UPSC Mains 2013 · GS II · Q6 · 10 marks · 200 words

Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both ? Discuss.

हिन्दी में

अन्तर-राज्य जल विवादों का समाधान करने में सांविधानिक प्रक्रियाएँ समस्याओं को सम्बोधित करने व हल करने में असफल रही हैं । क्या यह असफलता संरचनात्मक अथवा प्रक्रियात्मक अपर्याप्तता अथवा दोनों के कारण हुई है ? विवेचना कीजिए ।

FederalismCentre-State Relations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Interstate disputes are increasingly becoming intractable problems and causing significant bad blood between states. Discuss the constitutional and legal framework to resolve these disputes and explain why these mechanisms have failed to achieve the desired results. Suggest a joint approach for their resolution.”

AnshulAIR 22 · 157 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Interstate disputes are increasingly becoming intractable problems and causing significant bad blood between states eg. Killings on Assam border disputes

Body

Constitutional and legal framework to resolve disputes

  • Interstate Council under Article 263.
  • Interstate water disputes (Article 262) → River water boards Act → interstate water disputes Act
  • Zonal Councils Act; standing committee of interstate council
  • North East councils Act
  • Meetings between CMs, chief secretary's etc
  • Article 131 - Original Jurisdiction SC

These promote interstate solidarity and communication and help resolve interstate disputes.

Why independent India failed to solve disputes

  • Non-functioning of interstate councils and zonal council → They have remained non-functional, have met only once or twice in 4 year.

  • Political interests - for getting votes

  • Regional and linguistic chauvinism

  • Attitude of no-compromise between states

Diagram
* Unsolved disputes * Kasargod * Belgaum * Assam Border * between Haryana & Punjab * Hyderabad issue

Close

Although many committees have been formed some disputes remain unsolved. A joint approach which is proactive rather than reactive must be followed.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II, Q6. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.