Question

Consider the following statements about the Sarkaria Commission:

1. It was appointed in 1983 and submitted its report in 1988.

2. It recommended residuary powers of taxation to remain with Parliament.

3. It suggested reactivating Zonal Councils to promote federalism.

• 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

Sarkaria Commission

• The Sarkaria Commission was a commission set up by the Central Government of India in 1983 to examine the relationship and balance of power between the Centre and state governments in the country.

• It was headed by Justice R.S. Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. Its other members were B. Sivaraman and S. R. Sen.

• The Commission was appointed on June 9, 1983, and submitted its comprehensive 1600-page report, containing 247 recommendations, on January 27, 1988.

Key Recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission

• Residuary Powers of Taxation: The Commission recommended that the residuary powers of taxation should continue to remain with the Parliament, as enshrined in Article 248 of the Constitution. However, for other residuary subjects, it suggested that they should be placed in the Concurrent List to enable consultation between the Centre and states.

• Zonal Councils: The Commission strongly advocated for the reactivation and effective functioning of the Zonal Councils. These councils, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, were envisioned as forums for inter-state cooperation and consultation, thereby promoting cooperative federalism. The Commission recommended that they should meet regularly and their recommendations should be taken seriously.

• Inter-State Council: A significant recommendation was the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution. This council was meant to serve as a robust institutional mechanism for consultation, coordination, and resolution of disputes between the Centre and states, and among states themselves. The Inter-State Council was finally constituted in 1990.

• Role of Governor: The Commission recommended that the Governor should be a person of eminence from outside the state and a detached figure. It suggested that while appointing a Governor, the Chief Minister of the concerned state should be consulted. It also recommended that the Governor should not play an active role in state politics.

• Article 356 (President's Rule): The Commission stated that Article 356 (imposition of President's Rule in states) should be used sparingly and only in extreme cases as a last resort. It emphasized that before imposing President's Rule, all alternative courses of action must be exhausted.

• All-India Services: It rejected the demand for the abolition of All-India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS etc.), stating that they are essential for maintaining the unity and integrity of the country and for promoting administrative efficiency.

• Financial Relations: The Commission recommended greater devolution of financial resources from the Centre to the states. It also suggested that the surcharge on income tax should not be levied by the Centre exclusively for itself but shared with the states.

• Deployment of Armed Forces: It stated that the Centre should have the right to deploy its armed forces in a state even without the state's consent, but emphasized that states should be consulted as far as possible.

Impact and Significance

• While not all recommendations were implemented, the Sarkaria Commission's report remains a landmark document providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving Centre-State relations in India. Many of its recommendations have influenced subsequent reforms and policy decisions, strengthening the federal structure of the country