Tamil Nadu Assembly Tables Landmark Report Advocating for Enhanced Federalism
The Tamil Nadu state assembly on Wednesday took a significant step toward advocating for greater federalism by tabling the comprehensive Justice Kurian Joseph Committee report on Centre-state relations. This detailed document proposes a substantial reduction in the powers of the governor and calls for states to have an increased role in constitutional amendments, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on India's federal structure.
Key Recommendations for Governor Appointment and Tenure
In the first part of the extensive 387-page report, the three-member panel put forward several critical recommendations aimed at reforming the office of the governor. The committee suggested amending Article 155 of the Constitution to mandate that the President appoint a governor from a list of three names approved by a majority of the state assembly. This change is designed to ensure greater state involvement in the selection process.
Furthermore, the report advocates for a non-renewable five-year term for governors and proposes that they be prohibited from holding any further constitutional office after their tenure, with exceptions only for the positions of President and Vice-President. To maintain impartiality, the committee recommended that governors should not hold office in a political party or any executive, legislative, or judicial role in the five years preceding their appointment.
Chief Minister MK Stalin Calls for Structural Reforms
Chief Minister MK Stalin emphasized the need for constitutional amendments and structural reforms to decentralize powers and grant greater autonomy to states. In a passionate address, he questioned the current dynamic, stating, "How long should we remain the receiver and the Union the provider?" His remarks underscore the state's push for a more balanced federal relationship.
Proposals to Limit Governor's Powers and Enhance State Authority
The committee's recommendations extend beyond appointment and tenure to include specific limitations on the governor's role. It proposed imposing strict timelines for gubernatorial and presidential action on bills, with deemed assent if these deadlines expire, citing the framework established by the Supreme Court in April 2025. Additionally, the report suggested eliminating the governor's address at the start of assembly sessions and removing the governor's statutory role as chancellor of state universities.
On the dissolution of the legislative assembly, the panel advised that such decisions should be made solely on ministerial advice, further reducing the governor's discretionary powers. These measures aim to streamline governance and enhance state autonomy.
Broader Recommendations for State Involvement in Key Areas
The report also seeks to expand the state's influence in several critical domains, including elections, education, health, delimitation, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It criticized the current three-language formula, advocating for a shift from what it termed "weak trilingualism to high-proficiency bilingualism." The committee urged the Union government to abandon the "one nation one language" policy and correct Census distortions by ending the misclassification of 53 languages as dialects of Hindi.
Territorial Integrity and Electoral Reforms
On matters of territorial integrity, the panel recommended that the consent of the affected state legislature be obtained before the President introduces a bill to create a new state or alter its area, boundaries, or name. This principle aims to protect state interests in territorial matters.
Regarding electoral reforms, the report called for the withdrawal of the "one nation, one election" proposal, arguing that it violates the basic structure of the Constitution. Instead, it proposed limiting the Election Commission's role to elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President, Vice-President, and Union Territories, while independent state election commissions would conduct polls for state legislatures and local bodies.
Implications for India's Federal Framework
The tabling of this report by the Tamil Nadu assembly represents a bold move toward redefining Centre-state relations in India. By advocating for diminished governor powers, greater state autonomy, and structural reforms, the Justice Kurian Joseph Committee's recommendations could spark nationwide discussions on federalism and constitutional amendments. As states seek more control over their affairs, this report may influence future policy decisions and legislative changes across the country.
