In 1977, the communist administration in West Bengal released a memorandum and forwarded it to the federal government. The West Bengal Memorandum, a declaration released by the Communist administration in West Bengal in December 1977, includes the following recommendations:
- The word federation should be used in place of union in the constitution.
- Limit the centre’s authority to just dealing with issues related to defence, foreign policy, money, communications, and economic coordination.
- The states should have ownership of all other subjects, including the residue.
- Articles 356, 357, and 360 should be abolished.
- For the creation of new states or the reorganization of existing states, the consent of the state should be required.
- The Rajya Sabha needs to have the same authority as the Lok Sabha.
- All-India services should be eliminated, leaving only central and state services available.
