Topic 03 of 5 · Chapter 11 · Indian Polity
Centre-State Administrative Relations
Articles 256-263, Centre’s direction to states, All India Services, Inter-State Council, Zonal Councils, Governor’s role, and President’s Rule.
📋 In This Article
1. Centre’s Direction to States
The Centre can give directions to States in certain matters:
- Article 256: States must exercise their executive power in compliance with Union laws
- Article 257: States must not impede the exercise of Union executive power; Centre can give directions to States regarding construction and maintenance of means of communication
- Article 257A: (Repealed) Centre could deploy armed forces in States
- Article 258: Centre can entrust functions to States
- Article 258A: States can entrust functions to Centre
💡 Key Idea: If a State fails to comply with Centre’s directions, the Centre can take over the administration of the State under Article 356 (President’s Rule). This is a strong unitary feature.
2. All India Services
All India Services (AIS) are services common to both the Centre and States. Currently there are three AIS:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
⭐ Exam Fact: All India Services are created under Article 312 — which requires a resolution by Rajya Sabha by 2/3 majority. IAS and IPS were created in 1946; IFoS was created in 1966. AIS officers are recruited by UPSC and are controlled by the Centre but serve both Centre and States.
3. Inter-State Council (Article 263)
The Inter-State Council is established under Article 263 to promote coordination between States and between Centre and States. Key features:
- Established by Presidential order
- Chaired by the Prime Minister
- Members: Chief Ministers of all States and UTs with legislatures, and 6 Cabinet Ministers nominated by PM
- Meets periodically to discuss matters of common interest
- Recommendations are advisory — not binding
✅ Remember: The Inter-State Council was established in 1990 on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission (1988). The Sarkaria Commission was appointed to review Centre-State relations.
4. Zonal Councils
Zonal Councils are statutory bodies (not constitutional) established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. India is divided into 5 zones:
- Northern Zone, Southern Zone, Eastern Zone, Western Zone, Central Zone
- Each Zonal Council is chaired by the Union Home Minister
- Members: Chief Ministers and 2 other ministers from each State in the zone
- Purpose: Promote cooperation and coordination among States in the zone
5. Governor’s Role
The Governor is the constitutional head of the State and the Centre’s agent in the State. Key roles:
- Appointed by the President (Article 155)
- Holds office during the pleasure of the President
- Acts as the link between Centre and State
- Can reserve State bills for President’s consideration
- Submits reports to the President on the constitutional situation in the State
- Can recommend President’s Rule (Article 356)
6. President’s Rule (Article 356)
Article 356 provides for President’s Rule (State Emergency) when the constitutional machinery in a State fails. Key features:
- Proclaimed by the President on the Governor’s report or otherwise
- State government is dismissed; State Legislature is dissolved or suspended
- Centre takes over the administration of the State
- Duration: Initially 2 months; can be extended to 3 years with Parliamentary approval
- Parliament must approve within 2 months
⭐ S.R. Bommai Case (1994): The Supreme Court held that the imposition of President’s Rule is subject to judicial review. The President must have material before them to be satisfied that the constitutional machinery has failed. The SC can examine whether the material was relevant and sufficient.
7. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Article 256: States must comply with Union laws
- All India Services: IAS, IPS, IFoS (Article 312)
- AIS created by: Rajya Sabha resolution (2/3 majority)
- Inter-State Council: Article 263; chaired by PM
- Inter-State Council established: 1990 (Sarkaria Commission recommendation)
- Zonal Councils: Statutory (not constitutional); chaired by Home Minister
- Governor: Appointed by President; Centre’s agent in State
- President’s Rule: Article 356; initially 2 months; max 3 years
- S.R. Bommai (1994): President’s Rule subject to judicial review
- Sarkaria Commission (1988): Reviewed Centre-State relations