Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the Inter-State Council:

1. The Inter-State Council Secretariat, established in 1991, also functions as the secretariat for the Zonal Councils since 2011.

2. The Council’s standing committee is chaired by the Prime Minister.

3. The Council can investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Centre and the states.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1 and 3 only

Inter-State Council

• The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. It was set up in 1990 by a Presidential Order on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission (1983-1987).

• Its primary objective is to promote coordination between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves, by investigating and discussing subjects of common interest.

• The Council's composition includes the Prime Minister as the Chairman, Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislative assemblies, and Administrators of Union Territories without legislative assemblies. Six Union Cabinet Ministers, nominated by the Prime Minister, are also members.

• The Standing Committee of the Inter-State Council, established in 1996, is chaired by the Union Home Minister, not the Prime Minister. Its members include nine Union Cabinet Ministers and nine Chief Ministers. This committee processes matters for the Council and monitors the implementation of its recommendations.

• The Inter-State Council Secretariat was established in 1991 and is headed by a Secretary to the Government of India. It assists the Council and its Standing Committee in their functions.

• Since 2011, the Inter-State Council Secretariat also functions as the secretariat for the Zonal Councils, streamlining administrative support for both these crucial bodies dealing with inter-state cooperation.

• The Council's duties, as per Article 263, include inquiring into and advising upon disputes between states, investigating and discussing subjects in which the Union and states have a common interest, and making recommendations for better coordination of policy and action.

• It is an advisory body and its recommendations are not binding, but they carry significant weight in fostering cooperative federalism