In any society, committees & commissions play a pivotal role in governance, decision-making, and addressing various issues. These bodies are often formed to investigate specific matters, propose solutions, or oversee the implementation of policies. Understanding the functions and significance of committees & commissions is crucial for a well-informed citizenry.
The Role of Committees: Committees are established to delve into particular subjects or problems, drawing upon the expertise of members to scrutinize issues thoroughly. They may be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the task at hand. These bodies are instrumental in researching, debating, and formulating recommendations or policies to address concerns ranging from healthcare to environmental protection.
Types of Committees:
- Legislative Committees: These committees are an integral part of the legislative process, tasked with reviewing proposed laws, conducting hearings, and making recommendations to the larger legislative body. They ensure that proposed legislation is thoroughly examined and debated before being enacted into law.
- Advisory Committees: Comprising experts in specific fields, advisory committees provide valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers. These committees advise governments on matters such as economic policy, scientific research, or cultural preservation, helping to inform decision-making processes.
- Investigative Committees: When allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing arise, investigative committees are formed to conduct inquiries and gather evidence. These committees play a crucial role in uncovering truth and holding individuals or organizations accountable for their actions.
Significance of Commissions: Commissions are often appointed by governments to address complex issues or to conduct inquiries into significant events. They typically consist of independent experts or individuals with relevant experience, tasked with providing impartial assessments and recommendations. Commissions serve to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the decision-making process.
Types of Commissions:
- Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: These commissions are established in societies recovering from periods of conflict or repression to investigate past atrocities, promote healing, and foster reconciliation among divided communities.
- Human Rights Commissions: Charged with safeguarding human rights within a country, these commissions investigate complaints of human rights abuses, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes to protect vulnerable populations.
- Environmental Commissions: With growing concerns about environmental degradation and climate change, environmental commissions play a crucial role in promoting sustainability, conducting research, and recommending policies to mitigate environmental impacts.
Exploring Permanent Commissions in India
In India, permanent commissions play a vital role in various aspects of governance, ensuring continuity, expertise, and impartiality in decision-making processes. These commissions are established by the government to address specific issues or sectors, contributing significantly to the country’s development and welfare.
The Role of Permanent Commissions: Permanent commissions serve as specialized bodies dedicated to addressing long-term challenges and concerns within specific sectors. Unlike ad-hoc committees, these commissions are established for an indefinite duration, providing continuity and stability in their functions. They offer expert advice, conduct research, and formulate policies to advance the interests of their respective fields.
Permanent Commissions in India:
| No. | Commission | Formed | Description | Ministry/Department | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Census Commission | 1872 | Conduct census operations | Ministry of Home Affairs | – |
| 2 | Atomic Energy Commission of India | 1948 | Plan and implement measures in atomic energy field based on technical and economic principles | Department of Atomic Energy | aec.gov.in |
| 3 | Planning Commission | 1950 | Formulate India’s Five-Year Plans and other functions | – | planningcommission.nic.in |
| 4 | Central Forestry Commission | 1965 | – | – | – |
| 5 | Central Water Commission | 1945 | Water resources management | Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation | – |
| 6 | Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices | 1965 | Stabilize agricultural prices, ensure meaningful income levels for farmers, maintain reasonable prices for essential agricultural commodities | Ministry of Agriculture (India) | cacp.dacner.nic.in |
| 7 | Electronics Commission | 1971 | – | – | – |
| 8 | Commission for Additional Sources of Energy | 1981 | – | – | – |
| 9 | Chief Labour Commissioner | 1945 | Prevention/settlement of industrial disputes, enforcement of labor laws, quasi-judicial functions | – | clc.gov.in |
| 10 | Rashtriya Barh Ayog (National Flood Commission) | 1976 | Focus on flood management | Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation | – |
| 11 | Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission | 1972 | – | – | – |
| 12 | Space Commission | 1962 | Space research and development | – | isro.gov.in |
