Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Inter State Council

Inter State Council: Background, Composition, Functions & More | UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Aug 12, 2024
Also Read Inter State Council in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

The inter state council is part of an important institutional mechanism tailored to make cooperative federalism a success in India. Coming under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, the council has the charge to enforce coordination and better relations between the Centre and states. It inquires into and advises upon the disputes which may arise between states, and discusses subjects in which some or all of the states, or the central government, have a common interest. The inter-state council endeavors to provide a forum for dialogue in order to ensure harmonious relations through cooperative decision-making amongst India's diversified and federal political structure.

The topic is part of General Studies Paper II in the UPSC examination, which envelops Polity, Governance, and the working of the Indian Constitution. Understanding the inter-state council provides a context to examine mechanisms of federalism in India, the role of central and state relations, and collaborative frameworks that would help the Constitution framers manage the complex dynamic of governance within the country.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper II

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Article 263, Cooperative Federalism, National Development Council, Zonal Council, Finance Commission, NITI Aayog, Water Dispute Tribunals

Topics for UPSC Mains

Evolution of Inter State Council, Recommendations of Sarkaria and M.M. Punchhi Commissions, Impact on Center-State Relations and Policy Harmonization.

What is an Inter State Council?

An inter-state council is a constitutional body under Art. 263 of the Indian Constitution. It is an advisory body that can aid and assist the central and state governments in effectively discussing, deliberating, and resolving policy-related concerns, maintaining coordination, and sorting out disputes. The Council works towards a shared understanding and cooperative framework to enhance the efficiency of governance and ensure the smooth functioning of the federal system.

Background of Formation

It was envisaged by the makers of the Indian Constitution that there should be a council of this nature to redress inter-state and center-state problems that may arise. The chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, had emphatically pointed out that such a body was needed for the strengthening of cooperative federalism. Article 263 provided for the setting up but remained unimplemented. Such a forum was felt necessary with the growing demands for decentralization and more state autonomy. The Sarkaria Commission, constituted in 1983, explicitly to review centre-state relations, strongly recommended the setting up of the council. Based on these recommendations, the Inter-State Council was formally established on May 28, 1990, by a presidential ordinance, under the chairpersonship of the then Prime Minister V.P. Singh.

Read the article on the national ganga council!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Composition of Inter State Council

The constitution of the inter-state council ensures representation from the Center and the states to ensure it is broad-based, apart from having a forum with wide representation for the purpose of discussion. The council would be presided over by the Prime Minister of India, and it shall also comprise of:

  • Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories having Legislatures: This category shall be set to ensure that the states are substantially represented in effective voice-sharing in the council.
  • Administrators of Union Territories without Legislatures: UTs without legislatures are represented by their administrators so that their interests are represented.
  • Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister: Principal central ministers attend to adjust the State policy in tune with the national priority and needed policy support
  • Other invitees as deemed necessary: The council may invite experts, policy-framers, or other relevant individuals to throw light on certain issues.

This diversified composition enables the council to take up a wide range of inter-state and center-state issues from a comprehensive viewpoint.

Read the article on the difference between niti aayog and inter state council!

Functions of an Inter State Council

The inter state council performs many important functions that contribute towards the fulfillment of the objectives of cooperation and dispute redressal between the state and central governments:

  • Advisory Function: The council advises on matters which directly or indirectly involve more than one state or are of common interest throughout the country.
  • Investigation and Inquiry: It inquires into and discusses matters of common interest. It may also investigate any dispute or apprehended dispute between states.
  • Coordination: The council aligns policies and programs of the central and state governments. It ensures that national priorities are integrated with initiatives taken by the states.
  • Policy Recommendations: The council recommends improvements in the system, based on its discussion and inquiry, in center-state relations and governance.
  • Consultation Forum: It acts as a consultative body for improving communication and understanding between the Centre and State Governments.

Read the article on the North Eastern Council!

Standing Committee of the Inter State Council

For an effective discharge of its functions and to pay undivided attention to specific issues, the inter-state council has a Standing Committee. A standing committee refers to one that would keep a continuous review of the agenda of the council and is responsible for ensuring that the right subjects are covered with adequate depth and solemnity.

Functions of the Standing Committee of ISC

The standing committee of the inter state council does several key functions:

  • Setting Agenda: It identifies, prioritizes and sets the agenda for discussion to be taken up by the full council.
  • Preliminary Discussions: The Committee holds preliminary discussions on topics and issues and prepares detailed reports and recommendations for consideration of the Council.
  • Follow-up Actions: Ensures the implementation of the council's recommendations by monitoring and reviewing the follow-up actions taken by the central and state governments.
  • Periodic Review: The institution periodically reviews how the inter-state council is working and whether or not it is very effective, putting forward suggestions of improvements.
  • Engagement with Ministries: Coordinates with several central and state ministries to help in the resolution of certain issues and aligning policies.

