30 Facts about Commissions and Committees in India

Here are 30 important and potentially confusing facts about Commissions and Committees in India, which can help in your UPSC CSE preparation:

1. Commissions and Committees are essential instruments in Indian governance used to address specific issues, provide recommendations, and assist in policy-making processes.
2. The primary purpose of setting up commissions and committees is to investigate specific matters, gather detailed information, and suggest reforms, without being bound by the routine legislative processes.
3. Commissions are usually set up by the President of India or state governors, while committees can be formed by the Parliament, State Legislatures, or even executive authorities to advise on specific matters.
4. Statutory Commissions are those created by law and have a well-defined mandate. Some examples are the Election Commission, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
5. Non-Statutory Commissions are not created by law but are set up through executive orders. These include the Justice Verma Committee and Srikrishna Commission.
6. The Planning Commission, which was responsible for formulating India’s Five-Year Plans, was a non-constitutional, non-statutory body, dissolved in 2014 and replaced by the NITI Aayog.
7. Committees are often smaller, temporary bodies set up by either the government or parliamentary bodies to deal with specific issues, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, and Departmental Standing Committees.
8. Constitutional Bodies like the Election Commission and the Finance Commission are mentioned in the Constitution, and their powers and functions are laid down by it.
9. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies. It is empowered to ensure free and fair elections.
10. The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution. It recommends the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States and advises on the principles governing grants-in-aid.
11. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is tasked with protecting and promoting human rights in India.
12. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is responsible for auditing and reporting on the finances of the government, ensuring the accountability of public funds. It is a constitutional body under Article 148.
13. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), established by the Parliament, reviews the public accounts and audits, ensuring that public money is spent according to the law.
14. The Estimates Committee is a parliamentary committee responsible for examining the budget estimates and suggesting ways to ensure that government expenditure aligns with the objectives of the plan.
15. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is formed by both Houses of Parliament to examine specific issues, such as allegations of corruption or financial misconduct, and make recommendations for reform.
16. Ad-hoc Committees are temporary committees set up to address specific issues or tasks. For example, the JPC on 2G Spectrum Scam was formed to investigate the scam in the telecommunications sector.
17. The NITI Aayog, set up in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, is a policy think tank that helps formulate strategies for sustainable development, focusing on cooperative federalism and innovation.
18. The Recommendations of Commissions and Committees are often not legally binding, though governments tend to implement them to enhance governance and policy making.
19. The Mandal Commission, set up in 1979, recommended reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, which led to significant political and social change in India.
20. The Sarkaria Commission (1983-1988) reviewed the relationship between the Centre and States in India and recommended measures to enhance cooperative federalism and address the issue of centralization.
21. The Justice Verma Committee, established in 2012, proposed reforms to address sexual violence in India following the Nirbhaya case. Its recommendations led to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.
22. The Ranganath Mishra Commission (1983) and the Sachar Committee (2006) focused on the socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community, making key recommendations for their welfare and empowerment.
23. The B.P. Mandal Commission (1979) is famous for recommending reservation for OBCs (Other Backward Classes) in government jobs and educational institutions, which led to widespread social and political debate.
24. The P.V. Narasimha Rao government set up the Rangarajan Committee in 1991 to formulate the New Economic Policy (NEP), which led to the liberalization of the Indian economy.
25. Committees for Parliamentary Procedures, such as the Rules Committee and the Committee on Government Assurances, ensure smooth functioning within the legislative framework.
26. The Public Grievances Redressal Mechanism is another important function of committees, such as the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which provides quick resolution of consumer grievances.
27. The Inter-State Council, established under Article 263 of the Constitution, facilitates communication between the Union and the States. It provides a forum for resolving disputes and ensuring coordination between governments.
28. The NITI Aayog was created to replace the Planning Commission and strengthen cooperative federalism by giving state governments a more active role in decision-making, as opposed to the centralization that characterized the Planning Commission.
29. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are statutory bodies created to monitor the welfare and rights of these communities, making recommendations for their social and economic development.
30. The Indian Law Commission, which advises the government on legal reforms, has been instrumental in proposing changes to outdated laws and ensuring the legal framework evolves with societal needs.

Commissions and committees are integral to the governance system in India, helping guide policy-making, social reforms, and administration. They allow for specialized, informed decision-making on complex issues, ensuring a more effective and inclusive governance framework. Understanding their role, structure, and significance is crucial for the UPSC CSE exam, especially in areas related to governance, public administration, and constitutional law.