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unitary State does not mean concentration of all powers in the
Centre; just as the head of the family does not have all the powers
with him even though all the transactions are carried out in his
name. Others also share the executive power. In our body also, does
the soul possess all powers? Thus a unitary State does not mean a
highly autocratic centre nor does it entail the elimination of
provinces. The provinces will have various executive powers. Even
the various entities below the provincial level, such as the Jana
Padas, will also have suitable powers. The Panchayats too should
have powers. Traditional, the Panchayats had a very important
position. No body could dissolve Panchayats. today, however. our
constitution does not have any place for these Panchayats. There are
no powers to these Panchayats in their own right. They exist at the
mercy of the states only as delegated authorities. It is necessary
that their powers be considered fundamental. In this way, the
decentralization of power will be accomplished. The authority will
be distributed to the lowest level, and will be fully decentralized.
At the same time, all these entities of power will be centred around
the unitary State. This arrangement will embody Dharma.
If we carry this concept of Dharma
even further, not only the State and the nation but the nature of
the entire mankind will have to be considered. In other words, the
constitution of a nation cannot be contrary to the natural law.
There are a number of norms of behavior which are not found in any
statute book, yet they do exist. At times they are even stronger and
more binding than any statutory law. The precept that one should
respect one's parents is not written in any law. The present day
governments which are turning out variety of laws, day in and day
out, have not passed a law to this effect. Still, people respect
their parents. Those who do not are criticized. If tomorrow there
arises a discussion, even in a court. it will be generally accepted
that as long as a person does not attain majority, he should accept
his parent's decisions and should respect them.
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