The setting up of the Inter-State Council in 1990 was meant to :

The Inter-State Council (ISC) was established in 1990 based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission (1983–88) to strengthen the federal provisions of the Constitution [2]. While Article 263 provided for such a body, it remained unutilized for decades as the Union government preferred non-constitutional bodies like the National Development Council. The ISC was intended to promote cooperative federalism by providing a formal institutional platform for dialogue and coordination between the Union and the States [3]. Its primary objectives include investigating and discussing subjects of common interest and making recommendations for better policy coordination [3]. It was not meant to substitute the NDC, nor was it designed as a judicial interface or a body for local customary representation; rather, it serves as a constitutional mechanism to manage intergovernmental relations and resolve disputes through consultation [3].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 16: Inter-State Relations > INTER-STATE COUNCILS > p. 168
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 16: Inter State Relations > INTER-STATE COUNCILS > p. 168
3. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 16: Inter-State Relations > INTER-STATE COUNCILS > p. 167