Examine the role of inter-governmental institutions in facilitating cooperative dialogue and resolving local governance challenges in India. (Answer in 250 words)

India is a complex democracy. Due to its huge diversity geographical terrain into state disputes, poverty etc, cooperation between various governmental institutions become important.

➝ Legislative bodies of National concern like reviewing, poverty eradication issues through Inter-state council (vide 263)

➝ Build consensus on policy issues like agriculture ESIC land labour reform through institutions like NITI Aayog governing council.

➝ Role of Zonal councils in resolving regional varied challenges like water dispute between Haryana and Punjab viz. Sutlej.

GST Council (vide 279A) made for deciding tax rates and items to be included on GST - fiscal federalism.

➝ Centre-state cooperation through National Development Council on venue like land reforms, infrastructure development.

➝ Enforce security cooperation through meetings by cabinet secretariat state secretaries during emergencies.

➝ Finance commission engage with state in deciding its term of reference.

➝ Improve governance through competitive federalism like NITI aayog SDG Index, Health Index.

However, following challenges, persist in inter-governmental institutions

1. Inefficient meetings & last meet of NDC in 2011.

2. Lack of enforcement power & ISS can only recommend.

3. Top down decision making @ Centre be now influencing + NITI & days of planning system.

4. Lack of institutional support to these bodies & lack of personnel.

5. Use of judicial mechanism are these bodies & the resolve issues viz. Cauvery water dispute.

Inter-governmental institutions need to be strengthened through Constitutional backing, giving enforcement powers and institutionalisation through regular meetings.

[Continuation from Q11] GST Council (vide 279A) made for deciding tax rates and items to be included on GST - fiscal federalism.

➝ Centre-state cooperation through National Development Council on venue like land reforms, infrastructure development.

➝ Enforce security cooperation through meetings by cabinet secretariat state secretaries during emergencies.

➝ Finance commission engage with state in deciding its term of reference.

➝ Improve governance through competitive federalism like NITI aayog SDG Index, Health Index.