{"id":337394,"date":"2025-05-20T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T03:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=337394"},"modified":"2025-05-19T20:40:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:10:07","slug":"day-12-prelims-20-constitutional-and-non-constitutional-bodies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/day-12-prelims-20-constitutional-and-non-constitutional-bodies\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 12 Prelims 20+: Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s <em>Prelims 20+<\/em>, we turn our attention to Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies \u2014 a foundational yet frequently tested area in the UPSC Prelims. These questions evaluate your conceptual clarity, awareness of mandates, appointment processes, powers, functions, and recent developments related to these institutions.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse;border-style: solid\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;text-align: center\"><strong>Table of Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%\"><strong>Constitutional Bodies<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h1\">Election Commission of India (ECI)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h2\">Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h3\">State Public Service Commission (SPSC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h4\">Finance Commission of India (FCI)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h5\">Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h6\">National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h7\">National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h8\">National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h9\">Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h10\">Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h11\">Attorney General of India (AGI)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h12\">Advocate General of the State (AGS)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%\"><strong>Non-Constitutional Bodies<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h13\">NITI Aayog<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h14\">National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h15\">State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h16\">Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h17\">Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h18\">Central Information Commission (CIC)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h19\">National Investigation Agency (NIA)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#h20\">Lokpal and Lokayukta<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%\"><a href=\"#h21\">Click here to download pdf of Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><b>Constitutional Bodies<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"h1\"><\/a>Election Commission of India (ECI)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 324<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Comprises a Chief Election Commissioner along with other Election Commissioners, the number of whom is decided by the President of India. Currently, the Commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The President appoints members based on recommendations from a three-member Selection Committee, which includes the Prime Minister, a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members serve for six years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed using the same procedure and grounds as a Supreme Court judge. Other Election Commissioners may be removed following the Chief Election Commissioner\u2019s recommendation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Resignation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members may resign by submitting a written resignation to the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Opportunities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members can be reappointed to other positions by the Union Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Commission oversees the supervision, direction, and control of elections for the Parliament, State Legislatures, the President, and the Vice-President.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h2\"><\/a>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Articles 315 to 323<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consists of a Chairman and several members as appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members are appointed by the President, and at least half of them must have held office under the Government for at least 10 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members hold office for six years or until they turn 65, whichever is earlier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The President may remove members following constitutional provisions, especially on grounds of misbehavior, subject to an inquiry by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Resignation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members may resign by writing to the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Employment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Chairman cannot take up any further employment; other members may be appointed as Chairman or members of UPSC or State PSCs but cannot hold other posts. Neither Chairman nor members can serve a second term.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> UPSC acts as the central agency responsible for recruiting personnel for various government services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h3\"><\/a>State Public Service Commission (SPSC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Articles 315 to 323<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Includes a Chairman and members as decided by the Governor of the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members are appointed by the state Governor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members serve for six years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Although appointed by the Governor, removal can only be carried out by the President under constitutional conditions, including Supreme Court inquiry for misbehavior.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Resignation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members may resign by submitting a resignation to the Governor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Chairpersons can be appointed as UPSC or SPSC chairpersons or members but cannot take up other employment. Members have similar appointment options but no second term eligibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Responsible for conducting examinations for recruitment to state services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h4\"><\/a>Finance Commission of India (FCI)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 280<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consists of a Chairman and four other members appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> President appoints all members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Qualification of members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; The <\/span><b>Chairman must have experience in Public Affairs.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The other four members should be chosen from people who are either:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A High Court judge or someone qualified to be a judge,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An expert in government finance and accounts,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experienced in financial matters and administration,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Or an expert in Economics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Term:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Duration is fixed by the President\u2019s order.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Members may be reappointed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Makes recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and states, principles for grants-in-aid to states, measures to strengthen funds of Panchayats and Municipalities based on state recommendations, and other finance-related matters referred by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h5\"><\/a>Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 279-A (introduced by the 101st Constitutional Amendment, 2016)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes the Union Minister of State for Revenue or Finance, along with finance or taxation ministers nominated by each state government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Secretariat Location:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> New Delhi, with the Union Revenue Secretary acting as ex-officio secretary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Advises the Centre and states on the structure of GST including tax rates, exemptions, principles of levy, apportionment of inter-state GST, and model GST laws. The Chairperson of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is a permanent non-voting invitee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h6\"><\/a>National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 338<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Comprises a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three members, appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Three years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Limited to two terms maximum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ensures protection and safeguards for Scheduled Castes and the Anglo-Indian community across social, economic, educational, and cultural domains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h7\"><\/a>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 338-A<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three members appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Three years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Limited to two terms maximum.