Inter-State Council

Notes

Art. 263 allows the President to establish an Inter-State Council if it appears that public interest would be served, and to define its duties and organisation. It is a constitutional but not mandatory body.

Establishment: The Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommended a permanent council; it was set up by a Presidential Order in 1990 under the V.P. Singh Government. An Inter-State Council Secretariat was created in 1991 (under the Ministry of Home Affairs).

Composition

Prime Minister (Chairman).
Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories having Legislative Assemblies; Administrators of other Union Territories.
Six Union Cabinet Ministers, including the Home Minister, nominated by the PM. Four ministers may be invited as permanent invitees.

Functions

Inquire into and advise on disputes between States.
Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and States, or among States.
Recommend policy coordination and better implementation of a given subject.

Working

An advisory body; its recommendations are not binding. It is meant to meet at least thrice a year, but meets rarely. A Standing Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister prepares items.
The Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended making it a robust forum and having regular meetings.
Related bodies: NITI Aayog's Governing Council, Zonal Councils, GST Council, Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission (Art. 307).

Key Points

Art. 263; set up in 1990; Sarkaria Commission recommendation.
Chairman: Prime Minister.
Advisory; promotes Centre-State and inter-State coordination.
Standing Committee under the Union Home Minister.
Meets rarely despite the mandate of three meetings a year.

MCQs

Q1. The Inter-State Council is established under: (a) Art. 262 (b) Art. 263 (c) Art. 264 (d) Art. 280 Ans: (b).

Q2. The Chairman of the Inter-State Council is: (a) President (b) Prime Minister (c) Home Minister (d) Vice-President Ans: (b).