Question

Choose the correct statement(s) about the Sarkaria Commission (1983):

1. It recommended strengthening All India Services and creating more such services.

2. It proposed that residuary powers of taxation remain with the states.

3. It suggested that governors should not dismiss a council of ministers as long as it enjoys assembly majority.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 and 3 only

Sarkaria Commission (1983)

• The Sarkaria Commission was constituted by the Central Government of India in 1983.
• It was tasked with examining the relationship and balance of power between the Centre and state governments.
• The Commission was chaired by Justice R.S. Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. Its other members included B. Sivaraman and S.R. Sen.
• The Commission submitted its comprehensive report in 1987, containing a total of 247 recommendations aimed at improving Centre-state relations.

Key Recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission:

• All India Services (AIS):
  • The Commission strongly advocated for the strengthening of the existing All India Services (like IAS, IPS, IFS).
  • It also recommended the creation of new All India Services in other essential fields, such as engineering, medical, and judicial services, to foster national unity and administrative efficiency.
  • The report emphasized the crucial role of AIS in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country.
• Role of the Governor:
  • It recommended that the Governor should not dismiss a council of ministers as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislative assembly.
  • The Commission stressed that the Governor's role is primarily constitutional and not that of an agent of the Central government.
  • It also suggested that the Chief Minister of the concerned state should be consulted before appointing the Governor.
  • The report advised against the arbitrary removal of Governors by the Centre.
• Residuary Powers:
  • The Commission recommended that the residuary powers of taxation should continue to remain with the Parliament (Union).
  • However, it suggested that Parliament should consult the states before legislating on subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List.
  • It did not propose that residuary powers of taxation remain with the states. Under the Indian Constitution (Article 248), Parliament has exclusive power over residuary subjects, including taxation.
• Inter-State Council:
  • A significant recommendation was the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution.
  • This body was envisioned as a robust forum to facilitate coordination and resolve disputes between the Centre and states, and among states.
  • The Inter-State Council was finally set up in 1990 based on this recommendation.
• Use of Article 356 (President's Rule):
  • The Commission strongly advised extreme caution and restraint in the imposition of President's Rule (Article 356).
  • It stated that this power should be used only as a last resort in genuine cases of constitutional machinery breakdown, to prevent its misuse for political purposes.
• Financial Relations:
  • The Commission suggested an increase in the states' share in the divisible pool of central taxes.
  • It also recommended that grants-in-aid to states should be based on more objective and transparent criteria.