| 13 | Law Commission | 1955 | Reforming laws for justice and good governance | Ministry of Law and Justice (India) | lawcommissionofindia.nic.in |
| 14 | Khadi and Village Industries Commission | 1957 | Promote Khadi and village industries | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises | kvic.org.in |
| 15 | National judicial appointments commission | – | Transfer judges to higher judiciary | – | – |
| 16 | National Commission for Backward Classes | 1993 | Consider inclusions/exclusions for job reservations, advise Central Government | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | ncdc.nic.in |
| 17 | National Human Rights Commission of India | 1993 | Address human rights issues as autonomous statutory body | – | nhrc.nic.in |
| 18 | Finance Commission | 1951 | Adjudicate on sharing resources between center and states | – | fincomindia.nic.in |
| 19 | National Commission on Cattle | 2002 | Suggest ways to improve cattle conditions | Ministry of Agriculture (India) | dahd.nic.in |
| 20 | Competition Commission of India | 2003 | Enforce The Competition Act, 2002, prevent activities adverse to competition in India | – | cci.gov.in |
| 21 | University Grants Commission | 1953 | Coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of university education | Ministry of Human Resource Development | ugc.ac.in |
| 22 | Vigilance Commission (CVC) | 1964 | Address governmental corruption | – | cvc.nic.in |
| 23 | National Statistical Commission | 2005 | Address problems faced by statistical agencies, ensure collection of unbiased data | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation | mospi.nic.in |
| 24 | Knowledge Commission | 2005 | Promote knowledge and address related issues | – | knowledgecommission.gov.in |
| 25 | Telecom Commission | 1989 | Policy formulation, licensing, spectrum management, R&D, standardization/validation | Ministry of Communications and Information Technology | dot.gov.in |
| 26 | National Commission for Women | 1992 | Protect and promote interests of women in India | – | ncw.nic.in |
| 27 | Election Commission | 1950 | Conduct elections to various offices including President, Vice-President, parliament, state assemblies, and councils | – | eci.nic.in |
| 28 | Scheduled Tribes Commission | 2004 | Protect, welfare, and development of Scheduled Tribes | – | ncst.nic.in |
| 29 | Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector | 2004 | Focus on unorganized sector enterprises | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises | nceuis.nic.in |
| 30 | Staff Selection Commission | 1976 | Conduct recruitment examinations | Department of Personnel and Training | ssc.nic.in |
| 31 | Union Public Service Commission | 1926 | Conduct examinations, recruitments, disciplinary cases, advise the government | – | upsc.gov.in |
| 32 | Pay Commission | – | Recommends changes in salary structure for government employees | – | – |
| 33 | National Commission for Minorities | 1992 | Protect and promote interests of minorities | Ministry of Minority Affairs | – |
| 34 | Central Information Commission | 2005 | Promote transparency in government operations through Right to Information Act | – | – |
Understanding Ad Hoc Commissions: Addressing Specific Needs
Ad hoc commissions are temporary bodies formed to address specific issues or tasks that require immediate attention. Unlike permanent commissions, which operate on an ongoing basis, ad hoc commissions are disbanded once their objectives are achieved. These commissions play a crucial role in providing focused expertise and facilitating rapid responses to emerging challenges.
Formation and Objectives: Ad hoc commissions are typically established by governments, organizations, or institutions to investigate, analyze, or resolve particular issues within a defined timeframe. These commissions may be convened in response to crises, public inquiries, or policy initiatives requiring specialized knowledge or expertise. Their objectives vary widely, ranging from conducting inquiries into scandals or disasters to formulating recommendations for policy reforms.
Examples of Ad Hoc Commissions:
- Disaster Response Commissions: In the aftermath of natural disasters or industrial accidents, ad hoc commissions are often formed to assess the causes, impacts, and responses to such events. These commissions evaluate the effectiveness of emergency preparedness measures, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to enhance disaster resilience and response.
- Ethics and Governance Commissions: When allegations of corruption, misconduct, or ethical lapses arise, ad hoc commissions may be established to investigate the matter impartially. These commissions examine evidence, interview witnesses, and make determinations regarding culpability or systemic failures. They may also propose reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
- Health Crisis Commissions: During public health emergencies, such as pandemics or disease outbreaks, ad hoc commissions play a critical role in assessing the response measures, identifying gaps in healthcare systems, and recommending strategies to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. These commissions collaborate with health experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop effective strategies for epidemic control and prevention.
