Why are the subjects like railways, defence and foreign affairs been included in the union list and not in the state List? Give reasons.

The Constitution of India provides for a division of powers between the Union (Centre) and states. It divides all the subjects into 3 lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.

The Union List (97) describe the subjects under the control Centre Government. Subjects such as Railways, Defence, Foreign Affairs are of national importance. State Legislature legislates with the mindset of resolving regional issues. This leads to different policies of different states. Since railways, defence and foreign affairs concern all the citizens of the country there is a need for uniformity at a national level. Apart from that, there is a requirement of the huge amount of funds for these items. Hence, they are included in the State List.