Understanding the Inter-State Council (ISC) Statements

This question requires us to evaluate four statements about the Inter-State Council (ISC) and identify the correct ones based on constitutional provisions and established facts.

Statement 1 Analysis: ISC and Article 263

Statement 1 claims that the Inter-State Council (ISC) was established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. This statement is correct. Article 263 provides the constitutional basis for the creation of an Inter-State Council by the President of India to address issues of common interest between the Union and the states, or between states.

The relevant text from the Constitution is:

Article 263: "If at any time it appears to the President that the public interests would be served by the establishment of a council charged with—

• (a) inquiring into and advising upon such disputes as may have arisen between states;
• (b) investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all of the states, or the Union and one or more of the states, have a common interest; and
• (c) making recommendations upon any such subject, but in particular recommendations for the better co-ordination of policy and action with respect to that subject,
• it shall thereupon be lawful for the President by order to establish such a Council, and to define the nature of the duties to be performed by the Council and its organisation and procedure."

The Inter-State Council was indeed established by the President's order in 1990, acting under this constitutional provision.

Statement 2 Analysis: Punchhi Commission and ISC Recommendation

Statement 2 suggests that the Punchhi Commission recommended the establishment of the ISC. This statement is incorrect. The ISC was established in 1990 based on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission (which submitted its report in 1988). The M.M. Punchhi Commission (formed in 2010) reviewed the issues related to Centre-State relations later and made recommendations concerning the functioning and strengthening of the ISC, but it did not recommend its initial establishment.

Statement 3 Analysis: Chairman of the ISC

Statement 3 states that the Union Home Minister is the Chairman of the ISC. This statement is incorrect. The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Inter-State Council. The Union Home Minister chairs the Standing Committee of the ISC.

Statement 4 Analysis: ISC Functions

Statement 4 describes the purpose of the ISC as discussing matters of common interests and suggesting policies for better coordination. This statement is correct. As indicated by the text of Article 263 and the actual functioning of the ISC, its primary role is to foster cooperation and coordination between the Union government and the state governments on various issues of national importance.

Conclusion: Identifying Correct Statements

Based on the analysis above:

• Statement 1 is correct.
• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 4.

Looking at the options provided, the choice that includes only statements 1 and 4 is the correct one.