with the Centre over autonomy and share in revenue resources. The misuse of Article 356 and the Governor's office against State governments (especially after 1967 when different parties ruled States and the Centre) are key concerns raised by States seeking autonomy.