Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India in 1990. It serves as a platform for consultation between the Centre and States, and amongst the States themselves, on matters of common interest. The establishment of the ISC was a significant step towards strengthening cooperative federalism in India, particularly in the wake of increasing demands for greater state autonomy and addressing inter-state disputes. While initially underutilized, recent attempts have been made to revitalize the Council, recognizing its potential to foster a more harmonious and coordinated Centre-State relationship.
Composition of the Inter-State Council
The composition of the ISC has evolved over time. Originally, Article 263 outlined a rather flexible structure. However, the Inter-State Council Act, 2006, provided a more defined framework:
- The President of India: Ex-officio Chairman.
- The Prime Minister: Ex-officio Vice-Chairman.
- Six Union Ministers: Nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Chief Ministers of all States: All states are represented by their Chief Ministers.
- Administrators of Union Territories: Administrators of Union Territories.
The Act also allows for the inclusion of other members as deemed necessary. The Council meets periodically, though the frequency has been inconsistent.
Functions of the Inter-State Council
The functions of the ISC, as outlined in the 2006 Act, are broad and encompass a wide range of issues:
- Inquiry and Advice: To inquire into and advise upon disputes which may have arisen between States.
- Coordination: To promote coordination and cooperation between States and between the Centre and States.
- Policy Formulation: To discuss and formulate policies on any matter affecting the States.
- Recommendations: To make recommendations to the Centre and States on any matter within its purview.
- Review of Existing Arrangements: To review existing arrangements for coordination and cooperation between States.
Specifically, the ISC can address issues like:
- Water disputes (e.g., Cauvery, Krishna)
- Security concerns (e.g., Naxalism, cross-border terrorism)
- Transport and communication
- Electricity and energy
- Environmental protection
- Economic development and planning
Success and Limitations of the Inter-State Council
Assessing the success of the ISC is complex. While it has achieved some notable successes, it has also faced significant limitations:
Successes
- Platform for Dialogue: The ISC provides a crucial platform for dialogue and negotiation between the Centre and States, fostering a spirit of cooperative federalism.
- Resolution of Disputes: It has played a role in resolving some inter-state disputes, although often indirectly by facilitating bilateral agreements.
- Policy Coordination: The ISC has contributed to better policy coordination on issues like GST implementation and disaster management.
- Increased State Participation: The Council encourages greater state participation in national policy-making.
Limitations
- Infrequent Meetings: The ISC has met infrequently, hindering its effectiveness. Between 1990 and 2016, it met only three times. The fourth meeting was held in 2023.
- Lack of Binding Powers: The ISC’s recommendations are not binding on the Centre or the States, reducing its impact.
- Political Considerations: The effectiveness of the ISC can be hampered by political considerations and Centre-State relations.
- Overlapping Mandates: Other forums, such as zonal councils and bilateral meetings, also address inter-state issues, leading to overlapping mandates.
- Implementation Challenges: Even when agreements are reached, implementation can be slow and uneven.
The 2006 Act aimed to address some of these limitations by providing a more structured framework, but the infrequent meetings continue to be a major drawback. The revival of the ISC under the current government, with the fourth meeting held in 2023, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Centre-State relations, but sustained engagement is crucial for long-term success.
Conclusion
The Inter-State Council remains a vital, though underutilized, institution for promoting cooperative federalism in India. While it has facilitated dialogue and contributed to policy coordination, its infrequent meetings and non-binding recommendations have limited its overall impact. Revitalizing the ISC through more frequent meetings, strengthening its institutional capacity, and giving greater weight to its recommendations are essential steps towards realizing its full potential and fostering a more harmonious and effective Centre-State relationship. A more proactive and engaged ISC can play a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges facing India’s federal structure.
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.