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Works to protect the interests and provide safeguards for Scheduled Tribes in social, economic, educational, and cultural matters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h8\"><\/a>National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 338-B (introduced by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, 2018)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Includes a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three members, all appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Three years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Post-Tenure Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Limited to two terms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Focuses on safeguarding the interests of socially and educationally backward classes, ensuring protection in social, economic, educational, and cultural fields.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h9\"><\/a>Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Article 350-B (7th Amendment, 1956)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A one-member body appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Headquarters:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> New Delhi, with regional offices in Belgaum (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Kolkata (West Bengal).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ministry:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Falls under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Investigates safeguards for linguistic minorities, submits reports to the President, and monitors implementation through visits, conferences, and other mechanisms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h10\"><\/a>Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)<\/h2>\n<p><b>Constitutional Provisions:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Articles <\/span><b>148 to 151<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Constitution deal with the <\/span><b>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The CAG is a <\/span><b>constitutional authority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Appointment and Term:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Appointed by the <\/span><b>President of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> by warrant under his hand and seal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Term:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 6 years or until the age of <\/span><b>65 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, whichever is earlier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Takes an <\/span><b>oath before the President<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can <\/span><b>resign<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> by writing to the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Removal Process:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Same as that of a <\/span><b>Supreme Court judge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can be removed <\/span><b>on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Requires a <\/span><b>special majority<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in <\/span><b>both Houses of Parliament<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Independence:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cannot be removed at the <\/span><b>President\u2019s pleasure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ineligible<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for further government office after retirement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Salary and service conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are determined by <\/span><b>Parliament<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Expenditure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the CAG is <\/span><b>charged on the Consolidated Fund of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (not subject to vote in Parliament).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>No minister<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can represent the CAG in Parliament.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Duties and Powers (Article 149):<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The CAG is empowered to audit:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accounts of the <\/span><b>Union and State governments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expenditure from the <\/span><b>Consolidated Fund<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><b>Contingency Fund<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><b>Public Account<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of India and the states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accounts of <\/span><b>government companies, PSUs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and other bodies <\/span><b>substantially financed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> by the government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Certifies net proceeds of taxes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Audits <\/span><b>transactions related to debt, advances, and suspense accounts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Submits reports<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to the <\/span><b>President\/Governor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which are then laid before <\/span><b>Parliament\/State Legislature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Types of Audits:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Compliance\/Regularity Audit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 Examines <\/span><b>legality and regularity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of expenditure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Performance Audit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 Evaluates <\/span><b>efficiency and effectiveness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of government programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Propriety Audit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 Assesses <\/span><b>wastefulness or extravagance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in public spending (discretionary).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Reports:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The CAG submits reports to:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>President<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (for Union matters) \u2192 <\/span><b>Laid before Parliament<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Governor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (for State matters) \u2192 <\/span><b>Laid before State Legislature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examined by the <\/span><b>Public Accounts Committee (PAC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h11\"><\/a>Attorney General of India (AGI)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Articles 76, 88, 105<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Appointed by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Qualifications <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Must be a citizen of India, and Must have been a judge of a High Court for 5 years; OR an advocate of a High Court for 10 years; OR a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Not fixed constitutionally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Resignation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> By submitting resignation to the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Remuneration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Determined by the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Attorney General of India (AGI) is a<\/span><b> part of the Union Executive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Union Executive consists of:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The President,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Vice-President,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Prime Minister,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Council of Ministers (CoM), and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Attorney General of India (AGI).