Inter-State Council: Role in Centre-State Relations

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Polity | Topic: Federal Structure Sub-topic: Inter-State Council, Article 263, Zonal Councils Prelims Focus: Article 263, composition of ISC, Punchhi Commission recommendations Mains Focus: Federalism — role of ISC in Centre-state coordination, comparison with other federal bodies, need for strengthening

EXAMINER REASONING

Inter-State Council is a constitutional body under Article 263 to facilitate coordination between Centre and states. UPSC tests its composition and constitutional basis in Prelims. Mains questions focus on its role in resolving federal disputes, the Punchhi Commission recommendations, and why ISC meetings have been irregular.

Core Concept

The Inter-State Council (ISC) is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Constitution. It was set up in 1990 on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission (1983) to facilitate coordination between the Centre and states.

Constitutional Basis (Article 263)

The President has the power to establish an Inter-State Council for:

• Duty to investigate and discuss subjects of common interest
• Making recommendations for better coordination of policy and action
• Deliberating on matters referred by the President

Composition