Explain the genesis of the Inter-State Council and discuss its relevance in the context of Centre-State and Inter-State coordination and cooperation in India.

Constitutional Backing and Sarkaria Commission

Article 263 empowers the President to form the ISC; the Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) recommended a permanent council to promote cooperative federalism, resulting in its establishment by Presidential Order in 1990.

Composition and Limitations

Chaired by the Prime Minister, including Chief Ministers and Union Ministers, the ISC’s role is recommendatory as the Presidential Order excluded dispute adjudication, a gap noted by the Punchhi Commission.

Dialogue and Trust Building

The ISC serves as a forum for Centre-State dialogue on fiscal policies like GST and social welfare, reducing mistrust, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s Special Category Status discussions.

Challenges and Recommendations

With only 11 meetings since 1990 and non-binding recommendations, the ISC’s effectiveness is limited; the Punchhi Commission recommended institutional strengthening with an independent secretariat.

Inter-State Dialogue and Policy Harmonisation

The ISC can facilitate discussions on inter-state issues such as Krishna and Godavari water disputes (now handled by the Apex Council under the AP Reorganisation Act and tribunals) and promote coordinated regional development like the Visakhapatnam-Chennai corridor.

Limitations and Complementarity

Its lack of binding authority and infrequent meetings reduce dispute resolution effectiveness; while Article 262 tribunals and zonal councils exist, the ISC’s broader mandate remains underutilized.