SARKARIA COMMISSION AND ITS RECOMMENDATIONS

With a view to reviewing the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and the States in the changed socio-economic scenario, the Government constituted a Commission vide Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.IV/11017/1/83-CSR dated June 9, 1983 under the Chairmanship of Justice R.S. Sarkaria with Shri B. Sivaraman and Dr. S.R. Sen as its members. The terms of reference of the Commission as enunciated in this notification were as under:

“The Commission will examine and review the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and States in regard to powers, functions and responsibilities in all spheres and recommend such changes or other measures as may be appropriate”.

"In examining and reviewing the working of the existing arrangements between the Union and the States and making recommendations as to the changes and measures needed, the commission will keep in view the social and economic developments that have taken place over the years and have due regard to the scheme and framework of the Constitution which the founding fathers have so sedulously designed to protect the independence and ensure the unity and integrity of the country which is of paramount importance for promoting the welfare of the people."

The Commission after conducting several studies, eliciting information, holding discussions and after detailed deliberations submitted its report in January 1988. The report contains 247 recommendations spreading over the following 19 Chapters.

Chapter 0. Introduction

Chapter I. Perspective

Chapter II. Legislative Relations

Chapter III. Administrative Relations

Chapter IV. Role of the Governor

Chapter V. Reservation of Bills by Governors for President's consideration and Promulgation of Ordinances

Chapter VI. Emergency Provisions

Chapter VII. Deployment of Union Armed Forces in States for Public Order Duties

Chapter VIII. All India Services

Chapter IX. Inter-Governmental Council

Chapter X. Financial Relations

Chapter XI. Economic and Social Planning