Question map
Who among the following is empowered to establish Inter State Council under Article 263 of the Constitution of India ?
Explanation
Article 263 of the Constitution of India empowers the President of India to establish an Inter-State Council if it appears that the public interest would be served by its creation [1]. The President is authorized to define the nature of the duties to be performed by the Council, as well as its organization and procedure. While the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) recommended the establishment of a permanent council, the first Inter-State Council was formally established by a Presidential Order in 1990 under the Janata Dal government [2]. The Council serves as a recommendatory body to promote coordination between the Union and the States by investigating and discussing subjects of common interest. Although the Prime Minister serves as the Chairman, the constitutional authority to create the body resides solely with the President [1].
Sources
- [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 16: Inter-State Relations > INTER-STATE COUNCILS > p. 168
- [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 16: Inter State Relations > INTER-STATE COUNCILS > p. 168