Write a short note on Sarkaria Commission.

Sarkaria Commission:

The Sarkaria Commission, officially known as the "Commission on Centre-State Relations," was constituted in 1983 to examine and recommend improvements to the relationship between the Centre (Union Government) and the States in India. The commission was named after its chairman, Justice Rajinder Singh Sarkaria, a former Chief Justice of India.

Key Aspects:

1. Formation and Mandate:

   • The Sarkaria Commission was appointed by the Government of India in response to the increasing complexity of Centre-State relations. Its mandate was to review and suggest ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Union and the States.

2. Terms of Reference:

   • The commission's terms of reference included studying the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Centre and the States, examining the role of the Governor, and suggesting measures to address issues related to Article 356 (President's Rule) and interstate disputes.

3. Recommendations:

   • The Sarkaria Commission submitted its report in 1988, presenting a comprehensive set of recommendations. It emphasized collaborative federalism, strengthening State autonomy within the constitutional framework, and fostering a healthy Centre-State relationship.

4. Governor's Role:

   • The commission proposed guidelines for the appointment of Governors, emphasizing their role as impartial constitutional authorities. It sought to insulate the office from political considerations and enhance its credibility.

5. Use of Article 356:

   • Addressing concerns related to the misuse of Article 356, the commission recommended specific conditions for its invocation, stressing the importance of exhausting all other options before resorting to President's Rule in a State.

6. Interstate Council:

   • The Sarkaria Commission advocated for a more active role for the Interstate Council, a constitutional body that facilitates cooperation and coordination among States and between the Centre and the States.

7. Need for Consensus:

   • The commission emphasized the need for consensus and mutual respect between the Centre and the States to promote cooperative federalism. It underscored the importance of dialogue and understanding in addressing contentious issues.

8. Legacy:

   • The Sarkaria Commission's recommendations provided a foundation for discussions on Centre-State relations in India. While not all recommendations were implemented, its report remains a reference point for understanding the dynamics of federalism in the country.

The Sarkaria Commission's report contributed significantly to the discourse on federalism in India, offering valuable insights into fostering a harmonious relationship between the Centre and the States. While subsequent commissions have continued to explore these issues, the Sarkaria Commission's legacy endures in the ongoing evolution of India's federal structure.