Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian federal system, while quasi-federal in nature, has historically faced tensions between the Centre and the States. To address these, the Commission on Centre-State Relations, commonly known as the Punchhi Commission, was constituted in 2007 under Justice Madan B. Lokur. Submitted in 2010, the Commission aimed to review the constitutional provisions relating to Centre-State relations and recommend solutions to strengthen the federal structure. Its recommendations sought to address issues of imbalances, overlapping jurisdictions, and the need for greater cooperation between the Union and the States, particularly in areas like finance, law and order, and governance.
Key Recommendations of the Punchhi Commission
The Punchhi Commission made a comprehensive set of recommendations, broadly categorized as follows:
1. Legislative & Constitutional Amendments
- Article 356 (President’s Rule): The Commission recommended amending Article 356 to ensure its more judicious use. It suggested that before imposing President’s Rule, the Centre should exhaust all available avenues for resolving the crisis through dialogue and negotiation with the State government. It also proposed a time limit for the imposition of President’s Rule.
- National Integration Council: Revitalizing the National Integration Council (NIC) to serve as a platform for regular dialogue and consultation between the Centre and States on issues of national importance.
- Inter-State Disputes: Strengthening the Inter-State Council as a permanent body with a dedicated secretariat to resolve disputes between states effectively.
- Amendments to the Seventh Schedule: The Commission suggested a review of the State List and Concurrent List to address ambiguities and overlapping jurisdictions.
2. Financial Recommendations
- Tax Devolution: Increasing the States’ share in the divisible pool of central taxes. The Commission recommended a higher percentage of tax devolution to provide States with greater financial autonomy. (As of knowledge cutoff 2023, the 15th Finance Commission recommended 41% devolution).
- Grants-in-Aid: Reforming the system of grants-in-aid to States, making it more transparent and predictable. The Commission advocated for a formula-based approach to grant allocation, considering factors like population, poverty, and infrastructure.
- GST Compensation: While the GST was not yet implemented at the time of the Commission’s report, it anticipated the need for a robust compensation mechanism to address revenue losses faced by States during the transition to the GST regime.
3. Administrative & Governance Reforms
- All India Services: The Commission proposed reforms to the All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) to enhance their accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the States. It suggested greater State control over the cadre management of these services.
- Law and Order: Recognizing the importance of maintaining law and order as a State subject, the Commission recommended that the Centre should refrain from interfering in State police matters except in exceptional circumstances.
- Cooperative Federalism: Promoting a spirit of cooperative federalism through greater consultation and collaboration between the Centre and States on policy matters.
- Zonal Councils: Strengthening the role of Zonal Councils to foster greater coordination and cooperation among States within each zone.
4. Specific Issues
- Naxalism: The Commission emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the Naxalite problem, involving both the Centre and the affected States. It advocated for greater investment in infrastructure and development in Naxal-affected areas.
- Border Disputes: Establishing a mechanism for resolving inter-state border disputes through negotiation and mediation.
| Area of Reform | Punchhi Commission Recommendation |
|---|---|
| President’s Rule | Judicious use, dialogue first, time limit |
| Financial Devolution | Increase State share in divisible pool, formula-based grants |
| All India Services | Greater State control over cadre management |
| Inter-State Disputes | Strengthen Inter-State Council with permanent secretariat |
Conclusion
The Punchhi Commission’s recommendations represent a significant attempt to address the long-standing issues in Centre-State relations and strengthen Indian federalism. While not all recommendations have been fully implemented, they continue to be relevant in the context of evolving dynamics between the Union and the States. The emphasis on cooperative federalism, financial autonomy for States, and judicious use of constitutional powers remains crucial for ensuring a harmonious and effective federal structure in India. Further reforms, building upon the Commission’s insights, are essential to address emerging challenges and promote a more balanced and equitable federal system.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.