Rajamannar Report Revisited Amid Federalism Concerns

Rajamannar Report Revisited Amid Federalism Concerns

Why in the News ?

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin has formed a high-level committee to review Centre-State relations, citing concerns over centralisation. This move revives the 1969 Rajamannar Committee’s recommendations on state autonomy, amid ongoing disputes over NEET, GST, and language policy.

Rajamannar Report Revisited Amid Federalism Concerns

Key Concerns and Recommendations

  • Criticised Planning Commission’s discretionary control over state funding, undermining the Finance Commission.
  • Said states became “supplicants” in their own jurisdictions due to centralised grants and planning.
  • Warned of the erosion of federalism by a “triple threat” of central planning, grants, and politics.
  • Asserted that true national strength lies in restraint, not expansionism, warning against a bloated Centre handling local matters.

Contemporary Relevance and Political Context

  • CM Stalin’s new panel aims to restore constitutional balance and reassert state rights.
  • Comes amid friction with Centre on NEET, GST, language policy, and resource allocation.
  • Despite previous neglect of Rajamannar, Stalin invokes it ideologically, aligning with Dravidian ideals of decentralisation.
  • Whether this initiative influences national policy remains to be seen.

Origins of the Rajamannar Committee:

●      Formed in 1969 by CM C.N. Annadurai, led by Justice P.V. Rajamannar.

●      Tasked with reviewing the Constitution and suggesting ways to enhance state autonomy without compromising national integrity.

●      Flagged excessive central control through Articles 256, 257, 356, and 365, especially the use of President’s Rule.

●      Called for repealing Article 356 and establishing a permanent Inter-State Council for Centre-State dialogue.