The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 in 1990, is chaired by the ______ and includes Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislatures as members.
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
- Chief Justice of India
- Home Minister
Answer: Prime Minister
Inter-State Council (ISC): (a) Constitutional basis: Article 263 empowers President to establish ISC to inquire into and advise on: (i) disputes between States, (ii) subjects of common interest, (iii) policy recommendations, (b) Composition: PM (Chairperson), all CMs, UT Lt. Governors, Union Ministers as needed, (c) Functioning: Meets irregularly (last meeting 2022); discusses GST, internal security, education, health. Challenges: Infrequent meetings, limited implementation of recommendations. Illustrates cooperative federalism institution: potential for dialogue underutilized due to political dynamics.