Constitutional Bodies in India

Study Notes

Constitutional Bodies in India

Finance Commission: A constitutional body established by Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. Its primary role is to recommend principles for distributing tax revenues between the central and state governments. This ensures a fair and equitable financial framework between the levels of government. The commission's recommendations are vital for the financial health and stability of both central and state governments.
Election Commission of India: A body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. It is an independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections at all levels, including national and state elections. Its key functions include:
- Preparing electoral rolls
- Determining electoral constituencies
- Conducting elections through various methods
- Overseeing and monitoring elections
- Settling electoral disputes
Public Service Commission (PSC): Under Article 315, the PSC is an independent body dedicated to recruiting and selecting suitable candidates for government jobs through competitive examinations.
- It plays a critical role in maintaining impartiality and transparency in government employment.
- The PSC's duties usually involve: conducting examinations, evaluating candidates, and recommending appointments to government positions.
- This commission is vital to maintain an objective civil service within the government.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): This body acts as watchdog for the welfare of Scheduled Castes. It's mandated under the Constitution to protect and advance their rights, as part of efforts to promote social justice. They conduct investigations into any discrimination faced by Scheduled Castes and make recommendations to the government.
National Commission for Women (NCW): Under Article 243, established to study and monitor issues relating to gender equality and women's rights. It aims to safeguard and advance the rights of women at all tiers of society. The NCW investigates all complaints relating to discrimination against women in India . They also provide recommendations for policies to enhance the status of women and encourage gender equality.