Consider the following statements regarding the Sarkaria Commission.
(i) It was appointed in 1983 and submitted 247 recommendations in 1988.
(ii) It recommended that the net proceeds of corporation tax should be shareable with the states.
(iii) It suggested that the governor’s term should not be disturbed except for compelling reasons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A(i) and (ii) only
B(ii) and (iii) only
C(i) and (iii) only
DAll of the above
Answer:
D. All of the above
Read Explanation:
Understanding the Sarkaria Commission
The Sarkaria Commission was a commission set up by the Central government of India in 1983.
Its primary mandate was to examine the Centre-State relations in India, especially in the context of various political, economic, and social changes that had occurred since the adoption of the Constitution.
It was headed by Justice Ranjit Singh Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. Its other members were B. Sivaraman and S. R. Sen.
Key Facts and Recommendations
The Commission was appointed in June 1983 and submitted its voluminous 1600-page report in January 1988.
It made a total of 247 recommendations to improve Centre-State relations, though it did not suggest any major structural changes to the constitutional framework.
Many of its recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperative federalism in India.
Significant Recommendations of the Commission
On Financial Relations:
The Commission thoroughly examined various aspects of financial resource distribution between the Centre and states.
It recommended that the net proceeds of corporation tax should be shareable with the states. This recommendation aimed at providing states with a larger share of resources to meet their growing expenditure needs.
It also suggested that the surcharge on income tax should not be levied by the Centre for long periods for purposes other than sharing with the states.
On the Office of Governor:
The Commission made several crucial recommendations regarding the Governor's role to ensure impartiality and proper functioning.
It suggested that the Governor’s term should not be disturbed except for compelling reasons and that the reasons for removal should be communicated to the Governor.
It recommended that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the state and a detached figure.
Before appointing a Governor, the Chief Minister of the state concerned should be consulted.
The Governor should not be an active politician immediately before the appointment.
On Legislative Relations:
It recommended that the Centre should consult the states before legislating on concurrent list subjects.
It suggested that the President should consult the Chief Minister of the concerned state before giving assent to a bill reserved by the Governor for presidential consideration.
On Administrative Relations:
It strongly advocated for the establishment of the Inter-State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution to facilitate coordination between the Centre and states and among states. (This council was indeed set up in 1990).
It emphasized the need for proper consultation with states before deploying paramilitary forces.
It also suggested that Article 356 (President's Rule) should be used only in extreme cases as a measure of last resort.
Impact and Importance
Many of the Sarkaria Commission's recommendations have been implemented, significantly shaping Centre-State relations in India.
Its report remains a vital document for understanding the dynamics of Indian federalism and guiding policy decisions on inter-governmental relations.