India's federal system requires effective mechanisms for dialogue and coordination between the Union and State governments. The Inter-State Council (ISC), established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, is one such platform designed to address Centre-State and inter-State relations.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the ISC, its functions, challenges, and necessary reforms, making it an essential resource for UPSC aspirants preparing for polity and governance topics.
What is the Inter-State Council?
The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a constitutional body that facilitates cooperation, coordination, and consultation between the Union and State governments in India.
Establishment: The ISC was constituted in 1990 through a Presidential Order based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission (1988).
Legal Backing: Article 263 empowers the President of India to establish such a council for better coordination between States.
Functions of the Inter-State Council
The ISC plays a crucial role in fostering cooperative federalism by performing the following functions:
Policy Coordination: It discusses matters of common interest and makes recommendations to ensure alignment in Union and State policies.
Conflict Resolution: It investigates and deliberates on issues affecting Centre-State and inter-State relations to ensure harmonious governance.
Recommendation Mechanism: The ISC makes recommendations for improving Centre-State cooperation.
Composition of the Inter-State Council
The ISC is composed of:
Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India.
Members:some text
Chief Ministers of all States.
Chief Ministers of Union Territories (UTs) with Legislative Assemblies.
Administrators of UTs without Legislative Assemblies.
Six Union Ministers of Cabinet rank, nominated by the Prime Minister.
The Presidential Order (1990) has been amended twice to accommodate Governors of States under the President's Rule and allow the Chairman to nominate Union Ministers as permanent invitees.
Secretariat and Standing Committee
The Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS), established in 1991, manages the council's administrative functions. The council also has a Standing Committee, headed by the Home Minister, for continuous consultation and preparation of agenda items.
Challenges Faced by the Inter-State Council
Despite its importance, the ISC faces several challenges:
Infrequent Meetings:
The ISC has met only 11 times since its inception in 1990.
The mandate for meeting thrice annually is rarely adhered to, with the last meeting held in July 2016.
Non-Binding Recommendations:
The advisory nature of the ISC limits its effectiveness.
The lack of enforcement mechanisms reduces the impact of its deliberations.
Political Dynamics:
Divergent political ideologies between the Union and the States often hinder consensus-building.
Reforms Needed for Effective Functioning of ISC
To make the ISC a more proactive and empowered institution, the following reforms are essential:
Amendment of Article 263: The Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended strengthening the ISC to address complex federal challenges.
Regular Meetings: A structured timeline for meetings can ensure the continuity and relevance of discussions.
Clear Agenda: Setting priorities on pressing issues like water disputes and economic cooperation can make meetings outcome-driven.
Integration of Technology: Digital platforms for communication and data sharing can enhance the council’s efficiency.
Conclusion
The Inter-State Council is a cornerstone of India’s federal framework. While its potential remains underutilized, reforms to its structure, mandate, and functioning can make it a robust platform for addressing Centre-State and inter-State issues. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the ISC is crucial, as it reflects the dynamic interplay of governance and federalism in India.
To foster cooperative federalism and ensure smooth governance, the ISC must evolve into a more structured and empowered institution, bridging the gaps between the Union and State governments effectively.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
Focus on Article 263 and related provisions.
Understand the composition, functions, and challenges of the ISC.
Analyze how reforms can strengthen India’s federal structure.
This topic holds significance in Polity and Governance, and insights from the ISC’s functioning can be applied in essays and GS-II answers on federalism and Centre-State relations.
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