Significance and Impact: Ad hoc commissions offer several advantages, including flexibility, focused expertise, and expedited decision-making processes. By bringing together diverse perspectives and stakeholders, these commissions facilitate comprehensive analyses and consensus-building, leading to more informed and effective solutions. Moreover, their temporary nature allows for swift action and adaptation to evolving circumstances, ensuring timely responses to pressing issues.
Challenges and Limitations: Despite their benefits, ad hoc commissions also face challenges such as resource constraints, time limitations, and political pressures. Ensuring the independence and impartiality of commission members can be difficult, particularly in highly contentious or politically sensitive contexts. Moreover, the recommendations of ad hoc commissions may not always be implemented fully or promptly, undermining their impact on policy and decision-making.
In conclusion, ad hoc commissions play a vital role in addressing specific needs, crises, and challenges that arise in various spheres of society. By leveraging specialized expertise, facilitating dialogue, and proposing actionable recommendations, these commissions contribute to informed decision-making, accountability, and resilience. While facing inherent limitations, ad hoc commissions remain valuable instruments for addressing pressing issues and advancing the public interest.
Ad Hoc Commissions:
| No. | Commission | Year | Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | States Reorganisation Commission | 1955 | Recommended changes to state boundaries to improve administrative efficiency and regional cohesion. |
| 2 | Khosla Commission | 1970 | Examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1945. |
| 3 | Shah Commission | 1977 | Investigated the excesses committed during the Indian Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. |
| 4 | Kothari Commission | 1964 | Developed guidelines for education development and recommended a standardized national education system. |
| 5 | Kapur Commission | 1966 | Investigated the conspiracy leading to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. |
| 6 | Mandal Commission | 1979 | Identified backward classes and recommended reservation policies for their representation in educational institutions and government jobs. |
| 7 | Sarkaria Commission | 1983 | Studied the balance of power between the central and state governments, suggesting reforms and guidelines for gubernatorial appointments. |
| 8 | Nanavati Commission | 2000 | Examined the events related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. |
| 9 | Narendran Commission | 2000 | Studied the representation of Backward Classes in state public services. |
| 10 | National Commission to review the working of the Constitution | 2000 | Reviewed electoral laws, suggested the establishment of a national judicial commission for judge appointments, and proposed the election of the Prime Minister by Lok Sabha. |
| 11 | Liberhan Commission | 1992 | Investigated the demolition of the Babri Masjid structure. |
| 12 | Nanavati-Mehta Commission | 2002 | Investigated the Godhra train burning incident and subsequent communal violence in 2002. |
| 13 | Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities | 2004 | Examined issues related to linguistic and religious minorities in India. |
| 14 | Mukherjee Commission | 2005 | Investigated the circumstances surrounding the death of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1945. |
Important Committees & Commissions in India:
| No | Committee | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S.K. Dhar | 1948 | Linguistic Provinces Commission |
| 2 | JVP Committee (Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallahbhai Patel, Pattabhi Sitaramayya) | 1948 | Considered the recommendations of the Dhar Commission; rejected linguistic factor in state reorganization. |
| 3 | Fazl Ali Commission | 1953 | Examined whether linguistic basis for state separation could be considered. |