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Serves as the chief legal advisor to the Central Government and represents it in the Supreme Court and High Courts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Article 88 of the Constitution confers on AGI the right to speak, right to participate in the proceedings of either House<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, any joint sitting of the Houses, and any committee of Parliament of which he may be named a member.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, in such proceedings, the Attorney general is not entitled to vote in such proceedings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h12\"><\/a>Advocate General of the State (AGS)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Constitutional Basis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Articles 165, 177, 194<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Appointed by the Governor of the respective state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Not specified by the Constitution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Criteria for appointment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; Must be a citizen of India. He must also be eligible to become a High Court judge. This means:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">He should be a barrister with over 5 years of experience, or<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A civil servant with over 10 years of service, including at least 3 years in a Zila Court, or<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A pleader with more than 10 years of practice in any High Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, he must be under 62 years of age, which is the maximum age for a High Court judge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Resignation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> By writing to the Governor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Remuneration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Determined by the Governor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Functions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Acts as the principal legal advisor to the State Government and represents it in courts, including the Supreme Court and High Courts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><b>NON-CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"h13\"><\/a>NITI Aayog<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Union Cabinet passed a <\/span><b>resolution <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">on January 1, 2015, creating the <\/span><b>National Institution for Transforming India,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or NITI Aayog.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is the top policy \u201cThink Tank\u201d of the Indian government, offering input on direction and policy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Organization:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PM the ex-officio chairman<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vice-Chairperson<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Three full-time members<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Four ex-officio Members<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chief Executive officer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Composition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PM as Chairman<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Governing Council \u2013 CM and Lt Governor\/Administrator<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regional Council<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Special Invitees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Objective<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To build, with the active participation of States, a common vision of national development priorities, sectors, and strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To continuously promote cooperative federalism through organised support programmes and procedures with the States, acknowledging that powerful States lead to powerful nations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To create methods for creating reliable plans at the village level and gradually combining these at higher tiers of governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To make sure that the interests of national security are taken into account in economic policy in the sectors that are particularly mentioned.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h14\"><\/a>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an independent <\/span><b>statutory body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> established on 12 October 1993 under the P<\/span><b>rotection of Human Rights Act, 1993.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Objectives<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To strengthen institutional arrangements that allow for a comprehensive and focused approach to addressing human rights issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To investigate allegations of excesses by authorities independently, demonstrating the government\u2019s commitment to safeguarding human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To complement and bolster existing efforts aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key Functions<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Investigates complaints of human rights violations or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants, <\/span><b>either suo motu or on petition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reviews safeguards provided under the Constitution and laws for the protection of human rights and recommends measures for their effective implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Studies international treaties and instruments on human rights and advises the government on their effective implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visits prisons and detention centers to observe living conditions and makes recommendations for improvements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promotes human rights awareness and undertakes research and education in the field of human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Composition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The National Human Rights Commission is a<\/span><b> multi-member body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It consists of a <\/span><b>chairperson and five members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the commission. The composition is as follows:<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Full-Time Members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The <\/span><b>chairperson <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">should be either <\/span><b>a retired Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Members <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">include a <\/span><b>sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a sitting or retired Chief Justice of a High Court, and three individuals (with at least one being a woman) who possess knowledge or practical experience in human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Seven Ex-officio Members:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In addition to these full-time members, the commission includes seven ex-officio members, comprising the chairpersons of various national commissions, including:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Minorities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (STs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Women<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Backward Classes (BCs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: President, on recommendations of a <\/span><b>6-member committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">=PM + Speaker LS +Deputy Chairman of RS +Leaders of opposition (LS + RS) + Union Home Minister.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The President of India can remove the NHRC chairperson or members under certain circumstances, including insolvency, engaging in outside paid employment, physical or mental incapacity, being declared of unsound mind, or conviction and imprisonment for a crime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Headquarters <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The headquarters is in New Delhi, with the authority to establish offices elsewhere in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Reports<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The National Commission of Human Rights is required to submit an annual report to both the Central Government and the relevant State Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>NHRC Salaries and Allowances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The salaries, allowances, and other conditions of service for the chairperson and members are set by the Central government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h15\"><\/a>State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is a <\/span><b>statutory body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in India, established under the provisions of the <\/span><b>Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Objective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It is tasked with safeguarding rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals, which