Introduction

The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) began its work in 2000. It aimed to modernise India’s federal system without rewriting the Constitution. Its recommendations focused on reducing friction between the Centre and states and promoting cooperative federalism. The commission studied earlier reports, examined administrative challenges, and suggested reforms in institutions, legislation, finances, and governance.

How Did the NCRWC Propose to Strengthen Institutional Cooperation?

The NCRWC stressed the need for stronger institutions that could support regular dialogue. It proposed an Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission under Article 307. This body would examine barriers that slowed inter-state trade and recommend corrective steps. The commission believed that smoother trade would build economic unity across states. It wanted this institution to remove administrative hurdles and ensure equal opportunities for all regions.

The NCRWC also urged the Centre to use the Inter-State Council more actively. This council already existed, but it did not meet regularly. The commission argued that frequent meetings could settle disputes before they escalated. It felt that the council should become the main platform for consultation on policies, development issues, and conflict resolution. This approach would replace ad-hoc mechanisms with structured discussions. The NCRWC believed that normalising consultation would strengthen trust between the Centre and states.

The recommendations showed the commission’s focus on dialogue. It proposed that cooperation should replace unilateral decisions. A stable institutional framework would prevent confusion in administrative matters. It would also reduce the scope for political tension. The emphasis remained on building long-term federal harmony.

What Legislative Changes Did the NCRWC Suggest for Better Crisis Management?

The NCRWC noticed gaps in the constitutional framework for handling disasters. It argued that natural calamities needed a coordinated legal response. To achieve this, it proposed adding disaster-related provisions to the Concurrent List. This shift would allow both the Centre and states to legislate during emergencies. The commission believed that shared powers would ease coordination. It argued that crises demanded flexibility, which the existing lists lacked.

The NCRWC also examined emergency provisions linked to Article 356 and Article 365. It observed that these provisions were sometimes misused for political reasons. To prevent this, it recommended clear criteria for imposing President’s Rule. It stated that a Governor’s report should be detailed and objective before the Centre intervenes. The commission stressed transparency, judicial review, and accountability. It wanted constitutional safeguards to protect states from undue control.

By refining these provisions, the NCRWC aimed to strike a balance. It acknowledged the Centre’s role in maintaining stability but insisted that the states’ autonomy must remain intact. The recommendations reflected a belief that emergency powers should be exceptional, not routine.

How Did the NCRWC Address Issues of Taxation and Fiscal Federalism?

The NCRWC recognised that financial imbalance weakened federal cooperation. States carried heavy responsibilities but lacked adequate revenue. To correct this imbalance, the commission suggested expanding the list of services where states could impose taxes. It recommended enumerating state-taxable services clearly. The goal was to increase state autonomy in raising resources.

The NCRWC also discussed shared taxes. It stated that states should receive a higher share of central taxes. It argued that predictable and formula-based transfers would support better planning. The commission wanted to reduce discretionary grants because they created dependency and reduced transparency. It believed that fiscal arrangements must match the responsibilities given to states.

The commission also recommended allowing states to levy certain Union taxes in specific situations. This would supplement their income without burdening the Centre. The NCRWC believed that a stronger fiscal base would help states provide essential services. It also argued that greater autonomy would reduce tensions in federal relations. The emphasis remained on fairness, clarity, and shared responsibility.

How Did the NCRWC Propose to Reform Administrative Control Mechanisms?

The NCRWC examined central control over state administration. It noticed that many procedures allowed the Centre to interfere in state subjects. The commission argued that such control weakened federal balance. It recommended reviewing these mechanisms to limit excessive oversight. It focused especially on subjects like education, social welfare, and development programmes.

The NCRWC suggested that states should get more freedom in planning and execution. It argued that local governments understood regional needs better than central agencies. The commission recommended simplifying approvals and reducing mandatory clearances. It felt that this would improve efficiency and encourage innovation.

The NCRWC’s approach supported decentralisation. It believed that flexibility would empower states and accelerate development. It wanted to replace hierarchical supervision with cooperation. It also emphasised accountability through transparent reporting rather than centralised control.

How Did the NCRWC Build on Earlier Commissions?

The NCRWC studied previous reports like those of the Sarkaria Commission. It adopted many principles of cooperative federalism recommended earlier. However, it updated these principles to meet modern economic and administrative challenges. It focused on trade, disaster management, fiscal reforms, and institutional coordination. The commission believed that India needed a federal system that could adapt to rapid changes.

It also recognised that constitutional amendments were not always necessary. Many reforms could be achieved through better use of existing mechanisms. The NCRWC therefore concentrated on improving institutions and processes rather than rewriting the federal structure. It encouraged dialogue, transparency, and cooperative decision-making.

Why Do NCRWC Recommendations Remain Relevant Today?

India continues to face federal challenges. Disputes over taxation, resource sharing, and administrative authority still arise. Many states seek greater autonomy, while the Centre seeks uniform standards. The NCRWC’s recommendations offer balanced solutions. They promote consultation instead of confrontation. They also strengthen accountability in emergencies and fiscal matters.

The Inter-State Council, if activated as recommended, can resolve disputes through cooperative dialogue. A stronger fiscal framework can give states the resources they need. Clearer emergency provisions can prevent misuse. Coordination in disaster management has become even more important in recent years.

The NCRWC’s approach is rooted in the idea that federalism is a living system. It must evolve with economic growth, social change, and national priorities. The commission believed that unity and diversity must coexist. Its recommendations remain practical and forward-looking.

Conclusion

The NCRWC offered a comprehensive plan to strengthen Centre-State relations. It emphasised institutional cooperation, fiscal balance, administrative clarity, and responsible emergency powers. It proposed new bodies like the Inter-State Trade Commission and encouraged better use of existing ones like the Inter-State Council. It supported greater legislative flexibility during crises. It promoted financial autonomy and transparent transfers.

The commission built on earlier studies and adapted them to modern needs. Its recommendations aimed at harmony, efficiency, and balanced power sharing. By promoting cooperative federalism, the NCRWC ensured that the Constitution could serve India’s evolving federal landscape. Its ideas continue to influence discussions on federal reforms and governance in India.