Role of the Inter-State Council in Promoting Co-operative Federalism

1. Purpose and Function:
The Inter-State Council (ISC) was established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution to promote co-operative federalism by facilitating dialogue between the Centre and states on issues of mutual concern. Its main role is to resolve disputes and coordinate policies.

2. Achievements:
The ISC has played a role in policy coordination, such as discussions on GST implementation and flood management. It serves as a platform for states and central government to address inter-state issues and ensure collaborative governance.

3. Criticisms:
However, its effectiveness has been questioned due to infrequent meetings and limited impact on major federal disputes. For instance, it had a limited role in the recent farm laws dispute, highlighting its ineffectiveness in resolving critical issues.

4. Recent Example:
In the context of COVID-19 management, while the ISC discussed various measures, state-central coordination often remained ad-hoc rather than systematically resolved through the council.

Conclusion:
The ISC aims to foster co-operative federalism, but its limited frequency and variable impact suggest the need for a more dynamic role in ensuring effective federal collaboration.