Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2024 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements:
- The Inter-State Council (ISC) was set up under Article 263 of the Constitution.
- The Punchhi Commission recommended the establishment of the Inter-State Council.
- The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council.
- It discusses matters of common interests and suggests policies for better coordination.
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) 1 and 4
Statement 1 — CORRECT
The Inter-State Council (ISC) was established under Article 263 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to constitute such a council if it appears necessary for coordinating relations between states and between states and the Union. The ISC was formally set up in 1990 through a Presidential Order.
Statement 2 — INCORRECT
The establishment of the ISC was recommended by the Sarkaria Commission (1983), not the Punchhi Commission. The Punchhi Commission (2007) was a later body that examined Centre-State relations and made recommendations on strengthening federal governance, but it did not recommend the creation of the ISC as it already existed by then.
Statement 3 — INCORRECT
The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council, not the Union Home Minister. Its members include Chief Ministers of all states, Chief Ministers of Union Territories with legislatures, Administrators of UTs without legislatures, and six Union Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
Statement 4 — CORRECT
The ISC discusses matters of common interest between states and the Union, investigates and advises on inter-state disputes, and recommends policies for better coordination and cooperation among states and the Centre.
