Why in News?

Citing concerns over the erosion of state powers, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has set up a high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph to review Centre-State relations and suggest ways to strengthen states' constitutional rights.

Nearly 50 years ago, then CM C N Annadurai had formed a similar committee under Dr. P V Rajamannar to recommend measures for maximizing state autonomy without compromising national integrity.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Rajamannar Committee's Observations on Centre-State Relations
• Renewed Push for Federalism

Rajamannar Committee's Observations on Centre-State Relations

• It noted a growing dominance of the Centre over the States, with state-specific matters increasingly controlled by the Centre, often because the same party ruled both levels of government.
• Though initiated during Annadurai’s tenure, the Rajamannar Committee report was submitted under M Karunanidhi's leadership to then PM Indira Gandhi.
• De Facto Centralisation of States
  • The committee argued that although the Constitution appeared federal, its practical implementation had reduced States to mere administrative units of the Centre.
• Constitutional Provisions Enabling Central Control
  • The report cited Articles 256, 257, and 365. These provisions gave sweeping powers to the Centre.
  • The Centre could issue directions to the States and enforce them.
  • The committee said President’s Rule was used as a drastic and unprecedented constitutional weapon.
• Key Recommendations
  • Repeal Article 356 to prevent misuse of President’s Rule.
  • Establish a robust Inter-State Council under Article 263 to resolve Centre-State differences through dialogue rather than coercion.
• Criticism of Extra-Constitutional Institutions
  • The Rajamannar Committee criticised the rise of bodies like the Planning Commission, created by an executive order and not by the Constitution.
• Central Control Through Financial Powers
  • The committee noted that discretionary grants from the Centre gave it a "whip in its hands," allowing it to control States through financial dependence.
  • It argued that this made the constitutionally mandated Finance Commission irrelevant and reduced States to "suppliants for aid" in their own areas.
• Erosion of Federal Balance
  • The report warned of a growing "Triple" threat—central planning, massive grants, and party politics—which was steadily eroding the federal structure.
• Increasing Central Interference
  • The committee observed that the Centre’s frequent involvement in State matters created the impression of an anxiety to exercise overall supervision, undermining State autonomy.
• Rethinking the Idea of a Strong Centre
  • The Rajamannar Committee challenged the notion that centralisation strengthens India.
  • It warned that by taking on too many responsibilities, the Centre risks becoming weak.
  • True strength, it argued, lies in restraint and clear focus, not in expansionism.
  • Quoting C N Annadurai’s 1967 speech, the report stressed that while the Centre must have enough powers to safeguard India’s sovereignty.
    • It should not encroach on subjects like health and education, which do not contribute to national security.

Renewed Push for Federalism

• Half a century later, the Stalin-led DMK government is once again questioning the Centre-State balance, amid disputes over NEET, GST compensation, delimitation, and language policy.
• Mandate of the New Committee
  • The newly formed committee will review the current legal framework and suggest measures to restore the rights of States within the constitutional setup.
• Uncertain Impact
  • It remains unclear if New Delhi will act on the new committee’s recommendations, as the Rajamannar Report and later reviews by the Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions were largely ignored.
• A Call for Cooperation
  • The spirit behind these efforts echoes Annadurai’s 1967 vision of strengthening Centre-State relations through mutual goodwill and understanding.