Write a short note on describe the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations.
Write a short note on describe the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations.
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The Sarkaria Commission, officially known as the Commission on Centre-State Relations, was established in 1983 by the Government of India to examine and recommend measures to improve the relationship between the central government and state governments. The Commission, chaired by Justice Rajinder Singh Sarkaria, submitted its report in 1988, outlining several recommendations to address various issues related to Centre-State relations. Some of the key recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission are as follows:
Distribution of Legislative Powers:
The Commission recommended a clear demarcation of legislative powers between the central and state governments to avoid conflicts and overlapping jurisdictions. It suggested defining exclusive areas of legislation for each level of government while ensuring concurrent powers in certain subjects of mutual interest.
Role of Governor:
The Commission proposed guidelines for the appointment and functioning of Governors, emphasizing their impartiality, integrity, and constitutional responsibilities. It recommended that Governors act as constitutional heads of states, uphold the principles of federalism, and refrain from partisan politics.
Inter-State Council:
The Commission advocated for the revitalization of the Inter-State Council, a constitutional body established to promote cooperative federalism and resolve disputes between states and between the Centre and states. It recommended that the Council be convened regularly and given a more proactive role in addressing inter-state issues and promoting cooperation among states.
Emergency Provisions:
The Commission examined the use and misuse of emergency provisions, including President's Rule, in states and recommended safeguards to prevent their arbitrary imposition. It suggested that the Centre consult the state government and exhaust all other options before invoking emergency provisions, ensuring that they are used only as a last resort to address severe breakdowns in constitutional governance.
Financial Relations:
The Commission proposed measures to strengthen fiscal federalism and ensure a fair distribution of financial resources between the Centre and states. It recommended the creation of a Finance Commission-like body at the state level to review fiscal transfers, grants-in-aid, and revenue-sharing arrangements, taking into account the evolving needs and priorities of states.
Centre-State Consultation Mechanisms:
The Commission emphasized the importance of regular consultations and dialogue between the Centre and states on matters of national importance, including economic planning, social welfare schemes, and infrastructure development. It recommended the establishment of institutional mechanisms for inter-governmental coordination and cooperation to foster a more harmonious Centre-State relationship.
Overall, the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission aimed to strengthen federalism, promote cooperative governance, and address the challenges of Centre-State relations in India. While some of the recommendations have been implemented, others remain subject to debate and discussion, reflecting the ongoing evolution of India's federal system and the need for continued efforts to foster effective collaboration between the Centre and states.