Question

Consider the following statements regarding Administrative Relations.

(i) The President can establish an Inter-State Council to discuss matters of common interest between the Centre and states.
(ii) The mutual delegation of executive functions can occur only through an agreement between the Centre and states.
(iii) The Centre’s directions to states for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes are enforceable under Article 365.

• A. Only (i) and (ii)
• B. Only (i) and (iii)
• C. Only (ii) and (iii)
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Only (i) and (iii)

Administrative Relations between Centre and States

• The Indian Constitution establishes a detailed framework for the distribution of administrative powers between the Union (Centre) and the States.
• Part XI of the Constitution, specifically Articles 256 to 263, deals with these administrative relations.
• The executive power of the Union extends to giving directions to a state in certain specified matters, ensuring the effective implementation of central laws and policies across the country.
• Conversely, states are required to exercise their executive power in a manner that complies with parliamentary laws and avoids impeding the executive power of the Union.

Regarding Statement (i): Establishment of Inter-State Council

• The statement is correct. Article 263 of the Indian Constitution grants the President the power to establish an Inter-State Council.
• This council is set up if it appears to the President that the public interest would be served by its establishment.
• Its primary functions include inquiring into and advising upon disputes between states, investigating and discussing subjects of common interest between states or between the Union and states, and making recommendations for better policy coordination.
• Key Fact: The Inter-State Council was first established in 1990 following the significant recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983-88). The Prime Minister serves as its chairman.

Regarding Statement (ii): Mutual Delegation of Executive Functions

• The statement is incorrect because it uses the word