Wednesday, August 24 2005 14:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government has decided to set up a new commission to look into issues of Centre-State relations, Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Rajya Sabha today (Aug 24, 2005).

Replying to Supplementaries during Question Hour, he said the decision to set up a commission was taken in view of the changes that have taken place in the polity and economy of India since the Sarkaria Commission last studied these issues more than two decades ago.

Patil disclosed that out of the 247 recommendations given by Sarkaria Commission, 179 have been implemented and 63 recommendations have not been accepted while discussions are on for implementing five other recommendations.

Patil said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government had not accepted the Sarkaria commission recommendation on governor's role and the present Government stood by it.

Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat expressed concern that no concrete view has been arrived on the matter.

Patil said this subject can be taken up by the new commission.

In reply to a question on sharing of revenue between states and the Centre, the Minister said that was done as per the recommendations of Finance commission.

The Minister, however, observed that it becomes difficult to appropriate funds to high revenue earning states in proportion to their contribution as it could affect allocation to weaker states.