Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the Sarkaria Commission.
(i) It was a three-member commission appointed in 1983 to examine Centre-state relations.
(ii) It recommended that the residuary powers of taxation should remain with the Parliament.
(iii) All 247 recommendations of the commission were rejected by the Central government.

• 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)

Understanding the Sarkaria Commission

• The Sarkaria Commission was a significant body appointed by the Central Government to examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and States in India.
• Its primary objective was to recommend appropriate changes to strengthen Centre-State relations, keeping in mind the unity and integrity of the country.

Key Facts about the Sarkaria Commission:

• It was constituted in June 1983 by the Government of India.
• The commission was a three-member body:
  • Chairman: Justice R.S. Sarkaria (a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India).
  • Members: Shri B. Sivaraman and Dr. S.R. Sen.
• The commission was given a broad mandate to review the entire gamut of Centre-State relations, covering legislative, administrative, and financial aspects.
• It submitted its final report containing 247 recommendations in January 1988.

Recommendations and Their Fate:

• The statement that it recommended that the residuary powers of taxation should remain with the Parliament is correct. The Commission upheld the constitutional scheme, which vests residuary legislative powers (including taxation) with the Parliament (Article 248 and Entry 97 of the Union List).
• The statement that all 247 recommendations of the commission were rejected by the Central government is incorrect. While not all recommendations were implemented, a significant number were accepted and implemented, either fully or partially, over time.
• One of the most crucial recommendations that was accepted and implemented was the establishment of the Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution. This Council was set up in 1990 to facilitate coordination between states and the Centre.
• Other significant recommendations included:
  • Limiting the use of Article 356 (President's Rule) to extreme cases.
  • Consultation with the Chief Minister for the appointment of the Governor.
  • Strengthening the All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS).
  • Measures to enhance financial autonomy and resource sharing for states.
  • Making the legislative process for certain state bills more consultative.
• The recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission have served as a foundational text for debates and reforms related to Centre-State relations in India and continue to be relevant for governance discussions.