Another 'Idea of India'

One task for the next government should be to review the Central List with a view to pruning it

In less than a year we will have a new government. The states will have a very big say in it. So regardless of which group of politicians forms it, what should be its major agenda? 

There are several levels at which this question can be answered, the most boring being the election manifesto-type of dhobi lists. Those, as economists might say, are necessary but not sufficient. 

What is necessary — though not sufficient — is a thorough review of the central assumption that drives our governance system, namely, that a strong Centre is an absolute must — which, yes, of course,