Introduction
The Sarkaria Commission, formally known as the Commission on Centre-State Relations, was
established by the Government of India in 1983 to address the growing tensions and issues related to
the relationship between the central government and state governments. Chaired by Justice R.S.
Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, the commission aimed to review the existing
arrangements between the Union and the States, assess their effectiveness, and recommend reforms
to enhance cooperative federalism in India.
Historical Context
The need for the Sarkaria Commission arose from persistent conflicts between the center and states
regarding legislative powers, administrative control, and financial relations. The political landscape of
India during the early 1980s was marked by increasing demands for greater autonomy by various
states, leading to a sense of urgency to reassess and redefine Centre-State relations.
Composition of the Commission
The Sarkaria Commission consisted of three members:
Justice R.S. Sarkaria (Chairman)
Shri B. Sivaraman (Member)
Dr. S.R. Sen (Member)
The commission was tasked with scrutinizing various aspects of governance, focusing on legislative,
administrative, and financial relations between the Centre and States.
Objectives of the Commission
The primary objectives of the Sarkaria Commission were:
To examine the working of existing arrangements between the Union and States.
To assess inter-governmental relations in legislative, administrative, and financial spheres.
To recommend measures for improving coordination and cooperation between different
levels of government.
Key Recommendations
The Sarkaria Commission's report, submitted in 1988, included 247 specific
recommendations spread across 19 chapters. Some of its major recommendations are as follows:
1. Cooperative Federalism
The commission emphasized that federalism should be viewed as a functional arrangement
for cooperative action rather than a static institutional concept.
It advocated for a more collaborative approach between the Centre and States to address
common issues effectively.
2. Role of Governors
The commission recommended that governors should be individuals with considerable
experience in public service who maintain a non-partisan stance.
It suggested that governors should not be active politicians or closely associated with any
political party at the Centre.
The report highlighted that governors should act according to constitutional provisions and
not misuse their powers for political purposes.
3. Use of Article 356
The commission advised that Article 356 (President's Rule) should only be invoked in
extreme circumstances as a last resort to avert a breakdown of constitutional machinery in a
state.
It recommended that before imposing President's Rule, all possibilities for forming an
alternative government should be explored.
4. Inter-State Council
The establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 was recommended
to facilitate better coordination among states and between states and the Centre.
This council would serve as a platform for discussing issues affecting multiple states and
resolving disputes.
5. Legislative Relations
The commission suggested that states should be consulted before any legislation affecting
their interests is passed by Parliament.
It recommended that state bills should be communicated to the President before being
vetoed.
6. Financial Relations
The report called for greater financial autonomy for states, enabling them to manage their
resources effectively without excessive dependency on central funds.
It suggested sharing certain taxes between the Centre and States while maintaining the
overall structure of fiscal federalism.
7. Empowerment of All India Services
The commission supported empowering All India Services to enhance their role in promoting
national integration while ensuring accountability at both central and state levels.
Impact and Significance
The recommendations made by the Sarkaria Commission have had a profound impact on shaping
Centre-State relations in India:
1. Framework for Cooperative Federalism: The commission's emphasis on cooperative
federalism laid down a framework for constructive engagement between different levels of
government.
2. Judicial Support: Several recommendations have been upheld by courts in subsequent cases,
reinforcing their significance in maintaining constitutional balance.
3. Political Relevance: The report continues to be referenced in discussions about federalism,
especially during times of political tension between state governments and the central
authority.
4. Implementation Challenges: While some recommendations were implemented (such as
activating the Inter-State Council), many remain unaddressed, reflecting ongoing challenges
in achieving effective federal governance.
Conclusion
The Sarkaria Commission represents a critical effort to reassess and enhance Centre-State relations in
India amidst evolving political dynamics. Its recommendations aimed at promoting cooperative
federalism have significant implications for governance, accountability, and democratic functioning in
India. As India continues to navigate complex socio-political landscapes, revisiting and implementing
relevant recommendations from the Sarkaria Commission can help foster better cooperation
between various levels of government, ensuring that both national unity and regional aspirations are
upheld effectively.
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