are guaranteed by the Constitution of India and embodied in the international covenants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Objectives<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To strengthen the institutional arrangements through which human rights issues could be addressed in their entirety in a more focussed manner,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To look into the allegations of excesses, independently of the government, in a manner that would underline the government\u2019s commitment to protect human rights,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To complement and strengthen the efforts that have already been made in this direction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Composition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The State Human Rights Commission is a multi\u00b7member body consisting of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Chairperson, and two other members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>chairman <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">should be a retired Chief Justice or a judge of high Court and <\/span><b>members <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">should be serving or retired judge of a High Court or a Judge in the state with a minimum of 7 years experience as District Judge and a person having knowledge or practical experience with respect to human rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The chairperson and members are appointed by the <\/span><b>Governor <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">on the recommendations of a <\/span><b>committee <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">consisting of the <\/span><b>chief minister as its head, the speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the state home minister and the leader of the opposition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in the Legislative Assembly.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case of a state having a Legislative Council, the chairman of the Council and the leader of the opposition in the Council would also be the members of the committee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The chairperson and members hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. They are eligible for re-appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Salaries and allowances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The salaries, allowances and other conditions of service of the chairperson or a member are determined by the state government. But they cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Although the chairperson and members of a State Human Rights Commission are appointed by the governor, they can be removed only by the President (and not by the Governor).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h16\"><\/a>Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), a <\/span><b>statutory body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in India, is the main agency for <\/span><b>preventing corruption<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in the <\/span><b>Central <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mandate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It is conceived as the <\/span><b>apex vigilance institution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government and advising various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing, and reforming their vigilance work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Headquarters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: New Delhi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Establishment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It was established in <\/span><b>1964 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">by an <\/span><b>Executive Resolution <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">of the Central Government on the recommendation of the <\/span><b>Santhanam Committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on Prevention of Corruption (1962-64).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thus, <\/span><b>originally<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was<\/span><b> neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Later, it was conferred <\/span><b>statutory status <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">by the <\/span><b>Central Vigilance Commission Act, (CVC Act) 2003.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Composition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Central Vigilance Commission is a multi-member body consisting of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Central Vigilance Commissioner \u2013 as the Chairperson of the CVC, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (VCs).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Appointments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: By the President of India by warrant under his\/her hand and seal on the recommendation of a three-member Committee consisting of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Prime Minister \u2013 as the Chairperson<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Union Minister of Home Affairs\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Tenure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and Vigilance Commissioner (VCs) hold office for a term of <\/span><b>four years or until they attain the age of 65 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, whichever is earlier.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are <\/span><b>not eligible for further employment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> after their tenure under the Central Government or the State Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The President of India can remove the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and Vigilance Commissioner (VCs) from office.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Investigations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: For investigation work, CVC has to depend on two external sources CBI and Chief Vigilance Officers (CVO).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Reports<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) presents an annual report on its performance to the President.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h17\"><\/a>Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a multidisciplinary investigation agency of the Government of India that investigates corruption-related cases, economic offences, and cases of conventional crime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As India\u2019s foremost investigative agency, it provides a centralized mechanism for high-quality investigations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Establishment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: In 1963, the CBI was officially formed following a resolution from the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, enhancing its operational framework.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Organizational Structure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The CBI is led by a <\/span><b>Director<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, typically an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the rank of Director General of Police. The agency comprises various ranks, including Special Directors, Additional Directors, and Joint Directors, organized into seven divisions, each focusing on specialized areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Key Divisions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Anti-Corruption Branch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Investigates corruption-related offenses involving public officials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Economic Offenses Wing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Deals with financial crimes, such as fraud and money laundering.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Special Crimes Unit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Handles high-profile cases, including terrorism and other serious offenses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation is appointed by the <\/span><b>Appointments Committee of the Cabinet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, based on the recommendations of a <\/span><b>Selection Committee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, as stipulated in the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act of 1946. The Appointment Committee is composed of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prime Minister \u2013 Chairperson<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha or the Leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha \u2013 Member<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge recommended by the Chief Justice \u2013 Member<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Act, 2021 allows for <\/span><b>extending the Director\u2019s tenure from two years to a maximum of five years.