Salient Features of the Sarkaria Commission:
The Sarkaria Commission, officially known as the Commission on Centre-State Relations, was constituted by the Government of India in 1983 to examine and recommend measures to improve the center-state relations in India's federal system. Chaired by Justice R.S. Sarkaria, the commission submitted its report in 1988, outlining several salient features and recommendations to address issues related to federalism, governance, and inter-governmental relations. Here are the key features of the Sarkaria Commission report:
a. Principles of Federalism: The commission emphasized the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, including the division of powers between the central and state governments, distribution of financial resources, and autonomy of states in their respective spheres of jurisdiction. It underscored the importance of cooperative federalism and mutual respect for the constitutional framework.
b. Role and Responsibilities of States: The commission recognized the vital role of states in India's federal structure and advocated for the empowerment of states in decision-making processes, policy implementation, and resource allocation. It recommended measures to enhance state autonomy, fiscal federalism, and administrative efficiency while safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation.
c. Centre-State Relations: The commission examined various aspects of center-state relations, including legislative powers, financial relations, emergency provisions, and inter-governmental cooperation. It proposed guidelines and mechanisms to foster cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the center and states, promoting harmonious relations and effective governance.
d. Governor's Role and Functioning: The commission reviewed the role and functioning of governors in states, recommending criteria for the appointment, tenure, and powers of governors to ensure impartiality, constitutional propriety, and accountability. It advocated for governors to act as constitutional heads of states, upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.
e. Interstate Water Disputes: The commission addressed issues related to interstate water disputes, recommending institutional mechanisms, legal frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms to adjudicate conflicts over water sharing and management among states. It emphasized the need for equitable and sustainable water resource management to prevent inter-state tensions and promote cooperation.
f. Emergency Provisions: The commission examined the provisions related to the proclamation of President's Rule and emergency powers under the Indian Constitution, proposing safeguards, checks, and balances to prevent misuse or arbitrary exercise of emergency powers. It recommended criteria and procedures for the imposition of President's Rule, ensuring democratic norms and constitutional propriety.
g. Implementation and Follow-up: The commission's recommendations were aimed at fostering consensus, dialogue, and constructive engagement between the center and states to address issues of mutual concern and national interest. It called for the implementation of its recommendations through legislative reforms, administrative measures, and inter-governmental agreements, ensuring effective governance and constitutional harmony.
In summary, the Sarkaria Commission's report laid the groundwork for enhancing center-state relations, promoting cooperative federalism, and strengthening India's federal democratic framework. Its recommendations provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of federal governance, guiding subsequent reforms and policy initiatives aimed at fostering unity, diversity, and democratic governance in India.
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