Context:
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin announced a three-member committee, led by Justice Kurian Joseph, to reassess Centre-State relations and protect state autonomy.
More on the News
- Committee will submit its interim report by January 2026; final report expected in two years; focus is restoration of state powers through legal reform.
- Triggered by the Centre’s refusal to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET; echoes historical grievances of DMK against centralized decision-making.
- In 1969 also, then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi constituted the Rajamannar Committee to examine Centre-State relations and propose constitutional reforms for greater State autonomy
Key Recommendations of the Rajamannar Committee (1969):
- Abolition of Article 356 (President’s Rule) due to its misuse against elected state governments.
- Dissolution of the Planning Commission (later replaced by NITI Aayog).
- Inter-State Council under Article 263 with regular dialogue among states, headed by the Prime Minister.
- Redefinition of the Supreme Court’s role to restrict its jurisdiction to constitutional interpretation.
- Transfer of certain Union and Concurrent List subjects to the State List.
- Permanent status to the Finance Commission and limits on the Planning Commission’s discretionary power over grants.
- The committee criticised the centralisation of power, particularly through Articles 256, 257, 356, and 365, and institutions like the Planning Commission, which it termed as unconstitutional levers to undermine States.
Key Committees on Centre-State Relations
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendations |
| Rajamannar Committee | 1969 | Repeal Art. 356, dissolve Planning Commission, empower States |
| Sarkaria Commission | 1983 | Strengthen Inter-State Council (Art. 263), restrict Art. 356 usage, more fiscal powers to States |
| NCRWC(Justice Venkatachaliah) | 2000 | Strengthen fiscal federalism, Inter-State Trade Commission, better consultation on Concurrent List laws |
| Punchhi Commission | 2007 | Transparent removal of Governors, restrict misuse of Art. 356, create SC-regulated Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission |
| NITI Aayog Reforms | Post-2015 | Promote cooperative federalism, more role for states in centrally sponsored schemes |