TAMIL NADU STATE AUTONOMY COMMITTEE: POLITY

TAMIL NADU STATE AUTONOMY COMMITTEE: POLITY

NEWS: T.N. CM Stalin announces high-level committee to strengthen State autonomy

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Tamil Nadu has constituted a high-level committee under Justice Kurian Joseph to recommend measures for enhancing state autonomy and improving Centre-State relations. This reflects wider concerns in Indian federalism around fiscal imbalance, over-centralisation, and erosion of state powers.

Context: Tamil Nadu Constitutes Committee on State Autonomy

  • The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has established a high-level expert committee to examine and recommend measures to protect state autonomy and improve Centre-State coordination.
  • The move comes amid growing debates around federal balance, over-centralisation, and regional concerns regarding fiscal and administrative powers.
  • The aim is to propose a model of federalism that respects diversity, decentralization, and democratic functioning within the framework of India’s unity.

About the Committee

  • The committee is chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
  • It comprises three members and has a mandate to submit an interim report by January 2026, followed by a final report within two years.
  • The committee’s role is both review-oriented and reform-driven, with the following objectives:
  • Examine constitutional provisions, laws, and policies governing Centre-State relations.
  • Recommend measures to restore subjects shifted from the State List to the Concurrent List.
  • Suggest administrative and legal reforms to enhance state-level governance and autonomy.
  • Recommend safeguards for state rights without compromising the nation’s unity and integrity.
  • Consider previous recommendations by commissions like the Rajamannar Committee, Sarkaria, Punchhi, and NCRWC.

 

Understanding Federalism and Its Features

  • Federalism is a governance model in which powers and responsibilities are divided between a central authority and constituent units (states or provinces).
  • Key elements of a federal system include:
  • Two or more levels of government with distinct powers.
  • Each level governs the same citizens independently in defined jurisdictions.
  • Powers and functions are constitutionally allocated, typically through lists or schedules.
  • Constitutional rigidity ensures that neither level can unilaterally alter the distribution of powers.
  • An independent judiciary ensures dispute resolution and constitutional interpretation.
  • Clearly defined financial powers and revenue sources for each tier to ensure fiscal autonomy.

Key Features of Indian Federalism

  • Three Lists under Seventh Schedule:
  • Union List: Subjects under exclusive central control (e.g., defence, foreign affairs).
  • State List: Reserved for states (e.g., police, public health).
  • Concurrent List: Shared subjects (e.g., education, forests, criminal law).
  • Strong Centre Model:
  • India’s Constitution favors a strong central authority, especially during emergencies.
  • Article 356 allows the Centre to impose President’s Rule in states under specific conditions.
  • Single Constitution and Citizenship:
  • Unlike countries like the USA, India has one Constitution and one citizenship for all.
  • Independent Judiciary:
  • The Supreme Court adjudicates federal disputes, reinforcing cooperative federalism.
  • Institutional Mechanisms:
  • Inter-State Council (Article 263) and Finance Commission promote coordination and fair fiscal transfers.

Major Challenges to Indian Federalism

  • Rising Regionalism and Sub-Nationalism:
  • Regional political movements often highlight issues of neglect or cultural imposition.
  • Strong sub-national identities may challenge national integration.
  • Fiscal Imbalance and Dependency:
  • States rely heavily on central transfers, creating a vertical fiscal imbalance.
  • Centrally Sponsored Schemes often dominate budget allocations, limiting state autonomy.
  • Political Bias and Inequality:
  • Allegations of partisan allocation of funds to politically aligned states.
  • Population-based representation creates perception of disparity and under-representation.
  • Unilateral Power over States:
  • Indian states lack permanent status; Parliament can alter boundaries or merge states.
  • This asymmetry undermines the federal principle of equal and inviolable units.
  • Social and Religious Conflicts:
  • Communal tensions, caste-based conflicts, and religious disputes threaten federal harmony.
  • Demands for New States:
  • Frequent movements for statehood (e.g., Gorkhaland, Vidarbha) strain administrative resources and federal coherence.

Important Recommendations by Past Committees on Centre-State Relations

1. Rajamannar Committee (1969 – Tamil Nadu Govt.)

  • First state-level attempt to examine Centre-State tensions.
  • Recommended a clear demarcation of powers and curbs on misuse of Article 356.
  • Called for the abolition of All India Services to strengthen state autonomy.

2. Sarkaria Commission (1983)

  • Appointed to review working of federal arrangements.
  • Key Recommendations:
  • Use Article 356 sparingly and only in exceptional circumstances.
  • Strengthen the Inter-State Council as a constitutional, permanent body.
  • Greater fiscal devolution and consultation before central laws affecting states.
  • States should be involved in planning and development decisions.

3. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC, 2000)

  • Chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah.
  • Key Recommendations:
  • Establish an Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission.
  • Enhance Centre-State consultations in policymaking.
  • Greater decentralization in fiscal matters.
  • Improve dispute resolution mechanisms for federal conflicts.

4. Punchhi Commission (2007)

  • Set up to revisit Centre-State relations in a post-liberalization era.
  • Key Recommendations:
  • Make Governor’s role apolitical and selection/removal process transparent.
  • Limit misuse of Article 356, make it more accountable.
  • Establish a Supreme Court-authorized Inter-State Trade Commission.
  • Greater autonomy for states in Concurrent List subjects and in implementing central schemes.

 

5. NITI Aayog’s Federal Reforms (Post-Planning Commission)

  • Promotes cooperative federalism through regular dialogues with states.
  • Focus on flexible planning, state-specific strategies, and performance-linked grants.
  • Reorientation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to allow more discretion to states.

Significance of the Tamil Nadu Initiative

  • The formation of the committee signals growing discontent with centralized governance models.
  • It aims to institutionalize discussions on federal reforms rather than relying on ad-hoc political demands.
  • May serve as a model for other states facing similar administrative and political challenges.
  • Reinforces the need to balance unity with diversity, and national integrity with state autonomy.

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-chief-minister-mk-stalin-forms-high-level-committee-to-strengthen-state-autonomy/article69451798.ece