Question

Which of the following statements about the Punchhi Commission are correct?

1. It recommended fixed five-year tenures for governors.

2. It proposed guidelines for the governor’s role in case of a hung assembly.

3. It recommended that governors should continue as chancellors of universities.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Punchhi Commission: Key Facts and Recommendations

• The Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations was constituted by the Government of India in 2007.
• It was chaired by Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, a former Chief Justice of India. The Commission submitted its report in 2010.
• Its primary mandate was to examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and States and recommend changes to address contemporary challenges.

Recommendations related to Governors:

• The Commission recommended a fixed five-year tenure for Governors. It suggested that the 'doctrine of pleasure' should be removed from the Constitution, and Governors should be removed only by a resolution of the State Legislature, similar to the President's impeachment process.
• It proposed clear guidelines for the Governor's role in the event of a hung assembly (where no single party or pre-poll alliance achieves a clear majority). The guidelines suggested inviting the leader of the single largest pre-poll alliance first, or the single largest party if no pre-poll alliance exists, to form the government and prove their majority on the floor of the House within a reasonable time.
• Contrary to one of the statements, the Punchhi Commission recommended that Governors should not continue as Chancellors of universities. It suggested that this role should be separated from the office of Governor to reduce potential for political interference and allow the Governor to focus solely on constitutional duties. This aims to depoliticize the university administration.

Other Significant Recommendations:

• The Commission reiterated that Article 356 (President's Rule) should be used only as a last resort, aligning with the Supreme Court's pronouncements in the S.R. Bommai case (1994).
• It recommended that the Centre should consult states before formulating treaties with foreign countries that might affect state interests.
• The Commission also suggested exploring possibilities of sharing mineral revenue with states and allowing states to levy taxes on certain services to improve their financial autonomy.