In the vast landscape of India’s governance, numerous committees play pivotal roles in shaping policies, overseeing implementation, and addressing critical issues spanning diverse sectors. These committees, comprising experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, serve as think tanks, advisory bodies, and watchdogs, contributing significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and democratic fabric. Here, we delve into some of the important committees that have left a lasting impact on India’s trajectory:
Important committees in India hold immense significance as they play key roles in policy formulation, oversight, and decision-making across various sectors. These committees, comprising experts and stakeholders, contribute to the democratic process by ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance. They address critical issues, shape legislative agendas, and uphold constitutional values, fostering socio-economic development, justice, and the rule of law in the nation’s governance framework.
Committees and commissions in India are established to study issues and propose recommendations for resolution. Their findings are subject to government acceptance or rejection. Notable examples include the Punchhi Commission and the Sarkaria Commission, each offering detailed recommendations on key governance matters for consideration and action.
| Important Committees in India | ||
| Committees/ Commissions | Purpose | Year Established |
| Central Information Commission (CIC) | Inquiry of complaints from aggrieved persons | 2005 |
| Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) | Prevention of corruption and investigation of corruption charges | 1964 |
| Atomic Energy Commission of India | Regulation and development of atomic energy | 1948 |
| Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) | Advising the government on agricultural pricing policies | 1965 |
| National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) | · Protection of the rights of backward classes. · Advise the government on social and economic development for backward classes. | 1993 |
| National Commission on Cattle | Protection and development of cattle | 2019 |
| National Commission for Women (NCW) | Protection and promotion of women’s rights | 1992 |
| Competition Commission of India (CCI) | · Enforcing the Competition Act 2002. · Regulation and promotion of fair competition in the market. | 2003 |
| Telecom Commission | Formulation of policies for telecommunications | 1989 |
| National Statistical Commission (NCS) | · Advising the government on statistical matters. · Improving statistical systems. | 2005 |
| Election Commission (ECI) | Conducting free and fair elections in India | 1950 |
| Law Commission | Reviewing and suggesting reforms to the laws of the country | 1955 |
| Finance Commission (FCI) | Recommending the distribution of taxes between the central and state governments. | 1951 |
| National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | Protection and promotion of human rights in India | 1993 |
| University Grants Commission (UGC) | Coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards of university education in India | 1956 |
| National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) | Protection and promotion of the rights of Scheduled Tribes | 2003 |
| National Forest Commission | Protection and development of forests in India. Reviewing and assessing the existing forest policy. | 2006 |
| Central Water Commission (CWC) | Planning and development of water resources | 1945 |
| Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) | Promotion of Khadi and Village Industries in rural areas | 1956 |
| Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Recruitment to posts in the ministries of the central government | 1977 |
| Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) | Suggesting reforms in the administration of the government | 1966 |
| Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Recruitment to higher categories of posts in the central government. Advising the government on personnel matters | 1926 |
| States Reorganisation Commission | · Reorganisation of state boundaries. · Recommendations on administration of the new states. | 1953 |
| Kothari Commission | Education Policy | 1964 |
| Khosla Commission | Report on central-state relations | 1987 |
| Mandal Commission | Reservation of jobs for Other Backward Classes | 1979 |
| Sarkaria Commission | Centre-state relations and methods for consultation | 1983 |
| Nanavati Commission | 1984 anti-Sikh riots | 2000 |
| Narendran Commission | Representation of Backward classes in State Public Services | 1992 |
| National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution | Recommendations on electoral laws | 2000 |
| Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (Ranganath Misra Commission) | To look into the issues of minorities | 2005 |
| U.C. Banerjee Commission | Godhra train burning and subsequent riots | 2002 |
| M.M. Punchhi Commission | Centre-state relations | 2007 |
| Shah Commission | Emergency excesses committed during 1975-77 | 1977 |
| Kalelkar Commission | Upliftment of the vulnerable sections of the society | 1953 |
In 1955, India established its inaugural Law Commission, led by the Attorney-General of the time, M. C. Setalvad. Presently, the Law Ministry has commenced efforts to establish a fresh Law Commission. This body is tasked with presenting reports to the government concerning diverse legal issues.
Following the directives outlined in Section 96(C) of the Government of India Act, 1919, and echoing the emphatic suggestions of the Lee Commission in 1924 urging the prompt establishment of a Public Service Commission, India inaugurated its inaugural Public Service Commission on October 1, 1926.
The largest committee within the parliament is the Estimates Committee, comprising 30 members exclusively appointed from the Lok Sabha. Tasked with scrutinizing expenditures and promoting fiscal prudence, its primary role involves assessing economic strategies and recommending policies to enhance the economy and its allied domains.
The First Commission was constituted on 31st January 1992 with Mrs. Jayanti Patnaik as the Chairperson.
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