| Introduction: Briefly describe the objective of Punchhi Commission. Body: What were its recommendations and how can they be helpful in Manipur. Conclusion: Way forward for Union Government. |
Punchhi Commission was formed under the chairmanship of retired judge Madan Mohan Punchhi, on April 27, 2007, by UPA Government to examine Centre-state relations. The Commission submitted its report on March 31, 2010. The commission’s task was to review other aspects of center-state relations, such as taxes and river linking, as well as what might be the role, responsibility, and jurisdiction of the Centre during significant and protracted outbreaks of communal violence, caste violence, or any other social conflicts. It also considered whether a centralized law enforcement agency should be established to conduct on-the-spot investigations into crimes that have major effects on national security, the role of a governor, or other factors.
Recommendations of the commission:
- Impeachment of Governor: It provided for the impeachment of the Governor on the same lines as that of the President under Art 61. It also argued that Governor should not be burdened with additional duties other than those written in the constitution. For eg, Posts of Chancellors of Universities.
- Localised Emergency provisions: These provisions can be adopted under Art 355 to bring a district or even part of a district under the Central rule in case of a law-and-order situation. In the rest of the areas, the same elected state government would continue undisturbed.
- Communal Violence Bill: The commission suggested amending the Communal Violence Bill 2014 to deal with communal riots situation by removing the clause of mandatory consent of state government in the deployment of central forces.
- The time limit for giving assent to bills: Commission suggested that Governor should decide whether to grant assent or to reserve the bill for consideration by the President within a maximum period of six months after submission to him. The commission added that when the State Legislature reconsiders and passes the Bill (with or without amendments) after it is returned by the Governor according to the direction of the President, the President should be bound to grant his assent.
How could these recommendations be used to deal Manipur situation?
- Kuki-Meitei conflict: If these recommendations were included in our constitution, it would help the Central government to deal with the Manipur conflict. Using the provisions of Localised Emergency Provisions, Centre would have taken over administration in only Kuki-dominated areas without toppling the State government. This would have gone as beneficial for both Centre and State and unnecessary mayhem would have been avoided.
- Civil Centres: Such types of centres could have been established in areas of insurgency to deal with insurgents and protect the villagers and establish the rule of law. Such centres could break the crucial link between Insurgent groups and the civilian population which could finally develop confidence among the villagers.
Conclusion:
Union Government should urgently hold a meeting of the Inter-State Council and discuss the recommendations which are crucial for establishing peace and harmony following the collapse of law and order. The Centre must consider the concerns of state government regarding federal principles and follow the principle of cooperative federalism.
