Question

Which of the following statements about the First ARC recommendations are correct?

1. It called for transferring more financial resources to states.

2. It proposed delegating powers to states to the maximum extent.

3. It recommended that governors be appointed from among active state politicians.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)

• The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was constituted in January 1966 by the Government of India.

• 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, Morarji Desai served as its chairman. After Desai became Deputy Prime Minister in 1967, K. Hanumanthaiya took over as chairman.

• The Commission submitted 20 reports between 1966 and 1970, covering various aspects of administration including centre-state relations, financial administration, public sector undertakings, district administration, and personnel administration.

Key Recommendations of the First ARC

Transfer of Financial Resources to States

• The First ARC strongly advocated for the devolution of more financial resources from the Union government to the states.

• It emphasized the need for greater financial autonomy and flexibility for states to manage their developmental needs and programs effectively.

• This recommendation aimed to strengthen fiscal federalism and reduce the financial dependence of states on the Union government, thereby empowering states to play a more active role in their development.

Delegation of Powers to States

• The Commission recommended delegating powers to the maximum possible extent from the Centre to the States.

• It stressed the principle of decentralization, suggesting that powers and responsibilities should be exercised at the level closest to the people to enhance administrative efficiency.

• This was intended to improve responsiveness to local needs, reduce delays, and make the administration more accountable at the state and local levels.

Appointment of Governors

• Regarding the appointment of Governors, the First ARC did not recommend that governors be appointed from among active state politicians.

• Instead, it recommended that the person appointed as Governor should be an eminent personality from outside the state.

• Crucially, it suggested that the Governor should be someone who has not been actively involved in politics, especially in the politics of the state concerned, for some years immediately prior to their appointment.

• This recommendation aimed to ensure the neutrality and impartiality of the Governor's office. Subsequent commissions, such as the Sarkaria Commission (1983) and the Punchhi Commission (2007), also reiterated similar principles regarding the Governor's appointment, emphasizing non-partisanship and stature