Sarkaria Commission, History, Objective, Feature & Recommendation

Sarkaria Commission

The Indian government established the Sarkaria Commission in 1983 to look at a variety of concerns. The commission’s investigation into the relationship between the Centre and States was one of its main goals. R.S. Sarkaria served as the head of the Sarkaria Commission. The Sarkaria Commission is covered under the Indian Polity and Governance section of the UPSC Syllabus. Students can also go for UPSC Mock Test to get more accuracy in their preparation.

Sarkaria Commission History

The operation of democracy was significantly disrupted by the Centre-state conflict of interests. With time came new problems and tensions, as well as changes in the social, economic, and political spheres. The ability of the states and Centre to operate smoothly depends on cooperation.

In order to examine the relationship between the Union and the States, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed a commission. As R.S. Sarkaria, a retired Supreme Court judge, served as its head, this commission is known as the Sarkaria Commission. Dr. S.R. Sen and Shri B. Sivaraman were the Sarkaria Commission’s other members.

Also Read: Amendment of the Constitution of India

Sarkaria Commission Objective

In response to the drive for State autonomy, the Central Government established the Sarkaria Commission to offer suggestions regarding the Centre-State relationship. The Commission submitted its final report in 1988. The Indian Constitution’s authors placed a high priority on maintaining the integrity and unity of the country. They were aware of the factors contributing to the nation’s unrest and instability. At the period of independence, only a strong central authority could fend against these dangers.

The Administrative Reforms Commission and other Commissions were established by the Indian government to manage relations between the Centre and the States. The Union Government created the Sarkaria Commission to offer suggestions for ways to improve Centre-State relations. In 1983, the Sarkaria Commission was set up in response to demands for more autonomy. Its goal was to evaluate all present contracts between the Centres and the States and suggest any required changes or measures.

Sarkaria Commission Report

There are two parts to the Sarkaria Commission report. The primary report is presented in the first section of the report, and the memoranda submitted by the political parties and state governments are discussed in the second section. The paper discusses intergovernmental relations in the areas of governance and law.

The report of the Sarkaria Commission also emphasizes the necessity of creating an inter-state council and the benefits it would have for facilitating inter-governmental coordination.

Also Read: Delimitation Commission

Sarkaria Commission Feature

Rajiv Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister at the time, received the Sarkaria Commission’s report in 1987. The connection between the states and the Centre was thoroughly explained by this commission. The commission also gave a brief explanation of how Article 356 was used. The Sarkaria Commission outlined the benefits of Article 252 and the restriction on Indian government power. The Sarkaria Commission’s advice to establish a stable council in each state in accordance with Article 263 was another significant recommendation.

Sarkaria Commission Recommendations

In 1987, the Sarkaria Commission released its initial report, which had 247 recommendations. The commission vehemently opposed the notion of limiting the Centre’s authority. It was mentioned that maintaining the integrity and unity of the country requires a strong Centre. The Sarkaria Commission suggested selecting people with extensive public service experience.

For the states to become less reliant on the federal government, they must have adequate financial resources. A permanent interstate council was suggested by the Sarkaria Commission as a means of resolving disputes between the states. Judges of the Supreme Court shouldn’t be moved against their will.

Sarkaria Commission Recommendations on Governor

Regarding the selection of the Governors, the Sarkaria Commission made the following crucial recommendations. According to the Sarkaria Commission, the governor should be a reputable person and an outsider of the State or not from that particular state where he or she be is being appointed for. Prior to his appointment, he should not have been actively involved in politics, at least for a period.

Except for a second term as Governor or election as Vice-President or President of India, as the case may be, the person selected as Governor should not be eligible for any other appointments or important positions in the Union or a State Government after leaving office. According to the Sarkaria Commission, after the governor’s term is over, fair retirement benefits should be provided.

According to the Sarkaria Commission, the governor should be unbiased and not get too involved in the state’s local politics. He must be chosen following consultation with the Chief Minister of the State, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Vice-President of India.

Sarkaria Commission UPSC

The Sarkaria Commission supported the institutions’ current constitutional provisions and guiding principles and opposed structural changes. However, it concentrated on the requirement for operational or functional changes. It was emphasized that rather than being a fixed institutional idea, federalism is more of a practical structure for joint action. Students can read all the details related to UPSC by visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.

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