The Sarkaria commission, also called “Commission on Centre- State relations” was formed by the Government in 1983 in order to improve the relations between the Centre and state in matters of power distribution and administrative measures.

There were varied reasons for its formation which are as follows: –

1. Governance issues- Major socio-economic challenges and complications in governance required proper and streamlined measures in order to let centre and state function effectively.
2. Federal conflict- By early 1980s, there was increased tensions and conflicts regarding federal distribution of power among state and centre leading to problems like unbalance of power, biased decision making and unequal autonomy.
3. Political Uprisings- The political structure of India was witnessing uprising of regional political parties forming coalitions marking conflicts in centre and state decisions, thereby compromising effective administration for the welfare of the country.

Few important recommendations given by Sarkaria commission are as follows:-

1. Inter-state council- The commission recommended establishment of a permanent inter-state council under Article 263 of the Indian constitution for discussion of police for effective centre-state relations like regarding issues falling under List III- concurrent list in which both centre and state can give decisions.
2. Judicial Reforms- The Sarkaria Commission suggested establishment of Central law and state law commissions to ensure proper implementation of legal reforms and ensure justice is served adequately and effectively to the grass root levels.
3.  Article 356 as Last resort- The commission recommended that use of Article 356 (President’s rule) should be the last resort in case of any emergency. The commission suggested that a warning must precede before Article 356 is implemented in a state and a report of governor on which Article 356 is based must be factual and objective on merits.
4. Appointment of a Governor- The commission recommended that a governor will be a non-partisan figure and will not be an agent of the centre. The commission also recommended that a person who will be appointed as a governor should not be actively involved in politics and must be barred from holding any constitutional position if he leaves his office.

While all the recommendations of Sarkaria commission are not fully implemented yet, its report remains a significant reference on Centre-state relations.