GK Question

polity medium fill_blank

Under Article 263, the Inter-State Council can be established by ______ order to inquire into and advise on disputes between States, subjects of common interest, and policy recommendations, promoting cooperative federalism through structured dialogue.

  1. Supreme Court
  2. Parliament
  3. President
  4. Prime Minister

Answer: President

Inter-State Council constitutional basis: (a) Article 263: President may by order establish Inter-State Council if it appears expedient in public interest, (b) Functions: (i) Inquire into and advise on disputes between States, (ii) Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest to Union/States, (iii) Make recommendations for better policy coordination, (c) Establishment: ISC established by Presidential order in 1990 based on Sarkaria Commission recommendation, (d) Composition: PM (Chairperson), all CMs, UT Lt. Governors, Union Ministers as needed — ensures high-level political engagement, (e) Functioning challenges: (i) Infrequent meetings (last meeting 2022), limiting continuous dialogue, (ii) Limited implementation of recommendations, reducing impact, (iii) Political dynamics affecting cooperation, (f) Potential: If activated regularly, ISC could: (i) Resolve inter-State disputes through dialogue, not litigation, (ii) Coordinate policy on common challenges (climate, migration, infrastructure), (iii) Strengthen cooperative federalism through institutionalized Centre-State consultation, (g) Illustrates constitutional mechanism for cooperative federalism: Potential for structured dialogue underutilized due to political will gaps; reform needed to activate ISC as effective federal coordination platform.

Topic Federalism - Article 263 Inter-State Council Establishment and Functioning
Exam Relevance Inter-State Council establishment frequently asked in UPSC and State PSC exams