Question

onsider the following statements regarding the recommendations common to multiple commissions.
(i) Both the ARC and Sarkaria Commission recommended the establishment of an Inter-State Council under Article 263.
(ii) Both the Rajamannar Committee and West Bengal Memorandum recommended abolishing All-India Services.
(iii) Both the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and West Bengal Memorandum proposed limiting the Centre’s jurisdiction to defence, foreign affairs, communications, and currency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All of the above

Understanding Key Commissions and Recommendations on Centre-State Relations

• Many committees and commissions have been constituted in India to examine and recommend reforms concerning Centre-State relations, especially regarding the distribution of powers and financial resources. These reports are crucial for understanding the evolution of Indian federalism.

(i) Recommendations on Inter-State Council

• First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), 1966: This commission, headed by Morarji Desai (and later K. Hanumanthaiah), was set up to examine the public administration system. One of its significant recommendations was the establishment of an Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution to resolve disputes and foster coordination between the Centre and states.
• Sarkaria Commission, 1983: Chaired by Justice R.S. Sarkaria, this commission was specifically appointed by the Central government to examine the Centre-State relationship. It strongly recommended the establishment of a permanent and effective Inter-State Council as a forum for consultation and coordination on matters of common interest, based on the provisions of Article 263. The Inter-State Council was finally constituted in 1990 based on the Sarkaria Commission's recommendations.

(ii) Recommendations on All-India Services

• Rajamannar Committee, 1969: This committee was appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government under Dr. P.V. Rajamannar. It was formed to examine the entire question of Centre-State relations from the states' perspective. A key recommendation was the abolition of All-India Services (like IAS, IPS, IFS), arguing that they undermine the autonomy of states.
• West Bengal Memorandum, 1977: This memorandum, adopted by the Left Front Government of West Bengal, was a significant demand for greater state autonomy. It also advocated for the abolition of All-India Services, proposing that states should have their own services to administer their affairs, thereby enhancing state control over administration.

(iii) Recommendations on Limiting Central Jurisdiction

• Anandpur Sahib Resolution, 1973: Adopted by the Akali Dal in Punjab, this resolution was a major articulation of regional aspirations for greater autonomy. It proposed a drastic reduction in the Centre's powers, suggesting that the Union Government's jurisdiction should be limited to defence, foreign affairs, communications, and currency. All other residuary powers should be vested with the states.
• West Bengal Memorandum, 1977: Similar to the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, the West Bengal Memorandum also called for a significant devolution of powers to the states. It proposed that the Centre's jurisdiction be restricted primarily to defence, foreign affairs, communications, and economic coordination (which implicitly covers currency and planning). This reflected a strong demand for a more federal structure with enhanced state autonomy.