Question

Consider the following statements about Punchhi Commission recommendations:

1. It recommended time limits for both State Legislature and the President in matters of state bills reserved for consideration.

2. It supported the continuation of the All India Services.

3. It proposed setting up an Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission under Article 307.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All are correct

Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations

• The Punchhi Commission was constituted by the Government of India in April 2007 to examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and States.
• It was chaired by Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, a former Chief Justice of India. The Commission submitted its report in 2010.
• Its mandate was to look into the areas of Centre-State relations, focusing on legislative, administrative, and financial aspects, considering the changes in the political and economic landscape since the Sarkaria Commission.

Key Recommendations of the Punchhi Commission:

• Time Limit for Presidential Assent to State Bills:
  • The Commission recommended that a time limit of six months should be fixed for the President to decide on a State Bill reserved for his consideration by the Governor.
  • It also suggested a similar time limit for the Governor to give assent to a bill or reserve it for the President's consideration (under Article 200 of the Constitution).
  • This recommendation aimed to prevent indefinite delays in the legislative process and ensure legislative certainty in states.
• Support for All India Services (AIS):
  • The Punchhi Commission strongly supported the continuation of the All India Services (AIS), namely the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
  • It emphasized their vital role in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country and ensuring a uniform standard of administration across different states.
  • While supporting their continuation, the Commission also proposed certain reforms in their recruitment, training, and deployment to make them more responsive and accountable.
  • Fact for exams: Article 312 of the Indian Constitution provides for the creation of All India Services.
• Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission:
  • The Commission proposed the setting up of a permanent Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission.
  • This body would be constituted under Article 307 of the Constitution.
  • Its primary role would be to ensure the smooth and free flow of inter-state trade and commerce (as guaranteed by Article 301) and to act as a neutral adjudicator for disputes arising from restrictions on trade between states.
• Other Significant Recommendations:
  • Appointment and Removal of Governor: Suggested that the Governor should be appointed by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Minister of the concerned state. It also recommended a fixed tenure of five years and a procedure for impeachment by the state legislature.
  • Use of Article 356 (President's Rule): Advocated for strict adherence to the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the S.R. Bommai case (1994) for imposing President's Rule. It also suggested a provision for 'localized emergency' to deal with specific internal disturbances rather than imposing President's Rule across the entire state.
  • National Integration Council (NIC): Recommended that the NIC should meet at least once a year.
  • Consultation on Treaties: Suggested that states should be consulted before the Union government signs international treaties and agreements that affect subjects on the State List.
  • Concurrent List: Emphasized greater consultation with states on legislative matters falling under the Concurrent List.