Inter-State Council meet was recently held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister after a gap of ten years. Chief Ministers of the States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories comprise the members of the Council. The essential task before the Council is to streamline relations between the Centre and the States and at the same time create good relationship among the federating states of the Indian Union.
Relations between the States and the Centre on the one hand and inter-states relations on the other are the crucial matters that come under discussion in the deliberations of the meet. Here we have the same old question of what has to be the nature of relationship between the Centre and the State. Question falls under the realm of federalism in our country. Indian federalism is both liberal as well as conservative. The Constitution has clearly laid down the jurisdictions of the Centre and the States in the form of Central List, State List and Concurrent List. Yet, notwithstanding these details that are properly scripted and enshrined in the Constitution, history has shown that questions have been raised about the jurisdiction and nature of jurisdiction enjoyed by the Centre and the States in relation to powers. An unjust impression has been created in the mind of leadership in some States that the Centre has usurped many powers which means erosion of the democratic authority of the States. Consequently, the Centre has been addressing this issue because it is of highest importance as far as the federal system of Indian State is concerned. In this connection, the Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission are of significance. These Commissions were constituted to advise the Government how very cordial relations should be forged among the States and between the States and the Centre. Many of these recommendations have been implemented.
Inter State Council meet is a mechanism that strengthens democratic process as well as Indian federalism. In its sessions, Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories can and do project the nuances of relationship with the Centre. Here, threadbare discussion on what the States expect and what the Centre would be willing to concede, is discussed in an objective manner. For example, we learn that in the Council meet under discussion, Punjab State representative accused the Centre of usurping the rights of the State. This is actually a legal and constitutional issue and has to be dealt with by the legal luminaries. In the same way, the suggestion of Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar was that the institution of Governor should be done away with or at least the procedure of appointing the Governor should be modified. This again is a constitutional and legal issue and has to be debated with legal experts. There could be many more suggestions and in final analysis, all this exercise is meant to bring about harmony of sorts in relations between the Centre and the States.
We do not rule out the existence of irritants between the Centre and the States or among the States. We may recollect that in recent past there were differences bordering on acrimony in relations between several States. These disputes can be resolved either through bilateral talks or through third party intervention or through the instrumentality of the Supreme Court or a Tribunal appointed by it.
However, apart from this, there has to be convergence of opinion among the states and the union on issue of vital national interest. The States have to accept that no compromise is possible on issues of national interest. In his speech at the meeting the Prime Minister raised the issue of terrorism as a serious threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. He said that the threat of terrorism was looming large on the head of humanity and this had to be met through united effort. For some years in the past, our country is drifting along the vote bank politics. This has given rise to many unhealthy practices like regionalism, casteism, parochialism and the rest of it. He reminded the State Chief Ministers that local or national politics should not be dragged in when ways and means of meeting the challenge of terrorism are discussed. India is a fine example of federalism. Each State has its specifications in more than one area of economic, social and political life. If the leaders of the States look at terrorism from these standpoints, it may not be possible for them to forge a common and decisive policy of meeting the challenge.
It goes to the credit of Prime Minister Modi to revive the meetings of an important institution called Inter-State Council. It will support and strengthen the democratic system of the country and at the same time, it will bring out the scope and substance of reforming inter-State and Centre -State relations.
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