Why in the News?
The Government of India recently reconstituted the Inter-State Council (ISC), a constitutional body tasked with improving Centre-State coordination. This move aims to address growing federal challenges and foster cooperative governance in a diverse nation like India.
What is the Inter-State Council (ISC)?
- Constitutional Basis: Established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution.
- Purpose: Facilitate dialogue between the Centre and states to resolve disputes and promote collaborative policymaking.
- Historical Context: First set up in 1990 based on recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission (1988) to strengthen federalism.
Key Details of the Reconstituted ISC
Composition
| Role | Members |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Members | – All Chief Ministers of States – Chief Ministers/Administrators of Union Territories – 6 Union Cabinet Ministers (nominated by PM) |
| Standing Committee | Chaired by Union Home Minister; includes 5 Union Ministers and 9 CMs. |
Current Nominated Union Ministers:
- Home Minister
- Finance Minister
- Defence Minister
- Agriculture Minister
- Road Transport & Highways Minister
- Environment Minister
Why is the ISC Significant?
- Platform for Dialogue:
- Discusses contentious issues (e.g., GST disputes, resource sharing, or federal laws).
- Promotes consensus on national policies impacting states.
- Strengthens Federalism:
- Balances the Centre’s authority with states’ autonomy.
- Addresses asymmetries in India’s quasi-federal structure.
- Constitutional Mandate:
- Investigates disputes and recommends solutions (though recommendations are not legally binding).
- Recent Relevance:
- Critical for issues like COVID-19 management, NEP 2020 implementation, and resource allocation.
Key Functions Under Article 263
- Investigate Disputes: Mediate conflicts between states or between Centre and states.
- Discuss Common Interests: Deliberate on subjects like taxation, infrastructure, or national security.
- Recommend Solutions: Offer actionable steps to improve governance and cooperation.
Challenges Faced by the ISC
- Infrequent Meetings: Only 11 meetings held since 1990 (last full meeting in 2016; standing committee met in 2021).
- Non-Binding Outcomes: Recommendations lack legal enforceability.
- Political Differences: States ruled by opposition parties often question the Centre’s approach.
Why Reconfigure the ISC Now?
- Rising Federal Tensions:
- Disputes over funds (e.g., GST compensation), laws (e.g., farm reforms), and jurisdiction.
- Policy Coordination:
- Align states with national priorities like climate goals, digital governance, and infrastructure.
- Political Outreach:
- Strengthen trust with states ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Key Takeaways
Rebalancing Federalism: The ISC is a vital but underutilized tool to bridge Centre-State divides.
Inclusivity: All states and UTs get a seat at the table, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
Modern Challenges: Needs regular meetings and tech-driven solutions (e.g., virtual platforms) to stay relevant.
Did You Know?
- The ISC’s standing committee was revived in 2021 after a 7-year gap.
- The Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended empowering the ISC to handle emerging federal issues like cross-state crime and environmental governance.
