T.N. forms panel on autonomy of States
Three-member high-level committee had been formed to review provisions of the Constitution laws and policies pertaining to Centre-State relations, and recommend steps to strengthen the States’ autonomy and federalism.
Justice Kurian Joseph, the former Supreme Court judge who will lead a high-level committee.
Retired IAS officer and former Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University K. Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former vice-chairman, State Planning Commission, M. Naganathan will be its members.
The committee would recommend
✓ ways to restore subjects moved from the State List to the Concurrent List,
✓ propose measures for States to overcome administrative challenges,
✓ suggest reforms to ensure maximum autonomy for States without compromising the unity and integrity of the nation,
✓ consider the recommendations of the Rajamannar Committee and subsequent commissions formed by the Union government on the Centre-State relations.
The committee is expected to submit its interim report by January 2026, and the final report within two years.
The panel will examine if Centre-State relations need glasnost (transparency) and, if need be, perestroika (restructuring/reform) to fulfil the need of the hour and live up to the expectations of the people.
‘’Constitution was an organic document that should live up to the people’s aspirations’’.
Other Commissions related to Centre- State relations
✓ Rajamannar Committee – 1969- By Tamil Nadu Government
✓ Sarkaria Commission – 1983
✓ Punchhi Commission – 2007
