New Delhi, Apr 15 (IANS): The amendments of the second administrative reforms commission (ARC) are against the principles of federalism, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Monday.

"These recommendations are against the principles of federalism," Nitish Kumar said in a statement, tabled during a meet of chief ministers on police reforms convened here by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

Nitish Kumar, who did not attend the meet, said in the statement that ARC amendments were superficial and there was a need to address ground-level issues.

"The perusal of the recommendations brings out a fundamental contrast between the recommendations on reforming the police and improving the performance of judiciary in conducting trials," the Bihar chief minister said.

According to him, it would be a serious anomaly if the police hierarchy is controlled in its day-to-day functioning by a plethora of authorities, as suggested by the ARC.

"It is impractical and untenable to give authority and control over police to various constitutional bodies and yet hold the elected government accountable in the state legislature for the performance of the police," said Nitish Kumar.

Further on the ARC suggestions, the Bihar chief minister said the idea of establishing a crime investigation agency and a board of investigation in each state was "fraught with constitutional and democratic contradictions".

However, Nitish Kumar said ARC recommendations like improvement of forensic science infrastructure, professionalism during investigations, strengthening intelligence gathering, training, gender issues in policing, crimes against vulnerable sections and prison reforms were worthy of implementation.