As DMK advocates for federalism, a look at 3 committees that examined Centre-State relations and their key recommendations

Back in 1969, Tamil Nadu’s then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi set up the Rajamannar Committee to examine Centre-State relations. Later, the Union Government established the Sarkaria Commission in 1983 in response to the growing influence of regional parties, and the Punchhi Commission in 2007 to reassess federal dynamics in a changing political and economic landscape.

Now, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin forming a high-level committee to protect the rights of states and improve Centre-State ties, the federalism debate—long championed by the DMK—has returned to the national spotlight.

Although Article 1 of the Constitution declares, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States,” the Indian system is considered quasi-federal. Powers are split across the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, but in practice, the Centre enjoys more authority, especially in the name of national integrity.

Residual powers (on subjects not included in the three lists) go to the Centre. In conflicts over matters in the Concurrent List, Central laws override state laws. The Centre also holds power to redraw state boundaries with a simple majority in Parliament. Additionally, the role of the Governor often reinforces the Centre’s influence over states.

India’s diversity and the creation of linguistic states have frequently raised federal concerns. States have repeatedly accused the Centre of overreach—particularly when Article 356 (which allows dismissal of state governments and imposition of President’s Rule) has been used. Tensions have intensified with the rise of regional parties, especially when state and Central governments are led by rival parties.

Several commissions have been tasked with reviewing Centre-State dynamics, but many of their recommendations have yet to be implemented.

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Rajamannar Committee (1969)

In 1969, Tamil Nadu’s then Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai established the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee, led by former Madras High Court Chief Justice P.V. Rajamannar. Its aim was to analyze the Constitution and recommend how states could achieve maximum autonomy in legislative, executive, and judicial matters—without compromising national unity.

The committee strongly criticized the central government’s dominance, especially during a time when the same party ruled both Centre and states. It argued that this concentration of power severely undermined state autonomy.

Key Recommendations:

• Repeal Article 356, which allows President’s Rule in states.
• Strengthen the Inter-State Council under Article 263 to resolve disputes through dialogue.
• Criticized non-constitutional institutions like the Planning Commission, which it said gave the Centre control over financial allocations, reducing states to “beggars” for funds.
• Suggested recruitment for IAS and IPS should either be through transfer from state services or direct recruitment.
• Proposed inserting a clause into the Constitution allowing the President to issue formal guidelines—called “Instruments of Instructions”—to Governors, specifying when they must consult or follow directions from the Centre.

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Sarkaria Commission (1983)

Amid the increasing presence of regional parties and political friction with the Congress-led Centre, the Sarkaria Commission was set up in 1983. It was headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjit Singh Sarkaria.

The Commission’s goal was to examine ongoing issues in Centre-State relations and propose solutions to prevent tension and safeguard national unity.

Key Recommendations:

• Restore balance between Centre and states.
• Opposed arbitrary use of Article 356.
• Called for decentralisation and more state autonomy.
• Governors should be neutral, respected figures appointed in consultation with state Chief Ministers.
• Urged greater use of the Inter-State Council to manage disputes and enhance cooperation.

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Punchhi Commission (2007)

In 2007, the UPA government formed the Punchhi Commission, led by former Chief Justice of India Madan Mohan Punchhi, to address new challenges in federalism emerging in a changing political and economic environment.

One significant issue it examined was the role of Central forces in states during communal or caste-related violence—especially with concerns about potential unrest in BJP-ruled states.

Key Recommendations:

• Central forces should be allowed to enter states during communal violence without needing state government consent.
• The Finance Commission division in the Finance Ministry should be made into a permanent department.
• Governors should be distinguished individuals, ideally from outside the state, and not closely tied to political activity—especially recent involvement.
• Fixed five-year term for Governors, with clear procedures for removal instead of it being left to the Centre’s discretion.
• Governors should decide on Bills within six months, and if reserved for the President’s review, the President must respond within the same time frame.
• Recommended strengthening the Inter-State Council by amending Article 263 to expand its authority.

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Renewed Relevance

Several of these long-standing recommendations have resurfaced in today’s political climate. Recently, the Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for delayed approval of Bills passed by the state Assembly, declaring such delays legally flawed. This has revived conversations about the role of Governors and the balance of power between the Centre and the states.