VP Radhakrishnan calls for Centre-State coordination to advance Viksit Bharat 2047
Synopsis
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan has called on Centre and States to set aside political differences and work as 'Team India' on legal reform — pointing to the repeal of over 1,700 obsolete laws and the replacement of three colonial-era criminal statutes as proof that coordinated action delivers results. With Viksit Bharat 2047 as the benchmark, the message was clear: governance cannot afford federal gridlock.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan addressed a conference on 'Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms' in New Delhi on 22 October 2026 .
He called for greater consultation and coordination between the Centre and States under the 'Team India' vision.
Over 1,700 obsolete laws have been repealed and three colonial-era criminal statutes replaced in the last twelve years .
State Law Commissions were urged to identify and recommend the repeal or amendment of outdated legislation.
Senior attendees included Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Law Commission Chairperson Justice Dinesh Maheshwari .
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday, 22 October 2026, called for deeper consultation, coordination, and shared responsibility between the Centre and the States, stressing that political differences must never obstruct the larger public interest. Speaking at a conference on 'Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms: National and State Perspectives' in New Delhi, Radhakrishnan framed the agenda around the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the collective spirit of 'Team India'.
The Case for Cooperative Federalism
Radhakrishnan underscored that the 'Team India' vision, championed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requires both cooperative and competitive federalism to function in tandem. He argued that governance outcomes improve when the Centre and States treat each other as partners rather than rivals, particularly on legislative reform. The Vice President was categorical: no political disagreement should be allowed to delay work that directly affects citizens' lives.
Legal Modernisation as a National Priority
Radhakrishnan drew attention to what he described as landmark steps in modernising India's legal architecture — the replacement of three colonial-era criminal laws and the repeal of over 1,700 obsolete statutes over the last twelve years. He urged State Law Commissions to accelerate their own reviews, recommending the amendment or outright repeal of outdated laws to promote ease of living and efficient governance.
'Legal reforms must keep pace with changing times. The ultimate purpose of law is to ensure a just, secure and dignified life for every citizen,' Radhakrishnan said at the conference.
Symbolism, Ethics and Governance
The Vice President invoked the wisdom of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar on righteous governance and the rule of law, and referenced the Sengol installed in Parliament as a symbol of ethical authority. He argued that enduring prosperity rests on good governance — not merely the exercise of power.
Key Attendees and Expected Outcomes
The conference brought together senior legal and ministerial figures. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Law Commission of India Chairperson Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Member Secretary Anju Rathi Rana, and Law Commission Member D.P. Verma were among those present. Radhakrishnan expressed hope that the deliberations would yield concrete, actionable recommendations for building a coherent, responsive, and citizen-centric legal framework. The conference marks a renewed push to align state-level legislative agendas with the Centre's broader reform roadmap ahead of 2047.
Point of View
700 laws is a genuine administrative achievement, but the harder test is whether state-level commissions, many under-resourced, can replicate that pace. The Viksit Bharat 2047 deadline gives the exercise urgency, but accountability mechanisms for tracking state-level compliance remain conspicuously undefined.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan say about Centre-State relations?
Radhakrishnan called for greater consultation, coordination, and shared responsibility between the Centre and States, arguing that political differences must never obstruct the larger public interest. He framed this as essential to realising the 'Team India' vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
What is the 'Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms' conference about?
The conference, held in New Delhi on 22 October 2026, brought together central and state legal stakeholders to discuss modernising India's legislative framework. It focused on aligning state-level law reforms with the Centre's broader Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.
How many laws have been repealed or replaced in India in the last twelve years?
According to the Vice President, over 1,700 obsolete laws have been repealed and three colonial-era criminal statutes replaced over the last twelve years. He cited these as evidence that coordinated legal reform between the Centre and States can deliver tangible results.
What was asked of State Law Commissions at the conference?
Radhakrishnan urged State Law Commissions to identify and recommend the amendment or repeal of outdated laws in their respective jurisdictions. The goal is to promote ease of living and more efficient governance at the state level.
Who attended the federalism and law reforms conference in New Delhi?
Senior attendees included Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Law Commission of India Chairperson Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Member Secretary Anju Rathi Rana, and Law Commission Member D.P. Verma, alongside Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
