The government appointed the M. M. Punchhi Commission yesterday to review Centre–State relations. The other members named in the announcement are Dhirendra Singh, V. K. Duggal, and N. R. Madhava Menon.

The Commission’s terms of reference include:

  • Examining the role, responsibility, and jurisdiction of the Centre during major and prolonged outbreaks of communal violence, caste violence, or other social conflict.
  • Reviewing other aspects of Centre–State relations, including taxation and the linking of rivers.
  • Examining whether a Central law enforcement agency is needed to undertake suo motu investigations of crimes with inter-State or international ramifications and serious implications for national security.
  • Studying the feasibility of supporting legislation under Article 355 to enable suo motu deployment of Central forces in States when circumstances demand it.
  • Studying the role, responsibility, and jurisdiction of the Centre vis-à-vis States in promoting effective devolution of powers and autonomy to Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies.
  • Examining independent planning and budgeting at the district level, and linking Central assistance to the performance of States.
  • Studying the need for changes to taxation to facilitate inter-State trade and establish a unified domestic market.
  • Examining the role of Governors, emergency provisions, financial relations, economic and social planning, Panchayati Raj institutions, and the sharing of resources, including inter-State river waters.