The Sarkaria Commission was established in 1983 to examine the relationship and balance of power between the Centre and the States in India. The Commission submitted its report in 1987, which contained several recommendations to improve the federal system of governance in the country. One of the leading recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission was the activation of Zonal Councils.

Activation of Zonal Councils:

The Zonal Councils are regional forums that promote cooperation and coordination among States in a particular zone. The Sarkaria Commission recommended that these councils should be activated and given more powers to deal with regional issues. The Commission suggested that the Zonal Councils should be headed by the Union Home Minister, and the Chief Ministers of the States in the zone should be members. The Councils should meet regularly to discuss issues of common interest and resolve disputes among States.

The Commission argued that the activation of Zonal Councils would help to strengthen the federal structure of governance in India. It would promote cooperation and coordination among States, and help to resolve inter-State disputes. The Zonal Councils would also provide a platform for the States to raise their concerns and grievances with the Centre.

Other recommendations:

Apart from the activation of Zonal Councils, the Sarkaria Commission made several other recommendations to improve the Centre-State relations in India. Some of these recommendations included:

- Strengthening of the Inter-State Council, which is a constitutional body that promotes cooperation among States and between the Centre and States.
- Revising the role and functions of the Governor, who is the constitutional head of the State.
- Providing more financial autonomy to the States and revising the division of functions between the Finance Commission and the Planning Commission.
- Strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system, which is a decentralized system of governance at the grassroots level.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Sarkaria Commission made several recommendations to improve the federal structure of governance in India. The activation of Zonal Councils was one of the leading recommendations, which aimed to promote cooperation and coordination among States in a particular zone. The Commission's recommendations have been instrumental in shaping the Centre-State relations in India and have contributed to the strengthening of the federal system of governance in the country.