Rajamannar Committee on Centre-State Relations – UPSC Notes

In 1969, the Tamil Nadu Government (DMK) established the Rajamannar committee to delve into the dynamics of Centre–state relations. The primary objective was to recommend changes to the Constitution, emphasizing enhanced autonomy for the states. The committee presented its comprehensive report to the Tamil Nadu Government in 1971.

Identified Reasons for Unitary Trends:

1. Certain provisions in the Constitution granting special powers to the Centre.
2. Dominance of one-party rule at both the Centre and in the states.
3. Inadequate fiscal resources of states leading to dependence on the Centre for financial assistance.
4. The presence of Central planning and the role of the Planning Commission.

Key Recommendations of the Committee:

1. Establishment of an Inter-State Council without delay.
2. Granting permanency to the Finance Commission as a vital body.
3. Disbandment of the Planning Commission, replacing it with a statutory body.
4. Complete omission of Articles 356, 357, and 365 (related to President’s Rule).
5. Removal of the provision stating that the state ministry holds office during the pleasure of the governor.
6. Transfer of certain subjects from the Union List and the Concurrent List to the State List.
7. Allocation of residuary powers to the states.
8. Abolishment of All-India services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.

The committee’s findings highlighted the need for structural changes to foster greater autonomy for the states and addressed the root causes of centralization tendencies in the country. These recommendations aimed to redefine the relationship between the Centre and the states, promoting a more balanced and decentralized governance structure.

The Central government completely ignored the recommendations of the
Rajamannar Committee.

FAQs on the Rajamannar Committee

1. Why was the Rajamannar Committee formed in 1969?

• Answer: The committee was established by the Tamil Nadu Government (DMK) to examine Centre–state relations and propose constitutional amendments to enhance autonomy for the states.

2. What were the identified reasons for unitary trends mentioned by the Rajamannar Committee?

• Answer: The committee identified reasons such as certain provisions in the Constitution granting special powers to the Centre, the prevalence of one-party rule at both the Centre and states, inadequate fiscal resources of states leading to dependence on the Centre, and the role of Central planning and the Planning Commission.

3. What were the key recommendations of the Rajamannar Committee to address the identified issues?

• Answer: The committee recommended the immediate establishment of an Inter-State Council, making the Finance Commission a permanent body, disbanding the Planning Commission and replacing it with a statutory body, omitting Articles 356, 357, and 365, removing the provision regarding the state ministry’s office at the pleasure of the governor, transferring certain subjects to the State List, allocating residuary powers to the states, and abolishing All-India services like IAS, IPS, and IFS.

4. How did the Rajamannar Committee propose to address financial disparities between the Centre and states?

• Answer: The committee recommended making the Finance Commission a permanent body, highlighting its significance in addressing fiscal issues and ensuring a more equitable distribution of financial resources.

5. What was the overarching goal of the Rajamannar Committee’s recommendations?

• Answer: The committee aimed to redefine the relationship between the Centre and states, fostering greater autonomy for the states and creating a more balanced and decentralized governance structure to address the prevailing unitary trends in the country.

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