Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the Inter-State Council?

1. The Inter-State Council was established in 1990 following the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission.

2. It includes six Central cabinet ministers, including the Home Minister, as permanent members.

3. The Council is required to meet at least twice a year.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Inter-State Council

• The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a non-permanent constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. Its primary objective is to promote coordination between the Centre and States and among States themselves.

• It serves as a deliberative body to investigate, discuss, and advise on subjects of common interest between the Union and the states, or among the states.

Key Facts about the Inter-State Council:

• Formation based on Recommendations: The Inter-State Council was indeed established in 1990 by a Presidential Order on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission. The Sarkaria Commission, formed in 1983, was tasked with examining the relationship and balance of power between the Centre and states and made numerous recommendations for strengthening Centre-state relations, one of which was the constitution of a permanent Inter-State Council.

• Composition and Membership: The Council comprises:

  • The Prime Minister as the Chairman.

  • Chief Ministers of all States.

  • Chief Ministers of Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly.

  • Administrators of Union Territories not having a Legislative Assembly.

  • Six Union Cabinet Ministers, including the Home Minister, nominated by the Prime Minister. These six ministers serve as permanent invitees to the Council.

• Meeting Frequency: The Council is mandated to meet at least thrice a year. This frequency ensures regular discussions and coordination on issues of national importance and inter-state relations. The secretariat of the Inter-State Council is also the secretariat of the Zonal Councils, both headed by the Union Home Minister.

• Functions of the Council: The Council investigates and discusses subjects in which some or all of the States, or the Union and one or more of the States, have a common interest. It also makes recommendations upon any such subject for the better coordination of policy and action and deliberates on any other matter of general interest to the states, referred to it by the Chairman.