Sarkaria Commission 1983 - The Sarkaria Commission, established in 1983, marked a pivotal effort by the Indian government to address the dynamics and complexities of Centre-State relations. Named after its chairman, R.S. Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, the commission laid the foundation for several reforms aimed at balancing federal governance in India.
Formation and Objectives
The Sarkaria Commission was a three-member body tasked with:
- Examining the existing arrangements between the Centre and states in various domains.
- Proposing recommendations to enhance cooperation and mitigate conflicts between the two levels of governance.
The commission’s mandate included reviewing constitutional provisions, legislative practices, administrative frameworks, and financial distribution mechanisms. Initially given a year to complete its work, the term was extended multiple times, and the commission submitted its final report in 1988.
Key Recommendations
The Sarkaria Commission proposed 247 recommendations covering political, administrative, legislative, and financial aspects of Centre-State relations. Some of the most notable suggestions include:
Establishment of an Inter-State Council:
- A permanent body under Article 263 to promote coordination between the Centre and states.
Judicious Use of Article 356:
- President’s Rule should be invoked sparingly and only as a last resort after all alternatives have been exhausted.
Strengthening the All-India Services:
- Expansion and further empowerment of services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to maintain national integration.
Taxation and Revenue Sharing:
- Recommendations for a fair division of corporation tax revenues between the Centre and states.
Governor’s Role:
- Governors should be apolitical figures and not associated with the ruling party.
- Their tenure should ideally be five years, and removal should occur only under compelling circumstances.
Legislative Consultations:
- The Centre must consult states before enacting laws on subjects in the Concurrent List.
Deployment of Armed Forces:
- While the Centre can deploy forces without state consent in certain situations, consulting the state should be preferred.
Reactivation of Zonal Councils:
- Strengthening zonal councils to promote regional cooperation and address inter-state disputes.
Reform in the National Development Council (NDC):
- The NDC should be reconstituted as the National Economic and Development Council (NEDC) for improved governance.
Protection of Linguistic Minorities:
- Emphasis on activating the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities to safeguard the rights of these groups.
Implementation and Impact
The central government implemented 180 out of 247 recommendations, with significant reforms such as the establishment of the Inter-State Council in 1990. These changes contributed to:
- Improved coordination between the Centre and states.
- Reduced misuse of Article 356.
- Better management of regional and linguistic issues.
However, certain recommendations, like the reconstitution of the NDC and strict guidelines for the governor’s role, remain only partially addressed.
Criticisms and Challenges
While the Sarkaria Commission's recommendations were comprehensive, the following challenges persist:
Partial Implementation:- Some recommendations were overlooked or implemented inconsistently.
- Critics argue that despite reforms, the Centre retains significant authority over states.
- Contemporary issues, such as GST and regional autonomy, were beyond the commission’s scope, necessitating further review.
Legacy and Conclusion
The Sarkaria Commission remains a landmark initiative in India's federal history, serving as a cornerstone for Centre-State relations. Its emphasis on consultation, collaboration, and equitable governance has shaped India's federal framework and continues to influence policymaking.
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