Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) of India:

1. It was set up in 1966 under the chairmanship of K. Hanumanthayya.

2. It examined issues related to Centre–State relations through a study team under M.C. Setalvad.

3. One of its recommendations was the creation of an Inter-State Council under Article 263.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 and 3 only

First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) of India

• The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was constituted by the Government of India on January 5, 1966.

• 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. However, he resigned in 1967 to become the Deputy Prime Minister.

• Following Morarji Desai's resignation, K. Hanumanthayya took over as the Chairman of the Commission.

• The First ARC was quite extensive in its scope, submitting 20 reports and making a total of 578 recommendations covering various aspects of public administration.

Key Points on Centre-State Relations:

• The ARC set up several Study Teams and Working Groups to delve into specific areas of administration.

• One crucial Study Team was dedicated to examining Centre-State Relations.

• This Study Team on Centre-State Relations was headed by M.C. Setalvad, who was also the first Attorney General of India (1950-1963).

• A significant recommendation made by the First ARC, stemming from its study on Centre-State relations, was the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council.

• The Commission recommended that this Council should be constituted under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, with the objective of promoting coordination between the Union and the States.

• The Inter-State Council was eventually set up in 1990, based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, which also reiterated the need for such a body, drawing inspiration from the ARC's suggestions.

• The recommendations of the First ARC laid the groundwork for many administrative reforms in the country, influencing subsequent policies and administrative structures.