The Punchhi Commission, officially known as the “Commission on Centre-State Relations,” was set up by the Government of India in 2007 to examine and review the existing arrangements between the center and the states. The commission was chaired by Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, the former Chief Justice of India. The Punchhi Commission submitted its report in 2010, and its recommendations covered various aspects of center-state relations.
- Governor’s Role:
- The commission recommended that the Governor’s discretionary powers should be exercised with care and caution, and the appointment process should be more transparent. It also suggested that the Governor’s term should be aligned with the tenure of the government.
- Article 356 (President’s Rule):
- The commission recommended that the use of Article 356 (imposition of President’s Rule) should be sparing and should only be invoked in situations of extreme constitutional breakdown.
- Inter-Governmental Relations:
- The commission proposed the establishment of a standing Inter-State Council to promote better coordination and cooperation between the center and the states. This council was intended to serve as a forum for the resolution of inter-state disputes and for discussing common issues of national importance.
- Financial Relations:
- The commission recommended setting up a Finance Commission at the national level to examine and suggest measures for the devolution of financial resources between the center and the states.
- Natural Resources:
- The commission suggested that there should be a fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of natural resources between the center and the states.
- Security and Border Management:
- The commission proposed a National Security Council to ensure coordinated decision-making on matters of national security and border management.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- The commission recommended the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to streamline the indirect tax system and enhance fiscal federalism.
- Environment and Forests:
- It suggested the creation of a national environment council to address environmental issues and ensure sustainable development.
It’s important to note that the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission were aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in center-state relations. While some recommendations may have been implemented or influenced policy discussions, the adoption of these recommendations depended on the political will and consensus among the center and the states.
