Answer:

Introduction:

The Inter-State Council (ISC), established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, serves as a vital mechanism to promote cooperative federalism by fostering dialogue and cooperation between the central and state governments. A recent example of ISC’s significance is its role in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where coordinated efforts between states and the center were crucial for effective management.

Body:

Role of the Inter-State Council in Promoting Cooperative Federalism:

Positives

• Facilitating Policy Coordination: ISC provides a forum for discussing policies and resolving disputes between states and the central government.
  For example: ISC’s involvement in coordinating the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) across states.
• Harmonizing Legislation: ISC helps in harmonizing state and central legislation, ensuring uniformity in laws across states.
  For example: ISC discussions led to the alignment of state laws with the central government’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act reforms.
• Conflict Resolution: ISC addresses inter-state disputes and recommends measures for amicable solutions.
  For example: The ISC’s role in mediating the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Strengthening Federal Structure: ISC promotes decentralization by advocating for greater state autonomy in certain domains.
  For example: Recommendations for decentralizing subjects under the Concurrent List to states, as suggested by the Punchhi Commission.
• Advisory Role: ISC provides advisory recommendations on socio-economic and political issues affecting states.
  For example: Advisory role in the implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, ensuring state-level cooperation.

Negatives

• Irregular Meetings: Irregular meetings undermine the effectiveness of the ISC.
  For example: Despite its establishment in 1990, the ISC has met only a few times, impacting its ability to address ongoing issues.
• Limited Authority: ISC’s recommendations are advisory and not binding, limiting its influence.
  For example: Many recommendations on police reforms and public order remain unimplemented due to their non-binding nature.
• Resource Constraints: Inadequate resources and administrative support hamper ISC’s functioning.
  For example: The council often lacks the necessary staff and financial resources to conduct detailed studies and follow-up actions.
• Political Will: Political differences and lack of commitment from states and the center hinder ISC’s potential.
  For example: Political disagreements often delay consensus on critical issues like fiscal federalism and devolution of powers.
• Overlap with Other Bodies: ISC’s role sometimes overlaps with other inter-governmental bodies, leading to functional duplication.
  For example: Overlaps with the National Development Council (NDC) and the Finance Commission reduce the ISC’s distinct utility.

Measures to Enhance ISC’s Role

• Regular Meetings: Ensure regular and timely meetings of the ISC to address current and emerging issues effectively.
• Binding Recommendations: Provide ISC with the authority to make binding decisions on certain critical issues to enhance its impact.
• Adequate Resources: Allocate sufficient financial and administrative resources to the ISC for conducting detailed studies and follow-up actions.
• Strengthening Political Will: Foster political commitment from both the central and state governments to engage actively with the ISC.
• Clear Distinction of Roles: Clearly define the ISC’s roles and responsibilities to avoid overlap with other inter-governmental bodies.

Conclusion:

Strengthening the Inter-State Council requires regular meetings, binding decision-making authority, and adequate resources. These measures will enhance its role in promoting cooperative federalism, fostering harmonious relations, and supporting India’s federal structure effectively.