The Sarkaria Commission, officially known as the “Commission on Centre-State Relations,” was set up in 1983 to examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the center and the states in India. The commission submitted its report in 1988, and its recommendations focused on several key aspects of center-state relations.
Appointment of Governors:
The Commission recommended that the appointment of Governors should be made after consultation with the Chief Minister of the concerned state.
Use of Article 356 (President’s Rule):
The Commission emphasized that the use of Article 356 (imposition of President’s Rule) should be sparing and under extreme circumstances. It recommended that President’s Rule should only be imposed when there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in a state.
Inter-State Water Disputes:
The Commission recommended setting up permanent and independent tribunals for resolving inter-state water disputes.
Distribution of Legislative Powers:
It suggested that there should be a strict adherence to the distribution of legislative powers as outlined in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
Role of Governors:
The Commission clarified the role of Governors, stating that they should act as a bridge between the center and the states and not as representatives of the center in the states.
Inter-State Council:
The Commission recommended the establishment of an Inter-State Council, which should be a standing constitutional body to promote coordination and cooperation between the center and the states.
Role of Chief Ministers:
It suggested that Chief Ministers should be consulted by the Prime Minister on matters related to the appointment of Governors, the use of Article 356, and other issues affecting center-state relations.
Financial Relations:
The Commission recommended the creation of a statutory Finance Commission to address issues related to the distribution of financial resources between the center and the states.
It’s important to note that while the Sarkaria Commission made several recommendations, not all of them were implemented. Additionally, the political and constitutional landscape has evolved since the commission’s report, and subsequent developments may have influenced center-state relations in India.