Read the article on the National Judicial Council!

Issues Associated with Inter State Councils

Despite the fact that it plays an important role in cooperative federalism, a number of factors stand in the way of making the inter state council more effective.

  • Infrequency of Meetings: The meetings are infrequent, and this greatly diminishes the ability of the body to respond in good timing to emerging issues.
  • Limited Powers: The powers of the council are limited because it only has an advisory role; all its recommendations are not even binding. This in turn has reduced its impact on policy-making and the resolution of conflicts.
  • Coordination Challenges: The vast and varied political interests and priorities of different states can sometimes act as a barrier to achieving consensus.
  • Resource Constraints: Insufficient resources and support administratively can also bind the optimal endeavors of the council's functioning.
  • Gap in Implementation: There is an implementation gap between the recommendations of the council and their implementation on the ground by the concerned government departments.

Read the article on the National Startup Advisory Council!

Other Bodies Promoting Inter State Relations

Besides the inter-state council, there are various other bodies and mechanisms that play an important role in inter-state coordination and the resolution of disputes. These include:

  • National Development Council: A high-powered body consisting of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers concerned with policy planning and economic development.
  • Zonal Councils: Constituted under the States Reorganization Act, 1956, these councils look into inter-state cooperation and adjustment in matters of common interest in their respective zones.
  • Finance Commission: Recommends the sharing of financial resources between the center and states and thus ensures fiscal federalism.
  • NITI Aayog: As the successor to the Planning Commission, it supports cooperative federalism with structured support initiatives and aids in policy making.
  • Water Dispute Tribunals: Under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, the dispute regarding the sharing of waters would be adjudicated by the special tribunals set up under it.

Read the article on the financial stability and development council!

Way Forward

Several steps could be initiated for further strengthening the effectiveness of the inter-state council towards strengthening cooperative federalism in India.

  • Regular Meetings: Ensuring meetings are more frequent so that there is a proper and timely discussion of issues and their solution.
  • Strengthening Mandate: Strengthening the mandate of the council may give it more authority regarding the enforcement of its recommendations and ensuring better compliance.
  • Resource Allocation: Resource allocation with proper administrative support to the council should be provided for effective functioning.
  • Capacity Building: Be enabled with adequate capacity among state representatives to effectively contribute to meaningful discourses during the council meetings.
  • Inclusive Approach: Identify stakeholders with engagements inclusive of civil society, academia, and experts from the industry to bring various perspectives on board.
  • Performance Monitoring: Develop effective mechanisms for monitoring implementation of council recommendations to establish their effectiveness.

Read the article on the role of zonal councils in cooperative federalism!

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Constitutional Provision: Article 263 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of an Inter State Council to promote coordination between states and the central government.
  • Formation: The council was formally constituted in 1990 following the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission, which examined center-state relations.
  • Composition: It includes the Prime Minister as the Chairman, Chief Ministers of all states, Chief Ministers of Union Territories, and Administrators of UTs without legislatures.
  • Functions: The council is tasked with investigating and discussing subjects of common interest between the Union and states or among the states themselves, and making recommendations.
  • Advisory Role: Although influential, the council’s role is advisory, providing recommendations rather than binding decisions.
  • Meetings: Regular meetings are not mandated, but they are held as needed to discuss critical issues, with the aim to foster cooperative federalism in India.
  • Significance: It serves as a vital platform for dialogue and consensus-building on policy issues, promoting cooperative federalism and addressing disputes between the central and state governments.
  • Recent Utilization: The council has been instrumental in discussing important contemporary issues such as water disputes, fiscal federalism, and the implementation of central schemes, thus playing a critical role in enhancing intergovernmental relations.

We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through the above article. Testbook offers good quality preparation material for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Inter State Council UPSC FAQs

An inter state council can be established by a presidential order under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, following recommendations by the government or need-based decisions.

The Prime Minister of India is the head of the inter state council.

The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairman of the inter state council.

Yes, the inter state council is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution.

The Union Home Minister is the chairman of the standing committee of the inter state council.

The Sarkaria Commission, which recommended the establishment of the inter state council in its report, paved the way for the first formal inter state council constituted in 1990.

An inter state council is a constitutional body under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, designed to facilitate coordination and collaborative decision-making between the central and state governments.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice