Enumerate the provisions within the institutional architecture of India to resolve inter-state disputes. Assess their effectiveness.

The institutional architecture in India to settle inter-state disputes includes the interstate council, the NITI Aayog and the Supreme Court.

Inter-State Council:

• It is a constitutional body established under article 263, thus well-placed to settle disputes.
• It has solved over 100 disputes within timeframe of one year.
• It lacks a dedicated cadre of officers.
• But infrequent meetings have diluted the effectiveness of this body.
• Further if its secretariat is shifted to Rajya Sabha instead of being under union home Ministry, it would be more effective.

Zonal Councils:

• These statutory bodies set up under States Reorganization Act 1956, have helped settle economic and environmental disputes between states.
• However they suffer from lacunae like lack of impetus from participating states and lack of constitutional status.

Niti Aayog:

• All states have been given the representation in the governing council.
• Though NITI Aayog has spurred cooperative and competitive federalism, it has not facilitated dispute settlement.

Supreme Court:

• It has exclusive original jurisdiction over inter-state disputes.
• Recently it has solved major disputes like Cauvery water sharing, Sutlej Yamuna Link canal dispute and Mullaperiyar issue.
• But its effectiveness is limited by the pendency of a high order and continuing vacancies in the judiciary.

Way forward:

Apart from strengthening inter-state council, river basin management boards for inter-state river disputes settlement will help to promote cooperation among states.