Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?

(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)
(c) Sarkaria Commission (1983) ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)

Why the answer is (c)

• The Sarkaria Commission on Centre–State relations (1983–88) recommended that the Governor be an eminent person from outside the State, a detached figure without intense political links, who has not taken part in politics in the recent past, and that the State's Chief Minister be consulted — option (c).

• The Punchhi Commission (2007–10) later echoed these views.

• The First ARC (a) and Rajamannar Committee (b) discussed the Governor's role but not this precise formulation; the NCRWC (d) suggested a committee to select Governors.

• Hence option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966): The First ARC did not make this specific recommendation.
(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969): The Rajamannar Committee focused on Tamil Nadu's autonomy demands.
(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000): NCRWC proposed a selection committee, not this formulation.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.