Statutory Bodies of India
Polity Professional Notes – Delhi Police / SSC
Introduction
Unlike Constitutional Bodies, which are mentioned in the Constitution, Statutory (Non-Constitutional) Bodies are created by Acts of Parliament or executive resolutions. They ensure accountability, transparency, and advisory governance across various domains.
A. NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)
Background
- Formed on 1 January 2015, replacing Planning Commission (1950–2014)
- Created through an executive resolution, not a constitutional amendment
- Acts as a policy think-tank for the Government of India
Composition
| Position | Head / Role |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Vice-Chairperson | Appointed by PM |
| Governing Council | Chief Ministers + Lt. Governors |
| Full-Time Members | Eminent experts |
| Special Invitees | Specialists nominated by PM |
Objectives
- Promote cooperative federalism via State participation
- Develop strategic vision plans for India
- Encourage innovation and digital transformation
- Replace top-down planning with bottom-up approach
B. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Established under Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (amended 2019)
Composition
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Retired Chief Justice of India |
| Members | 4 members (Judicial + Experts) |
| Appointed By | President of India |
| Tenure | 3 years or till 70 years of age |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Legal Status | Statutory body under 1993 Act (amended 2019) |
Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigate | Human rights violations by public servants |
| Visit Jails | Check prison conditions |
| Review Laws | Suggest reforms for human rights protection |
| Promote Awareness | Conduct human rights education programs |
C. Central Information Commission (CIC)
Established under Right to Information Act, 2005
Purpose
- Ensures transparency and accountability in government by empowering citizens to access information.
Composition
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) | Heads the Commission |
| Information Commissioners | Up to 10 members |
| Appointed By | President (on recommendation of PM, Leader of Opposition, Cabinet Minister) |
| Tenure | 3 years or till 65 years of age |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Legal Status | Statutory body under RTI Act, 2005 |
Functions
| Function | Details |
|---|---|
| Hear Appeals | Against refusal of information by Public Authorities |
| Monitor Implementation | Of RTI Act in Ministries and Departments |
| Annual Reports | Submitted to Parliament |
| Ensure Compliance | With citizen’s right to information |
D. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
Created in 1964 by Executive Resolution, Statutory Status in 2003
Purpose
- To combat corruption in government and ensure integrity in public administration.
Composition
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Central Vigilance Commissioner | Head |
| Vigilance Commissioners | 2 |
| Appointed By | President (on recommendation of 3-member committee: PM, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition) |
| Tenure | 4 years or till 65 years |
| Legal Status | Statutory body under CVC Act, 2003 |
Functions
| Function | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervises | CBI’s corruption cases |
| Advises | On vigilance to Ministries |
| Investigates | Cases under Prevention of Corruption Act |
| Ensures | Clean governance and transparency |
E. Lokpal and Lokayukta
Established under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
Purpose
- Investigate corruption cases against public servants including Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs.
Composition
| Body | Details |
|---|---|
| Lokpal (Central) | Chairperson + up to 8 Members |
| Lokayukta (State) | Appointed by Governor (State Act) |
| Chairperson | Retired Chief Justice of India/Supreme Court Judge |
| Appointed By | President (on committee recommendation incl. PM, Speaker, Leader of Opposition) |
| Legal Status | Statutory body under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 |
Powers
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Into corruption complaints against public officials |
| Prosecution | Can direct CBI or CVC for inquiries |
| Jurisdiction | Central and State governments |
| Autonomy | Independent and impartial body |
F. PYQs (Delhi Police + SSC + State Exams)
NITI Aayog was established on —
A) 1 January 2014 B) 1 January 2015 C) 15 August 2015 D) 26 January 2015
Category: Establishment
Show Answer
B) 1 January 2015
NITI Aayog replaced which body?
A) National Development Council B) Planning Commission C) Finance Commission D) CAG
Category: Replacement
Show Answer
B) Planning Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in —
A) 1990 B) 1992 C) 1993 D) 1995
Category: Establishment
Show Answer
C) 1993
The Chief Information Commissioner is appointed under which Act?
A) Human Rights Act, 1993 B) RTI Act, 2005 C) Vigilance Act, 2003 D) Lokpal Act, 2013
Category: Legal Status
Show Answer
B) RTI Act, 2005
The CVC was given statutory status in —
A) 2000 B) 2003 C) 2005 D) 2008
Category: Statutory Status
Show Answer
B) 2003
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in —
A) 2011 B) 2012 C) 2013 D) 2014
Category: Legal Status
Show Answer
C) 2013
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
A) Prime Minister B) Parliament C) President D) Chief Justice
Category: Appointment
Show Answer
C) President
The main function of the Central Vigilance Commission is —
A) Conduct elections B) Audit government accounts C) Control corruption D) Review economic policies
Category: Function
Show Answer
C) Control corruption
Who appoints the Lokpal of India?
A) Chief Justice B) Prime Minister C) President of India D) Parliament
Category: Appointment
Show Answer
C) President of India
NHRC functions under which Ministry?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs B) Ministry of Law & Justice C) Independent Statutory Body D) Ministry of Social Justice
Category: Legal Status
Show Answer
C) Independent Statutory Body
G. Summary Comparison Table
| Body | Year / Act | Head | Appointed By | Nature | Key Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NITI Aayog | 2015 (Exec. Order) | Prime Minister | – | Advisory | Planning & Policy |
| NHRC | 1993 (Human Rights Act) | Retd. CJI | President | Statutory | Human Rights Protection |
| CIC | 2005 (RTI Act) | Chief Info. Commissioner | President | Statutory | Right to Information |
| CVC | 1964 (Stat. in 2003) | Vigilance Commissioner | President | Statutory | Anti-Corruption |
| Lokpal | 2013 (Lokpal Act) | Retd. CJI / Judge | President | Statutory | Anti-Corruption Ombudsman |
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