Introduction
India is a Union of States, and the balance of power between the Union and State governments is vital for the smooth functioning of the country’s federal structure. The Indian Constitution envisaged a mechanism for regular consultation and collaboration between these two layers of government. The Inter-State Council (ISC), established under Article 263 of the Constitution, was meant to serve this purpose.
However, in practice, the ISC has remained more symbolic than functional. Despite its constitutional mandate, its meetings are irregular, and its recommendations often gather dust. In an era where centre-state tensions are growing due to issues such as resource sharing, governance overlaps, and political divergence, it becomes critical to evaluate the effectiveness of the ISC and suggest ways to revitalize it.
Origin and Role of the Inter-State Council
The Inter-State Council was constituted in 1990 on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission. It was created under Article 263, which allows the President to establish such a council to:
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Inquire and advise on inter-state disputes.
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Investigate matters where states and the Union have common interest.
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Recommend better coordination of policy and action between states and the Union.
Thus, its core aim is to provide a forum for dialogue, cooperation, and resolution—preventing issues from escalating into full-blown disputes.
Structure and Functions
The ISC is chaired by the Prime Minister and comprises:
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Union Cabinet Ministers
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Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislatures
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Administrators of UTs
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Six Union Ministers of Cabinet rank nominated by the PM as permanent invitees
Its standing committee, chaired by the Union Home Minister, assists in continuous monitoring and policy review.
The ISC discusses:
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Economic and social planning
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Inter-state water disputes
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Coordination on disaster response
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Internal security
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Matters relating to concurrent list legislation
This makes it a holistic forum addressing both national and regional interests.
Effectiveness and Achievements
1. Promoting Dialogue
The ISC has played a role in fostering political dialogue during times of national crises such as internal security threats and health emergencies.
2. Policy Inputs
Its discussions have led to inputs in policies such as GST negotiations, internal security coordination, and Centre-State fiscal relations.
3. Platform for Smaller States
It provides an equal voice to all states, including smaller or less influential ones, in shaping national policy.
Limitations of the Inter-State Council
1. Infrequency of Meetings
Despite its importance, ISC meetings have been held only 13 times since its establishment in 1990. Often, years pass between meetings, diminishing its relevance as a real-time consultative forum.
2. Weak Implementation of Recommendations
Most ISC recommendations are non-binding, and their implementation relies on political will, which is often lacking.
3. Limited Agenda Scope
Despite being a constitutional platform, it rarely addresses core federal issues such as the role of Governors, use of Article 356, or resource devolution.
4. Dominance of the Centre
Being chaired by the Prime Minister, and driven by the Union Government, the ISC often lacks state ownership, especially when political parties in power at the Centre and States differ.
5. Overlapping with NITI Aayog
The creation of the NITI Aayog, which also includes state participation, has further diluted the significance of the ISC. While NITI focuses on development planning, it has increasingly taken over roles that the ISC was meant to perform.
Why Strengthening ISC Matters Today
In a time when Centre-State relations are under stress, a robust ISC is vital for:
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Ensuring cooperative federalism
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Avoiding confrontations over policy issues like NEET, CAA, or farm laws
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Addressing regional aspirations
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Improving coordination in disaster response and pandemic handling
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Streamlining concurrent list legislation by involving states in pre-legislative discussions
The recent GST compensation dispute, political controversies around governors’ roles, and demands for more fiscal decentralization highlight the urgent need for a functioning federal dialogue mechanism.
Reforms Needed for a Stronger Inter-State Council
1. Regularization of Meetings
The ISC should meet at least once a year, with its Standing Committee holding quarterly review meetings. This will ensure continuity and relevance.
2. Making Recommendations More Binding
Though complete binding nature may not be feasible, a timeline-based action and response system can ensure better follow-up and accountability.
3. Empowering the Secretariat
The ISC Secretariat should be given more autonomy, resources, and research support to function independently of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Inclusion of Experts and Academics
Policy think tanks and constitutional experts should be allowed to present research papers and inputs to inform discussions with evidence.
5. Differentiation from NITI Aayog
Clearly demarcate ISC as a constitutional-political forum and NITI Aayog as a developmental-planning platform. Both are needed, but their roles must not be confused.
6. Use of Technology
A digital dashboard for tracking the status of recommendations, feedback loops from states, and real-time consultations could make the ISC more participatory and efficient.
Conclusion
India’s federal structure is its strength, providing representation and empowerment to diverse regions and communities. However, the mere presence of federal institutions does not ensure cooperation. The Inter-State Council, envisioned as the backbone of cooperative federalism, has so far been an underused tool.
Reviving and empowering the ISC is the need of the hour. In times of political polarization, economic restructuring, and social transformation, such a platform can anchor dialogue, prevent misunderstandings, and build consensus.
A strengthened ISC can resolve conflicts before they escalate, coordinate responses during emergencies, and serve as a channel through which all states—regardless of their size, power, or ruling party—feel heard and included in national governance.
It is time to look beyond symbolic federalism and embrace functional cooperative federalism. The Inter-State Council, if empowered and institutionalised effectively, can be the key to this transformation.
Let the voice of every state echo clearly in the corridors of national power—not as opposition, but as partners in building a stronger, united India.