| 4 | Swaran Singh Committee | 1976 | Focused on Fundamental Duties. |
| 5 | L.M Singhvi Committee | 1986 | Studied problems faced by panchayat raj institutions; suggested 1/3rd reservation for SC/ST and collector as zilla parishad head. |
| 6 | Ajay Chhibber | 2015 | Niti Aayog Commission. |
| 7 | Kaka Kalelkar Commission | 1953 | First Backward Classes Commission. |
| 8 | P.V. Rajamanar Committee | 1969 | Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee. |
| 9 | Sarkaria Commission | 1983 | Examined central-state relationship. |
| 10 | M.M. Punchhi Committee | 2007 | Focused on Centre-State Relationship. |
| 11 | Srikrishna Committee | 2010 | Investigated demand for separate statehood for Telangana or keeping Andhra Pradesh united. |
| 12 | K. Santhanam Committee | 1962 | Anti-corruption committee. |
| 13 | B.G. Kher | 1955 | First official language commission. |
| 14 | Kapur Committee | 1966 | Inquiry into the conspiracy to murder Gandhiji. |
| 15 | Nanavati-Mehta Commission | 2002 | Probed the Godhra train burning incident and 2002 Gujarat riots. |
| 16 | Balwant Rai Mehta Committee | 1957 | Examined the Community Development Programme (1952) and National Extension Service (1953). |
| 17 | Ashok Mehta Committee | 1977 | Recommended replacement of 3-tier Panchayati Raj system with a 2-tier system. |
| 18 | B.P. Mandal Commission | 1979 | Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission; recommended 27% reservation for OBCs. |
| 19 | Muddiman Committee | 1920 | Enquired about diarchy instituted by Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. |
| 20 | B.N. Kirpal Commission | 2003 | First National Forest Commission (NFC). |
| 21 | L.C. Gupta Committee | 1996 | Focused on development and regulation of derivative markets in India. |
| 22 | Bhanu Pratap Singh Committee | 1964 | Focused on agriculture. |
| 23 | Soli Sorabjee | 2005 | Police Act Drafting Committee (PADC). |
| 24 | M.N. Vohra | 1977 | Focused on criminalization of politics. |
| 25 | S. Padmanabhan Committee | 1995 | Took a fresh look at banking supervision. |
| 26 | Dinesh Goswami Committee | 1990 | Examined electoral reforms. |
| 27 | Malhotra Committee | 1993 | Focused on insurance sector reforms. |
| 28 | Lakdawala Committee | 1989 | Considered methodological and computational aspects of estimating poverty in India. |
| 29 | Dantwala Committee | 1978 | Identified the remoteness of planning agencies from grassroots and recommended block-level planning. |
| 30 | Bhagwati Committee | 1973 | Addressed issues related to unemployment. |
| 31 | Ram Nandan Committee | 1993 | Identified the creamy layer among OBCs. |
| 32 | Raja Chelliah Committee | 1991-93 | Focused on tax reforms. |
| 33 | Raghuram Rajan Committee | 2007 | Investigated financial sector reforms. |
| 34 | Abid Hussain Committee | – | Focused on trade policy reform and small-scale industries. |
| 35 | Lyngdoh Committee | 2006 | Examined student elections in universities. |
| 36 | First Narasimham Committee | 1991 | Focused on the financial system. |
| 37 | Second Narasimham Committee | 1992 | Reviewed progress of banking reforms implementation. |
| 38 | Gadgil Commission | 2011 | Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP). |
| 39 | Kasturirangan Committee | 2013 | Focused on Western Ghats. |
| 40 | Moraji Desai then Hanumanthaiah | 1966 | First Administrative Reforms Commission. |
| 41 | Veerappa Moily & V. Ramachandran | 2004 | Second Administrative Reforms Commission. |
Committees & commissions are indispensable components of modern governance structures, facilitating informed decision-making, promoting accountability, and addressing societal challenges. Their diverse functions and roles underscore the importance of these bodies in shaping public policy and fostering a more just and equitable society. As active participants in democratic processes, it is essential for citizens to understand the functions and significance of these vital institutions.
