While the Inter-State Council holds considerable potential for addressing federal disputes, this potential remains largely unrealized. Analyze.

Article 263 aims to establish Inter-State Council on the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission to promote the idea of cooperative federalism. Inter-State council's potential for addressing federal disputes: (1) It provides a structured platform for discussions related to finance, security etc. (2) Inter-State council also provides means for policy harmonization in matters that require collaboration among different states like education, health (3) It can build trust between federal units and raise issues beyond party politics. (4) It can tackle federal disputes through consensus and dialogue. eg.: issue related to water sharing (5) It can also tackle politically sensitive issues that undermine federal spirit.

party politics. (4) It can tackle federal disputes through consensus and dialogue. eg.: issue related to water sharing (5) It can also tackle politically sensitive issues that undermine federal spirit. However, its potential remains unrealized: (1) Infrequent meetings is though having mandate to meet atleast twice in a year, it does not meet up. eg.: Inter state council last met in 2016. (2) The recommendations are merely advisory and thus non-binding nature. (3) It is not re-constituted timely post elections as it does not have permanent status. i Electoral Frontiers and short-term benefits as seen by the political parties make resolution diffi cut. ii No separate secretariat → Functions under Ministry of Home Affairs. iii Dominance of single party Way Forward: i Establish permanent status to Inter-state council. ii Recommendations to be made binding. iii Ensure de-politicization of ISC eg.: Rotation of chair among States of ISC's standing committee, iv regular meetings for smooth resolution.

[Continuation of way forward section]

[Conclusion and related discussion continued]

— NANCY SINGH · AIR 34