Center-state Relations in India - Due to the IMpact of COVID 19 and ways to improve it.
Oct 6, 2020, 15:41 IST
India's response towards the COVID-19 pandemic effect, reflects the power, problems, and the potential of the Federalism in the country Polity. Despite the unilateral response in terms of imposing a nationwide lockdown has cessed the economic and social problems in the state. The centre eventually has chosen to work carefully with the states. The leaders who were the ex-CM and were anti-BJP have also joined hands and come up to held the state upright during the pandemic situation through their profession, skilled and knowledged working abilities to deal with a variety of challenges faced by both the central and state levels by the government.
Since 2014, there has been a single-party majority at the centre has necessitated the strengthening of the Inter-Governmental mechanism. In the Nehru, Era is was of less concern for the people as it was a matter of less concern as both the centre and the state were ruled by a single party. But the concern grew much importance after the 1967 Elections it was regarded as a "landmark election " although congress continued its hold in the centre other parties came and started their rule in the different states.
In Coalition Era is was of less concern for the state when the Government was ruled by the combination of many local political parties based on the seats occupied by the state. But in the "Modi Raaj" again the country faced a similar consequence due to the single ruled governmental party in the state.
Centre-state relations are divided into three parts by the makers of the constitution where clear demarcation has been provided in the centre-state relationship on
powers :
- 1. Legislative relations- Article 245-255
- 2. Administrative relations -Article 256-263
- 3. Financial Relations - Article 268-293
The GST would be an appropriate forum for its purpose to develop a sustained relationship . for centre-state relations to flourish, sustained dialogue and deliberation. Perhaps it is time to revisit the proposal for an elevate and empowered Inter state council. In article 263 the president can set up an interstate council at any time when it appears to be served by the establishment of councils to improve the relations. It is a recommendary body. The Council has been underutilized and only 11 meetings have been held till now. The body has sought less importance and instead of utilising the body, other bodies have been set up by the state in the development means. It is not a permanent body and not highly participated.
WAYS TO IMPROVE REVAMPED ISC:
- Sarkaria Commission recommended that ISC needs to be given all the powers investigating issues f Inter-state conflicts.
- The civil society should be provided with greater opportunity to make their representations.
- Experts from Law, Management, Political science and various fields should be brought.
- Puncchi Commission: ISC must meet at least thrice in a year on an agenda evolved for the proper consultation of the state.
- Secretrait of the commision should be a neutral federal body and not under the state .
- ISC should be provided important interest than other commisions established , NITI Aayog.