Exploring Notable Ad-hoc Committees Appointed by the Government of India:
Throughout its history, the Government of India has appointed various ad-hoc committees to address specific issues and concerns. These committees, formed for temporary purposes, play a crucial role in providing recommendations and solutions to complex challenges. Here are some notable ad-hoc committees appointed by the Government of India:
Before Independence:
| Committee | Appointed in | Submitted Report in |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlatt Committee | December 1917 | April 1918 |
After Independence:
| Committee | Appointed in | Submitted Report in | Mandate/Summary | Recommendations/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Nawaz Committee | 1955 | 1956 | Investigate the disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose. | Concluded Bose died in a plane crash, though disputed by some. |
| Balwant Rai Mehta Committee | 1957 | 1957 | Examine Community Development Programme and National Extension Service. | Advocated for the establishment of Panchayati Raj for democratic decentralization. |
| Ashok Mehta Committee | 1977 | 1978 | Revive and strengthen the Panchayati Raj system. | Made 132 recommendations for Panchayati Raj revitalization. |
| JVP Committee | – | – | Review the Dhar Commission’s report on the formation of States. | Provided insights into the recommendations of the Dhar Commission. |
| Narasimham Committee | 1998 | 1998 | Propose reforms in the banking sector. | Contributed to various banking sector reforms. |
| Sachar Committee | 2005 | 2006 | Examine the socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community in India. | Highlighted disparities and recommended measures for the upliftment of the Muslim community. |
| Srikrishna Committee | 2010 | 2010 | Address the demand for separate statehood for Telangana or maintain Andhra Pradesh’s unity. | Provided recommendations on the Telangana statehood issue. |
| Naresh Chandra Committee | – | 2012 | Suggest reforms in the defense sector. | Recommendations aimed at modernizing and enhancing efficiency in India’s defense apparatus. |
| Swaran Singh Committee | 1976 | – | Make recommendations regarding fundamental duties. | Proposed inclusion of a separate chapter on fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution. |
Understanding Financial Standing Committees in Parliament
Financial matters form the backbone of any government’s functioning, and Parliament plays a pivotal role in overseeing these affairs. To facilitate this oversight, there are three significant standing committees dedicated to financial matters, each with its own set of responsibilities and functions.
Public Accounts Committee
One of the most crucial financial standing committees is the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Established under the Government of India Act of 1919, the PAC has been in existence since 1921. Initially chaired by a senior member of the ruling party, the committee underwent a significant change in 1921 when a member from the opposition in the Lok Sabha was appointed as its chairperson. This practice continues to date. The primary mandate of the PAC is to scrutinize various expenditure reports and accounts within the purview of Parliament.
Estimates Committee
Another significant financial standing committee is the Estimates Committee, which was constituted for the first time in 1950. Comprising 30 members elected annually by the Lok Sabha from among its members, the committee’s primary role is to examine the estimates included in the budget presented to Parliament. This scrutiny helps ensure transparency and accountability in financial planning and allocation.
Public Undertakings Committee
The Public Undertakings Committee focuses on analyzing the accounts and operations of state-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Additionally, it monitors the disinvestment policies of these PSUs, ensuring that they align with the government’s objectives and financial regulations. While not currently operating with sub-committees, the committee remains instrumental in maintaining oversight and transparency in the functioning of PSUs.
In summary, these financial standing committees, along with their respective sub-committees, play a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the Indian parliamentary system. By scrutinizing expenditure reports, budget estimates, and PSU operations, they contribute significantly to the effective functioning of the government and the welfare of the citizens.
| S.No. | Committee | Chairperson | Composition | Tenure | Selection Process | Sub-committees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Accounts Committee | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury | Consists of 22 members, including 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha | Serves for a duration of 1 year | Members are elected from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | – Sub-Committee I: Focuses on addressing non-compliance issues related to audit reports and excess expenditure – Sub-Committee II: Examines matters related to direct and indirect taxes – Sub-Committee III: Monitors the implementation of recommendations made by PAC – Sub-Committee IV: Deals with issues concerning railways |
| 2 | Estimates Committee | Girish Bapat | Comprises 30 members from Lok Sabha | Holds office for 1 year | Members are elected from Lok Sabha | – Sub-Committee I: Concentrates on the drought situation in the country, specifically concerning the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare – Sub-Committee II: Focuses on education, especially recent developments regarding educational autonomy |
| 3 | Public Undertakings Committee | Santosh Gangwar | Includes 22 members, with 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha | Serves for a duration of 1 year | Members are elected from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | Currently, no sub-committees are operational |