Introduction
The Sarkaria Commission was constituted to examine and strengthen Centre–State relations in India. Over the years, increasing political conflicts and administrative tensions between the Union and the States raised concerns about the working of Indian federalism, making a detailed review necessary.
Body
After independence, India adopted a federal system with a strong Centre. However, by the 1960s and 1970s, the rise of regional political parties, breakdown of one-party dominance, and frequent use of Article 356 created mistrust between the Centre and the States. States often complained of central interference in their legislative, administrative, and financial spheres.
In this background, the Government of India set up the Sarkaria Commission in 1983 under the chairmanship of Justice R. S. Sarkaria, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India. The Commission was tasked with examining constitutional provisions, working of federal arrangements, and administrative practices affecting Centre–State relations. It was also mandated to suggest measures for ensuring cooperative federalism without disturbing the basic structure of the Constitution.
Conclusion
Thus, the Sarkaria Commission emerged as a response to growing strains in Indian federalism and aimed at promoting harmony, coordination, and effective governance between the Centre and the States.
