The Inter-State Council, which works to promote and support cooperative federalism in the country, has been reconstituted with PM Modi as Chairman and CMs of all States and six Union Ministers as members.

What is Inter-State Council (ISC)?

Genesis of ISC

• The Constitution of India in Article 263, provides for the establishment of Inter-State Council (ISC).
• The objective of the ISC is to discuss or investigate policies, subjects of common interest, and disputes among states.

Temporary or permanent?

• The articles says that ISC may be established “if at any time it appears to the President that the public interests would be served by the establishment of a Council”.
• Therefore, the constitution itself did not establish the ISC, because it was not considered necessary at the time the constitution was being framed, but kept the option for its establishment open.

Establishment as permanent body

• This option was exercised in 1990.
• The ISC was established as a permanent body on 28 May 1990 by a presidential order on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission.
• It had recommended that a permanent Inter-State Council called the Inter-Governmental Council (IGC) should be set up under Article 263.
• It cannot be dissolved and re-established.
• Therefore, the current status of ISC is that of a permanent constitutional body.

Aims of the ISC

• Decentralisation of powers to the states as much as possible
• More transfer of financial resources to the states
• Arrangements for devolution in such a way that the states can fulfil their obligations
• Advancement of loans to states should be related to as ‘the productive principle’
• Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in the states either on their request or otherwise

Composition

The Inter-State Council composes of the following members:

• Prime Minister, Chairman.
• Chief Ministers of all states.
• Chief Ministers of the union territories having legislative assemblies.
• Administrators of the union territories not having legislative assemblies.
• 6 Union Cabinet Ministers, including Home Minister, to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Governors of the states being administered under President’s rule.

Standing Committee

• Home Minister, Chairman
• 5 Union Cabinet Ministers
• 9 Chief Ministers

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now