Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the West Bengal Memorandum (1977):

1. It recommended replacing the word "Union" in the Constitution with "Federal".

2. It suggested that Articles 356, 357, and 360 be repealed.

3. It proposed giving the Rajya Sabha equal powers to the Lok Sabha.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All of the above

West Bengal Memorandum (1977)

• The West Bengal Memorandum, also known as the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee (1977) Report, was submitted by the Left Front Government of West Bengal.
• It was presented in December 1977 during the tenure of the Janata Party government at the Centre.
• The Chief Minister of West Bengal at that time was Jyoti Basu.
• The primary objective of the memorandum was to demand a radical restructuring of Centre-State relations in India, advocating for greater autonomy and decentralization of powers to the states.

Key Recommendations of the West Bengal Memorandum (1977)

• Replacement of "Union" with "Federal": The memorandum strongly advocated for replacing the word "Union" with "Federal" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the federal nature of the Indian polity.
• Repeal of Emergency Provisions: It called for the repeal of Article 356 (President's Rule), Article 357 (Legislative powers under President's Rule), and Article 360 (Financial Emergency).
  • Article 356, in particular, has been frequently criticized for its misuse to dismiss state governments.
• Equal Powers for Rajya Sabha: The memorandum proposed that the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), which represents the states, should be given equal powers to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) in all matters, including financial matters. This aimed to strengthen the federal character of the Parliament.
• Financial Autonomy: It demanded a fundamental change in the financial relations between the Centre and states, advocating for greater fiscal autonomy for states and a more equitable distribution of revenues.
• Abolition of All India Services: The memorandum also suggested the abolition of All India Services like the IAS and IPS, arguing that they undermine state autonomy as their members are controlled by the Centre.
• Limited Central Intervention: It proposed that the Centre's jurisdiction should be confined to defense, foreign affairs, communications, and currency, with all other subjects being within the exclusive domain of the states.

Significance and Impact

• While most of its radical recommendations were not implemented, the West Bengal Memorandum played a crucial role in initiating a national debate on Centre-State relations.
• It highlighted the demand for greater federalism and decentralization, influencing subsequent discussions and commissions on the subject, such as the Sarkaria Commission (1983).
• The memorandum is considered a significant document reflecting the aspirations of states for greater autonomy within the Indian federal structure.