In India, non-constitutional bodies play a crucial role in governance, administration, and upholding justice. These bodies are established through statutes or executive resolutions and function independently from the constitutional machinery, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and transparency. As UPSC aspirants, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of these institutions, as they form an important aspect of governance.
The National Development Council (NDC) was established in 1952 by an executive resolution, serving as the apex body to approve Five-Year Plans in India. Its primary role was to ensure that the plans were aligned with the country’s development goals and that cooperation between the center and states was maintained. NDC includes the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, and members of NITI Aayog.
Importance of NDC:
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) replaced the Planning Commission in 2015. It functions as a policy think-tank of the Government of India and fosters cooperative federalism by involving state governments in decision-making. Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog focuses on bottom-up planning, empowering states to chart their own developmental strategies.
Key Functions of NITI Aayog:
The National Human Rights Commission was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It serves as an independent body to safeguard the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. NHRC works to investigate human rights violations and provide recommendations for action.
Role and Importance of NHRC:
Lokpal and Lokayuktas are statutory bodies established to combat corruption in public offices. The Lokpal at the central level and Lokayuktas at the state level investigate corruption charges against public officials, including politicians and government employees. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, provides for the creation of these bodies.
Importance of Lokpal and Lokayukta:
The Central Information Commission was established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It aims to promote transparency and accountability in government institutions by ensuring citizens’ right to access information.
Functions of the CIC:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigative agency, dealing with cases of corruption, economic offenses, and serious crimes. Initially set up in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment, it was later transformed into CBI in 1963.
Role and Significance of CBI:
The Central Vigilance Commission was set up in 1964 to curb corruption in government organizations. It operates as an apex vigilance institution, exercising superintendence over the vigilance administration in the central government.
Functions of CVC:
The Law Commission of India is a non-constitutional body established by an executive order to review and reform Indian laws. Its primary objective is to ensure that laws are in sync with current needs and developments.
Role and Functions of the Law Commission:
Non-constitutional bodies are integral to India’s governance, providing checks, accountability, and innovation in public administration. Understanding their roles, functions, and significance is essential for any UPSC aspirant aiming to grasp the nuances of Indian polity. These institutions not only serve as pillars of governance but also contribute significantly to upholding justice, transparency, and democratic values in the country.
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