In Indian polity, committees and commissions play a crucial role in shaping governance, policies, and reforms. These bodies, often composed of experts, lawmakers, and bureaucrats, are constituted to investigate, deliberate, and recommend measures on various issues of national importance. Understanding these committees and commissions provides valuable insights into the functioning of India’s democratic system and policymaking processes.
This article delves into some of the most significant committees and commissions in Indian polity, highlighting their objectives, contributions, and lasting impact.
The Role of Committees and Commissions in Indian Governance
Committees and commissions serve as advisory bodies that:
- Provide recommendations on complex issues requiring detailed analysis.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
- Facilitate consensus-building among stakeholders.
- Serve as a medium for public participation in policymaking.
- Aid in drafting and implementing policies based on research and expert opinion.
Categories of Committees and Commissions
- Parliamentary Committees: Focused on legislative oversight.
- Judicial Commissions: Formed for legal inquiries and recommendations.
- Administrative Reforms Committees: Work on governance improvements.
- Economic and Financial Committees: Address economic policies and fiscal issues.
- Social Welfare Committees: Target societal and developmental challenges.
Key Committees in Indian Polity
1. Constituent Assembly Committees (1946-1949)
The Constituent Assembly of India was responsible for drafting the Indian Constitution. Several subcommittees were formed to address specific areas:
- Drafting Committee: Chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, it prepared the initial draft of the Constitution.
- Union Powers Committee: Led by Jawaharlal Nehru, it defined the distribution of powers between the Union and states.
- Fundamental Rights Subcommittee: Chaired by J.B. Kripalani, it worked on incorporating fundamental rights into the Constitution.
2. Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)
- First ARC (1966):
- Recommended changes in public administration to enhance efficiency.
- Introduced the concept of the Lokpal and Lokayukta for tackling corruption.
- Second ARC (2005):
- Suggested e-governance reforms to improve transparency and delivery.
- Proposed police and judicial reforms.
3. Sarkaria Commission (1983)
- Objective: To examine the relationship between the Centre and states.
- Key Recommendations:
- Strengthen cooperative federalism.
- Restrict misuse of Article 356 (President’s Rule).
- Advocate for consultation between the Centre and states in legislation.
4. Punchhi Commission (2007)
- Objective: To revisit Centre-state relations.
- Key Recommendations:
- Establish a mechanism for inter-state dispute resolution.
- Limit the Centre’s intervention in state matters.
- Promote decentralization through stronger local governance.
5. Finance Commissions
- Established under Article 280 of the Constitution to determine the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and states.
- Examples:
- 14th Finance Commission: Recommended increasing states’ share of central taxes to 42%.
- 15th Finance Commission: Focused on fiscal consolidation and revenue generation.
6. Law Commissions
- Tasked with legal reforms and modernization of laws.
- Contributions:
- Recommending the repeal of outdated laws.
- Proposing reforms in civil and criminal justice systems.
7. Election Commission Committees
- Example: T.N. Seshan’s reforms as Chief Election Commissioner significantly strengthened the electoral process.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Ensuring free and fair elections.
- Regulating political funding and expenditure.
Significant Judicial Commissions
1. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Established in 1993 to protect and promote human rights.
- Functions:
- Investigating human rights violations.
- Recommending corrective measures to the government.
2. Justice Verma Committee (2013)
- Constituted after the Nirbhaya case to review laws on crimes against women.
- Recommendations:
- Stricter laws for sexual offenses.
- Improving police accountability and judicial processes.
3. Nanavati Commission (2000)
- Tasked with investigating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Key Findings: Highlighted lapses in administrative and police responses.
Economic and Financial Committees
1. Narasimham Committee (1991 and 1998)
- Focused on banking and financial sector reforms.
- Recommendations:
- Liberalization of the banking sector.
- Establishment of asset reconstruction companies.
2. Rangarajan Committee
- Addressed issues related to poverty estimation and economic growth.
- Proposed a new methodology for calculating poverty lines.
3. Kelkar Committee (2002)
- Examined tax reforms to simplify and rationalize the tax system.
- Key Suggestions:
- Introduced the concept of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Reduced corporate tax rates.
Social Welfare Committees
1. Kothari Commission (1964-66)
- Focused on educational reforms.
- Recommendations:
- Introduction of a 10+2+3 educational structure.
- Emphasis on science and technology in education.
2. Mandal Commission (1979)
- Examined the condition of socially and educationally backward classes.
- Key Outcome:
- Recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in public sector jobs and educational institutions.
3. Sachar Committee (2005)
- Studied the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in India.
- Findings:
- Highlighted disparities in employment, education, and healthcare.
- Proposed measures for inclusive development.
Importance of Committees and Commissions
- Policy Formation: Provide research-based inputs for drafting policies.
- Problem Solving: Offer solutions to pressing issues and crises.
- Democratic Governance: Enhance accountability and public participation.
- Conflict Resolution: Address inter-state and Centre-state disputes.
- Social Justice: Work towards equality and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Challenges and Criticisms
- Implementation Gaps: Delays in adopting and executing recommendations.
- Overlapping Jurisdictions: Confusion due to similar mandates of multiple bodies.
- Political Interference: Undermines the independence of committees and commissions.
- Resource Constraints: Inadequate funding and staffing.
Conclusion
Committees and commissions are indispensable to Indian polity, offering a structured mechanism to address diverse challenges and promote effective governance. Their contributions have significantly shaped India’s democratic framework, economic policies, and social welfare programs. However, their potential can be fully realized only through timely implementation of their recommendations and ensuring their independence from political influences. By strengthening these bodies, India can continue to evolve as a vibrant democracy committed to inclusive growth and justice.