UPSC Prelims 2019 Q66: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
- (a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
- (b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)
- (c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
- (d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)
Answer: (c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)
Explanation
Governor Appointment Recommendations: Key Committees
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendation on Governor |
|---|---|---|
| ARC-I | 1966 | Governor should not be a partisan; independent, dispassionate. |
| Rajamannar | 1969 (TN) | Governor to consult CM more; more state autonomy. |
| Sarkaria Commission | 1983 | Governor should be an eminent person from OUTSIDE the State, NOT belonging to the ruling party at Centre, and detached from political links - a person who has NOT taken active part in politics in recent past. |
| Punchhi Commission | 2007 | Endorsed Sarkaria; Governor should be appointed in consultation with CM. |
| NCRWC | 2000 | Recommended Governor appointment in consultation with CM. |
Sarkaria Commission (1983) is the specific source for the 'detached, outside the State, no recent political links' criteria. Answer: (c).
Answer: (c) Sarkaria Commission (1983).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. ARC-I made broader recommendations on Governor's role but not this specific eligibility framework.
- (b) Incorrect. Rajamannar Committee focused on state autonomy in Tamil Nadu context, not Governor eligibility criteria.
- (c) CORRECT. Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended the Governor be an eminent person from outside the State, detached from politics, and without recent political engagement.
- (d) Incorrect. NCRWC (2000) endorsed Sarkaria's framework but did not originate it.
Key point
Sarkaria Commission (1983): Governor = outside State, eminent, detached, no recent politics. Punchhi (2007) and NCRWC (2000) built on Sarkaria.
Remember
The Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State, and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past. This framework was endorsed by Punchhi Commission (2007) and NCRWC (2000).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Sarkaria (1983) with Punchhi (2007) or NCRWC (2000) - all Centre-State/constitutional reviews but Sarkaria is the origin here.
- Assuming ARC-I covered this - ARC-I made general administrative recommendations.
- Not knowing Sarkaria's other suggestions: Article 356 sparing use, Inter-State Council, judicial review of Centre-State disputes.
Exam tip
Sarkaria Commission (1983) key recommendations: (i) Governor eligibility (outsider, non-political). (ii) Article 356 sparing use with judicial review. (iii) Establish Inter-State Council (created 1990). (iv) Financial devolution reforms. (v) Concurrent list consultation with states.
Sources
- Sarkaria Commission Report on Centre-State Relations (1983-1988)
- Ministry of Home Affairs - Inter-State Council secretariat documents