Which mechanism promotes consultation and coordination between Union and States, especially on matters like GST?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is (D) Inter-State Council.
Explanation:
☛ Article 263 of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect coordination between the Union and the States.
☛ It was set up in 1990 through a Presidential Order on the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission.
☛ The Council investigates and discusses subjects in which the States or the Union and one or more of the States have a common interest, facilitating policy consensus.
☛ The Prime Minister serves as the Chairman of the Inter-State Council, and its members include the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislative assemblies.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Zonal Councils: These are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and are chaired by the Union Home Minister.
☛ Finance Commission: A constitutional body constituted under Article 280 to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the States.
☛ NITI Aayog: Established on 1 January 2015 as an extra-constitutional, non-statutory think tank replacing the Planning Commission.
☛ GST Council: A dedicated constitutional body established under Article 279A, chaired by the Union Finance Minister to make recommendations on Goods and Services Tax.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which Article of the Constitution provides for the Inter-State Council? → Article 263
☛ Which Commission recommended the establishment of the Inter-State Council? → Sarkaria Commission
☛ Who acts as the Chairman of the Inter-State Council? → Prime Minister
☛ Which Article deals with the constitution of the GST Council? → Article 279A
☛ Who acts as the Chairman of all Zonal Councils in India? → Union Home Minister