Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Inter-State Council (अंतर्राज्यीय परिषद)

“A constitutional body for promoting coordination between states and the Centre.”

Constitutional Provision

  • The **Inter-State Council (ISC)** is established under **Article 263** of the Constitution of India.
  • It is not a permanent body; it can be established **“if it appears to the President that the public interests would be served”**.

Objectives of Inter-State Council

  • To ensure better Centre–State and Inter-State cooperation.
  • To resolve disputes between states.
  • To discuss policies affecting the states and the union.
  • To recommend policy measures for the smooth functioning of the Indian federal system.

Composition of the Inter-State Council

  • Chairman: Prime Minister of India
  • Members:
    • Chief Ministers of all states
    • Chief Ministers of Union Territories with legislatures
    • Administrators of UTs without legislatures
    • Six Central Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister

Functions of the Inter-State Council

  • Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest between the Centre and states or between states.
  • Make recommendations for better policy coordination.
  • Deliberate on disputes that may have arisen among states.
  • Provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation.

Background and Establishment

  • Though Article 263 existed since 1950, the **Inter-State Council was formally established in 1990** by the Government of India, based on the recommendations of the **Sarkaria Commission**.
  • It was set up through a Presidential Order dated **28 May 1990**.

Difference: Inter-State Council vs Zonal Councils

  • Inter-State Council: Constitutional body (Article 263)
  • Zonal Councils: Statutory bodies formed under the **States Reorganisation Act, 1956**
  • Both aim to promote coordination, but ISC has a broader constitutional mandate.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2021: Under which Article of the Constitution is the Inter-State Council established?
  • Article 263
  • SSC CGL 2019: Who is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council?
  • Prime Minister of India
  • RRB NTPC 2016: The Inter-State Council was set up in which year?
  • 1990
Did You Know? The Inter-State Council does not have permanent status but can be revived or activated by the President whenever required.

Conclusion

The Inter-State Council is a significant tool for promoting federal cooperation, resolving inter-state issues, and strengthening India’s democratic fabric. Though not used frequently, its role becomes vital in the era of increasing federal challenges.

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