What are the main recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission ? Describe.

The Sarkaria Commission, officially known as the Commission on Centre-State Relations, was appointed in 1983 by the Government of India to examine and suggest ways to improve the relationship between the Centre (Union) and the States. The Commission, headed by Justice Rajinder Singh Sarkaria, submitted its report in 1988. The key recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission are as follows:

1. Distribution of Legislative Powers:
The Commission recommended a pragmatic and flexible approach to the distribution of legislative powers between the Centre and the States. It emphasized the need for a collaborative framework, acknowledging that both levels of government should work together to address the challenges faced by the nation.

2. Role of Governors:
The Commission addressed the role of Governors in the states, recommending that the Governor should be an individual with a background in public life or administration. It suggested that Governors should act as a constitutional head, maintaining a harmonious relationship between the Centre and the States, and avoid interference in state politics.

3. Appointment of Governors:
To ensure the appointment of qualified and impartial individuals as Governors, the Commission recommended the establishment of a high-powered committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Chief Minister of the concerned state to recommend suitable candidates.

4. Federal Structure:
The Commission affirmed the federal structure of the Indian polity while recognizing the need for a strong Centre to maintain unity and integrity. It proposed that the President's Rule, which allows the Centre to dismiss state governments under certain conditions, should be used sparingly and only in extraordinary situations.

5. Emergency Provisions:
The Sarkaria Commission recommended refining emergency provisions to ensure that they are used only in genuine cases of threat to the constitutional order. It called for a more precise definition of 'internal disturbance' to prevent misuse of emergency powers.

6. Inter-State Council:
The Commission emphasized the importance of the Inter-State Council, an advisory body tasked with promoting coordination between states and between the Centre and the states. It recommended that the Council should meet regularly to discuss and resolve issues of common interest.

7. Finance Commission:
In relation to fiscal federalism, the Commission recommended the strengthening of the Finance Commission's role in determining the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and the States. This was seen as a crucial step in ensuring fiscal autonomy and fairness in resource allocation.

8. Special Provisions for Certain States:
The Sarkaria Commission acknowledged the need for special provisions for certain states, especially those facing unique challenges such as hilly terrains, tribal populations, and socio-economic backwardness. It recommended that the Centre should continue providing special assistance to these states to address their specific needs.

9. Language Policy:
The Commission suggested that language policy should be devised in a manner that respects linguistic diversity while ensuring that no language is imposed on any state against its will. It emphasized the importance of multilingualism in a diverse country like India.

10. Cultural and Educational Autonomy:
Recognizing the significance of cultural and educational autonomy, the Commission recommended that states should have the freedom to preserve and promote their distinct cultural heritage. It emphasized the need for flexibility in the education system to accommodate regional languages and cultures.

In conclusion, the Sarkaria Commission's recommendations aimed to strengthen the federal structure of India, promote cooperative federalism, and ensure a balanced relationship between the Centre and the States. While some recommendations have been implemented, the broader issues of federalism and Centre-State relations continue to be subjects of discussion and debate in the country.