7. On Centre-State and Inter-State Relations

1. The Inter-State Council Order of 1990 may clearly specify the matters that should form the parts of consultations.

2. Management of disasters and emergencies (both natural and manmade) should be included in the List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule.

3. A statutory body called the Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission should be established.

4. The president should appoint the governor of a state only after consultation with the chief minister of that state.

5. Article 356 should not be deleted, but it must be used sparingly and only as a remedy of the last resort.

6. The question whether the ministry in a state has lost the confidence of the assembly or not should be tested only on the floor of the House. The Governor should not be allowed to dismiss the ministry, so long as it enjoys the confidence of the House.

7. Even without the state being under a proclamation of emergency, President’s Rule may be continued if elections cannot be held. Article 356 should be amended to this effect.

8. The State Assembly should not be dissolved before the proclamation issued under Article 356 has been laid before Parliament. Article 356 should be amended to ensure this.

9. River water disputes between States and / or the Centre should be heard and disposed by a bench of not less than

three judges and if necessary, a bench of five judges of the Supreme Court for the final disposal of the suit.

10. Parliament should replace the River Boards Act of 1956 with another comprehensive enactment after consultation with all the states.

11. When the state bill is reserved for consideration of the President, there should be a time-limit (say of three months) within which the President should take a decision whether to give his assent or to return the bill.