Historical Background
- In 1969, the Tamil Nadu Government (DMK) appointed a three-member committee, chaired by Dr. P.V. Rajamannar, to investigate the entire issue of Centre-state relations.
- It wanted the committee to propose constitutional amendments to ensure the states’ maximum autonomy.
- In 1971, the committee delivered its report to the Tamil Nadu government.
Recommendations
The committee’s key recommendations are as follows
- An Inter-State Council should be formed immediately.
- The Finance Commission should be made permanent.
- The Planning Commission should be disbanded and replaced by a statutory body.
- Articles 356, 357, and 365 (concerning President’s Rule) should be deleted entirely.
- The provision stating that the state ministry holds office at the pleasure of the governor should be removed.
- Certain subjects from the Union List and the Concurrent List should be transferred to the State List.
- Residuary powers should be devolved to the states.
- All-India services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS should be phased out.
Conclusion
The Committee identified the causes of the country’s current unitary trends (centralization tendencies). They are as follows:
- Certain constitutional provisions conferring special powers on the Centre;
- One-party rule both at the Centre and in the states;
- Inadequacy of state fiscal resources and consequent reliance on the Centre for financial assistance; and
- The institution of Central planning and the role of the Planning Commission.Top of Form
