Central- State relations-Rajmannar Committee

Why in News? Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin  has recently expressed concerns over the erosion of state powers and announced the formation of a high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph.

• This move aims to revisit the Centre-State relationship and suggest measures to strengthen constitutional rights for states.

Relevance : Pre & Mains

Prelims-Key recommendations of Rajmannar Committee/Punchii/Sarkaria Commissions & Important related articles

Mains- GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity)

Historical Background – Rajamannar Committee:

• In 1969, Tamil Nadu’s then Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai formed the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee under Justice P.V. Rajamannar.
• The committee examined Centre-State relations, focusing on reducing centralization and enhancing state autonomy.

About the Rajamannar Committee (1969):

The Rajamannar Committee (1969), appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government, was tasked with examining Centre-State relations in India and suggesting measures to address perceived imbalances in the federal structure. Its recommendations aimed to enhance state autonomy and promote a more balanced federal relationship.

Key Recommendations of the Rajamannar Committee:

Strengthening State Autonomy:

• The committee emphasized greater autonomy for states, arguing that the Centre’s dominance undermined federal principles.
• It recommended transferring certain subjects from the Union List and Concurrent List to the State List to give states more legislative and administrative powers.

Financial Relations:

• Proposed that states should have greater control over financial resources to reduce dependency on the Centre.
• Suggested revising the Finance Commission’s tax-sharing formula to allocate a larger share of taxes to states.
• Recommended that states should have the power to levy certain taxes currently under the Centre’s control.

Limiting Centre’s Overreach:

• Advocated for restricting the use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) to prevent its misuse for political purposes. The committee suggested clear guidelines and judicial review for its imposition.
• Recommended that the Centre should consult states before legislating on Concurrent List

Inter-State Council:

• Proposed the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council (under Article 263) as a consultative body to resolve disputes and foster cooperation between the Centre and states. This would ensure states’ voices are heard in national policy-making.

Governor’s Role:

• Suggested that the Governor should be appointed in consultation with the state government to ensure impartiality and reduce the perception of the Governor as a Central agent.
• Recommended that the Governor’s discretionary powers be minimized to prevent interference in state governance.

All-India Services:

• Proposed that states should have greater control over officers of All-India Services (IAS, IPS, etc.) posted in their jurisdictions to align their functioning with state priorities.

Planning and Development:

• Criticized the Planning Commission for centralizing economic planning and reducing states’ roles. The committee suggested that states should have more say in planning and resource allocation.
• Recommended that the National Development Council (NDC) be made a more effective body with equal representation for states.

Emergency Provisions:

• Suggested amendments to emergency provisions (Articles 352, 356, and 360) to prevent their misuse and ensure they are invoked only in genuine crises, with state consent where possible.

Judicial and Legislative Reforms:

• Proposed that states should have a greater role in the appointment of High Court judges.
• Recommended that the Rajya Sabha should have equal representation from all states to strengthen the federal character of the legislature.
• Several constitutional bodies and commissions in India have provided suggestions to strengthen Centre-State relations, promoting cooperative federalism.

Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988):

Background: Appointed to review Centre-State relations and suggest improvements.

Key Suggestions:

Inter-State Council: Emphasized making the Inter-State Council (under Article 263) a permanent, effective body for consultation and dispute resolution between the Centre and states.

Article 356: Recommended strict guidelines for invoking President’s Rule, ensuring it is used only as a last resort and with prior consultation with the state government.

Governor’s Role: Suggested Governors be appointed after consulting the Chief Minister and serve a fixed term to ensure impartiality.

Financial Relations: Advocated for a balanced tax-sharing mechanism and greater state autonomy in financial matters, including more devolution of funds via the Finance Commission.

All-India Services: Proposed that states have a stronger say in the posting and disciplining of All-India Services officers.

Legislative Powers: Recommended that the Centre legislate on Concurrent List subjects only after consulting states.

Punchhi Commission (2007-2010):

• Background: Set up to revisit Sarkaria Commission recommendations in light of changing political and economic dynamics.

Key Suggestions:

Emergency Provisions: Proposed a “flexible and consultative mechanism” for invoking Article 356, including a warning system and parliamentary oversight.

Governor’s Accountability: Suggested a clear tenure for Governors and a mechanism for their removal if they act against state interests.

Financial Autonomy: Recommended increasing the states’ share of central taxes and reducing reliance on discretionary grants.

Local Governance: Advocated strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions to decentralize power further, easing Centre-State tensions.

Inter-State Water Disputes: Suggested a permanent tribunal for quicker resolution of water-sharing issues.

NITI Aayog: Proposed enhancing the role of NITI Aayog (replacing the Planning Commission) as a platform for cooperative federalism.

 National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2000-2002)

• Background: Tasked with reviewing the Constitution’s functioning and suggesting amendments.

Key Suggestions:

Federal Balance: Recommended devolving more powers to states, especially on economic and social subjects.

Finance Commission: Suggested making the Finance Commission’s recommendations binding to ensure fair resource distribution.

Concurrent List: Proposed reducing Centre’s dominance in Concurrent List subjects by involving states in decision-making.

Judicial Reforms: Advocated for state consultation in the appointment of High Court judges to reflect federal spirit.

 Finance Commission (Periodic Recommendations):

• Background: Constitutional body under Article 280 that recommends tax devolution between Centre and states.

Key Suggestions (e.g., 15th Finance Commission, 2020-21):

• Increased the states’ share of the divisible pool of taxes from 32% to 41% (later adjusted to 40% post-GST), enhancing financial autonomy.
• Recommended grants-in-aid to states for specific needs, like disaster management and local governance, to reduce fiscal imbalances.

Inter-State Council (ISC):

• Background: Established in 1990 based on Sarkaria recommendations, it serves as a forum for Centre-State dialogue.
• Key Suggestions/Role:

• • Encouraged regular meetings to discuss policy coordination and resolve disputes.
  • Suggested creating sub-committees to address specific issues like trade, taxation, and infrastructure.