Inter State Council (Article 263) - Delhi Police Constable PDF Download

Constitutional Provisions of the Inter-State Council

The Inter-State Council is not only established to resolve disputes between states but also to investigate and discuss subjects in which some or all of the States or the Union and one or more of the States have a common interest. This facilitates better coordination of policy and action across the country. It operates under the purview of Article 263 of the Constitution and serves as an administrative body to prevent inter-state disputes through investigation and recommendations.

Composition of the Inter-State Council

The Inter-State Council is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises Chief Ministers of States and Union territories with Legislative Assemblies, Governors of States under President's Rule, and six Cabinet-ranked Union Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister. Additionally, two Cabinet-ranked Union Ministers are nominated as permanent invitees.

Distinctiveness from GST Council & Finance Commission

Unlike the GST Council, which includes finance ministers of states, the Inter-State Council consists of elected political heads of states. It also differs from the Finance Commission, where technocrats focus on tax distribution. The primary purpose of the Inter-State Council is to inquire into and advise upon disputes between states, discuss subjects of common interest, and coordinate policies.

Duties of the Inter-State Council

The Inter-State Council's duties involve deliberating on matters of general interest to the States referred by the Chairman, inquiring into and advising on inter-state disputes, discussing subjects with common interests, and making recommendations for better policy and action coordination.

Current Status

While the Inter-State Council holds immense potential to address regionalism, disparities, and center-state relations, it has met only 12 times since its inception. The last meeting in November 2017 came after a ten-year gap between the 10th meeting in 2006 and the 11th meeting in 2016. For the council to effectively serve its purpose, regular meetings must be established.

Other Types of Councils

Apart from the Inter-State Council, there are other bodies that play crucial roles in India's governance system:

Zonal Council

Zonal Councils were proposed by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1956 to foster cooperation among states. The inter-state council secretariat organizes these meetings chaired by the Union Home Minister. India has five zones - east, central, north, west, and south - and a separate North Eastern Council for northeastern states.

National Development Council

Established in 1952, the National Development Council serves as an apex body for decision-making and deliberations on development matters. It is presided over by the Prime Minister and comprises Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states and UTs, administrators of Union Territories, and members of the Planning Commission.

Conclusion

The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body designed to address inter-state conflicts and foster cooperation. To enhance its efficacy, regular meetings are essential. With the support of other councils like the Zonal Council and the National Development Council, India can achieve better coordination and development among its states. However, it is crucial for the government to implement the recommendations of various committees and commissions to redefine center-state relations effectively.