12.3. Significance

♤ Constitutional Backing- Unlike other platforms for Centre State cooperation, ISC has constitutional backing.

♤ Cooperative federalism- In times of different political parties heading the Centre and various states the need for dialogue assumes a greater importance. Thus, ISC provides a platform for states to discuss their concerns.

♤ Resolving disputes linked to state-state &

centre-state- In 2016 & 2015, 140 & 82 such issues were resolved respectively.

♤ Decentralized decision making- If the goal of a more decentralised polity, which needs interaction between various levels of government, is to be achieved, Interstate Council is a crucial first step.

♤ Makes governments more accountable- Given its status as a platform for dialogue and discussion, it makes the governments, both at centre and state level, more accountable for their actions.

♤ A safety valve- The council helps to bridge the trust deficit between the centre and the states. If not always a problem solver, it at least acted as a safety valve.

♤ Lack of other avenues: Other constitutional avenue such as Zonal council for such issues, too are restrictive in terms of their geographical scope.