Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) and its recommendations on Centre-State relations.

(i) The First Administrative Reforms Commission was appointed in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai, followed by K. Hanumanthayya.
(ii) The ARC constituted a study team under M.C. Setalvad to examine Centre-State relations.
(iii) The ARC recommended the abolition of All-India Services like IAS, IPS, and IFoS to enhance state autonomy.

• A. Only (i) and (ii)
• B. Only (i) and (iii)
• C. Only (ii) and (iii)
• D. All the above (i, ii, iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i) and (ii)

First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)

• The First Administrative Reforms Commission was indeed constituted in January 1966 by the Government of India.
• Its primary objective was to examine the entire public administration system in India and recommend measures for reform and improvement.
• Initially, the Commission was chaired by Morarji Desai. When Morarji Desai became the Deputy Prime Minister in 1967, K. Hanumanthayya took over as its Chairman.
• The First ARC submitted 20 reports and 537 recommendations over a period of four years, with its final report submitted in 1970.

ARC and Centre-State Relations

• The Administrative Reforms Commission constituted various study teams and working groups to delve into specific areas.
• One such significant study team was formed specifically to examine Centre-State Relations.
• This study team was headed by M.C. Setalvad, who was a distinguished jurist and the first Attorney General of India (1950-1963).
• The recommendations of this study team formed a crucial part of the ARC's overall assessment regarding the balance of power and responsibilities between the Union and State governments.

ARC's Stance on All-India Services

• Contrary to the abolition claim, the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) actually strongly advocated for the retention and strengthening of All-India Services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
• The ARC viewed these services as crucial instruments for maintaining national unity, integrity, and administrative efficiency across the country.
• They believed that these services provide a vital link between the Centre and the States and ensure a uniform standard of administration.
• This recommendation underscored the importance of a unified administrative structure in a federal system like India.