Introduction

As per Article 263 of the Indian constitution, the inter state council is set up to investigate and identify any possible problems that arise between the states and share appropriate solutions to the conflicts. Its role is very important in the effective coordination and communication between the states. The country’s president has the right to establish such a council at any time in the year to maintain the proper functioning of policies and laws. The members of the committee need to meet three times a year for regular updates.

Overview of the Inter State Council

According to Article 263, inter state councils are established to bring effective coordination between the states and centres. A temporary committee of the council was established in 1996 regarding the consultation and proper functioning of departments of states. The chairperson for the committee is the Union Home Minister.

A recommended committee that has the function of investigation and discussing issues and matters of common interests in states and centres for the better coordination of laws and regulations for community welfare is called an inter state council.

The president has the authority to lead such a council at any time of the year so that public interest can be served. He is also responsible for creating duties to be handled by these councils and its nature of organisation and procedure.

Structure of the Inter State Council

The Prime Minister is the chairperson of the council. In addition, the Chief Minister of every state, Chief Ministers of union territories having legislative assemblies, the Chief Chancellor of every state as per president’s rule, six central cabinet ministers having the Home Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and five ministers of the cabinet rank as permanent invitees of the council.

Roles and responsibilities 

  • Investigate and inquire about conflicts that arise between different states based on various factors
  • Recommend appropriate solutions for the conflicts to achieve national peace and unity
  • Scrutinise and discuss matters through which growth can be increased and states and centres have common interests
  • Make policies and provide recommendations for better outcomes and coordination between the states and the centre

Merits and demerits 

Merits

The secretariat of the inter state council ensures regular meet-ups between the members so that a fruitful outcome can be achieved. This plays an important role in the formation of policies and laws. The proper work of states ensures the social, economic, and political growth of the nation.

Demerits

  • It is temporary in nature. Moreover, it is only a recommended body that has the right to investigate and discuss matters in which states and central governments have common interests.
  • The President does not have any authority to build such a council at any time of the year, and it also depends on the interest of the public they are serving. Hence, it is not a permanent administrative body.
  • As the council has only had 12 meetings since its inception in 1990, the irregularity and lack of communication make the process complicated and unclear.

Constitutional Provisions 

  • Article 131 also allows for the provision of judicial solutions for interstate conflicts by the Supreme Court as an exclusive authority
  • Article 262 also provides adjunction for matters of interest in public welfare through an external system
  • Article 263 also has the authority to prevent inter state disputes by inquiry and recommendations

Important Takeaways from the 11th Meeting

  • Recommended Punchhi Commission for the betterment of Centre-State relations
  • To avail subsidies, benefits, public services, and other forms of relaxation, the use of Aadhaar and DBT are compulsory
  • Improving the quality of education by focusing on learning outcomes, incentive methods, etc.
  • Maintaining inter security increases the focus on intelligence sharing and linking to fight terrorism

Difference between Inter State Council and GST & Finance Commission

  • Members of the inter state council are elected politician heads of states; on the other hand, the GST & Finance council has finance ministers of states as members.
  • Members of the GST & Finance council have expertise in the framework of distribution of taxes.
  • GST & Finance council works on finance-related issues. The inter state council focuses on other vital issues that arise between the states and suggests policies and regulations for the welfare of the community.

Conclusion

Hence, this inter state committee is critical to developing national and community welfare. The president has every right to set up such committees as per people’s interests and conflicts. It is a dynamic stage to discuss policies and laws, build better centre-state relationships, and act as a bridge to reduce gaps and rectify conflicts and challenges. The country’s president has the right to establish such a council at any time in the year to properly maintain the functioning of policies and laws. Committee members need to meet three times a year for regular updates.