India, being a federal republic, needs co-ordination between the Center and the States in many political, administrative and governance affairs. In order to avoid conflicts, division of powers is clearly specified through the three lists in Schedule 7 ie. Union list, State list and Concurrent List. Inter State Council and National Development Council are other mechanisms/ discussion platforms for conflict resolution between Center and States.
Inter State Council
- Constitutional Body – Article 263.
- Based on Sarkaria Commission recommendation(1983).
- Formed in 1990.
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Investigate and discuss the subjects of common interest between the Union and State(s) or among the States.
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The present composition of the Inter State Council is as follows:
Prime Minister (Chairman).- Chief Ministers of all States.
- Chief Ministers of Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly and Administrators of UTs not having a Legislative Assembly and Governors of States under President’s Rule (Governor’s Rule in the case of J&K).
- Six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Four Ministers of Cabinet rank as Permanent invitees.
National Development Council
- Non-constitutional and non-statutory.
- Also known as Rashtriya Vikas Parishad.
- It was set up on August 6, 1952.
- NDC’s objective is to strengthen and mobilize the effort and resources of the nation in support of the Plan.
- The National Development Council is presided over by the Prime Minister of India and includes all Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all the States and Administrators of Union Territories and Members of the Planning Commission. Ministers of State with independent charge are also invited to the deliberations of the Council.
Other initiatives for Inter-State Co-operation
- Zonal council is another statutory body for inter-state co-operation.
- River Water Tribunals.