Underutilisation of ISC

Inter-State Council was set up as an instrument for cooperation, coordination and evolution of common policies. However, it has been largely underutilised.

♤ There is no compulsion on government of the day to accept the outcomes of the meetings.

♤ No frequent meetings. Recently, it was the 11th meeting since 1990.

♤ Clause A of Article 263, which gave the council the power to investigate issues of inter-state conflict, was dropped in the presidential ordinance establishing the ISC.

The Inter-State Council needs to emerge as an active inter-governmental forum that can be used for evolving policy as well as ensuring its implementation. The States should increasingly use this forum as an effective instrument to strengthen our democracy, our society and our polity. Few suggestions are-

♤ The ISC needs to be given all the powers contemplated in the Constitution. For example-Clause A of Article 263.

♤ ISC and NITI Aayog may be merged into one constitutional forum to improve the institutional participation of state governments.

♤ It should provide greater opportunities to civil society institutions and the corporate sector to make their representations.

♤ Ensure greater role of states. Cooperation or opposition not for political but policy sake.