Question

Consider the following statements about the First ARC and Rajamannar Committee:

1. The First ARC was appointed by the Central Government, while the Rajamannar Committee was appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government.

2. Both bodies recommended setting up an Inter-State Council.

3. Both reports were fully implemented by the Central Government.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Understanding Key Committees on Centre-State Relations and Administrative Reforms

• The relationship between the Central Government and State Governments is a fundamental aspect of India's federal structure. Several committees and commissions have been formed over time to review and recommend changes to this relationship and to public administration.

The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) (1966-1970)

• The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was constituted by the Government of India (Central Government) in 1966.
• Its primary objective was to examine the entire public administration system in India and recommend reforms to make it more efficient, responsive, and accountable.
• Initially chaired by Morarji Desai, it later came under the chairmanship of K. Hanumanthaiya after Desai became Deputy Prime Minister.
• A significant recommendation of the First ARC concerning Centre-State relations was the establishment of an Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution. This council was envisioned as a body to investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and the States, or among States.
• While many of its recommendations regarding administrative reforms were implemented over time, the report was not fully implemented. For instance, the Inter-State Council, though recommended by ARC and later by the Sarkaria Commission, was eventually established only in 1990.

The Rajamannar Committee (1969)

• The Rajamannar Committee was appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1969.
• It was chaired by Dr. P.V. Rajamannar, a former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
• The committee was specifically tasked with examining the entire question of Centre-State relations and suggesting amendments to the Constitution to secure maximum autonomy for the states.
• Among its various recommendations for greater state autonomy, the Rajamannar Committee also strongly advocated for the immediate establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council. This council was intended to act as a body to resolve disputes between states and between the Centre and states, and to discuss matters of common interest before major policies were formulated.
• The Central Government, however, did not accept or implement most of the major recommendations of the Rajamannar Committee, particularly those that aimed at curtailing the powers of the Centre or advocating for a drastic re-distribution of powers. This was primarily due to concerns over national unity and the perceived weakening of the central authority.