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, it is important to note that extensions can only be granted for one year at a time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h18\"><\/a>Central Information Commission (CIC)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body in India, established under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It functions as the overseer for implementing the RTI Act in the organizations of the Central Government as well as Union Territories (UTs).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It looks into the complaints made to it and decides the appeals regarding matters related to the RTI Act and pertaining to the public offices under the Central Government and the UTs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Composition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It consists of a <\/span><b>Chief Information Commissioner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>not more than ten Information Commissioners.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Appointment: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are appointed by the <\/span><b>President <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">on the recommendation of a Committee consisting of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Prime Minister as the Chairperson,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Qualification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Chief Information Commissioner and the Information Commissioners should be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Law,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Science, and Technology,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Social service,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Management,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Journalism,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mass media,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Administration and governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>They should NOT be<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Holding any other office of profit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connected with any political party<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Carrying on any business or pursuing any profession.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tenure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chief Information Commissioner as well as Information Commissioners are not eligible for reappointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Removal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The President can remove the Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner from the office.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Salary and Service Conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The salary, allowances, and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall be such as prescribed by the Central Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Powers of CIC<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Commission can <\/span><b>suo-moto<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While inquiring, the Commission has the <\/span><b>powers of a Civil Court<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h19\"><\/a>National Investigation Agency (NIA)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Establishment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, which was enacted in the aftermath of the 26\/11 Mumbai terror attacks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Objective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: To investigate and prosecute offences that threatens India&#8217;s sovereignty, security, and integrity, friendly relations with foreign States, matters relating to international treaties etc<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Schedule of Offences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Act includes a schedule of laws under which the NIA can investigate and prosecute offences-<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Explosive Substances Act, 1908.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Atomic Energy Act, 1962.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on continental shelf Act, 2002<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act, 1993<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Headquarters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: New Delhi with 2 Zonal offices at Guwahati &amp; Jammu.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Headed by:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Director-General (DG), who is a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Jurisdiction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It extends to the whole of India and it applies also<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To citizens of India outside India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To persons in the service of the Government wherever they may be.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To persons on ships and aircrafts registered in India wherever they may be, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To persons who commit a Scheduled Offence beyond India against the Indian citizen or affecting the interest of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Powers of NIA:\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Investigation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Central Government can direct NIA to investigate when it is of the opinion that a Scheduled Offence has been committed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Prosecution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The NIA can prosecute cases in specially designated NIA courts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Coordination with State Police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It collaborates with state law enforcement agencies during investigations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Extraterritorial Operations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The agency can investigate and prosecute offences committed outside India, subject to international cooperation agreements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"h20\"><\/a>Lokpal and Lokayukta<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Under an act of Parliament (<\/span><b>Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 <\/span><b>Statutory Body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Lokpal <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">at Centre and <\/span><b>Lokayukta <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">at State.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>About Lokpal<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Composition: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lokpal is a multi-member body that consists of <\/span><b>one chairperson and a maximum of 8 members.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Qualification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Chairperson <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">of the Lokpal should be either the <\/span><b>former Chief Justice of India or the former Judge of Supreme Court <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">or an <\/span><b>eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Out of the <\/span><b>maximum eight members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, half will be judicial members and minimum 50% of the Members will be from SC\/ ST\/ OBC\/ Minorities and women.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>judicial member<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Lokpal is either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a High Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>non-judicial member<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> should be an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability, having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Term for members<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: 5 years or till the age of 70 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Appointment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Appointed by the President after obtaining the recommendations of a Selection Committee consisting of-<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prime Minister (Chairperson)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Speaker of Lok Sabha<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leader of Opposition \/Leader of single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chief Justice of India\/Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him\/her<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One eminent jurist to be nominated by the President<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Jurisdiction of Lokpal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Includes Prime Minister (except on allegations of corruption relating to international relations, security, the public order, atomic energy and space), Ministers, members of Parliament, Groups A, B, C and D officers and officials of Central Government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Powers and Functions<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Superintendence Over Investigations of Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) concerning matters referred for preliminary inquiry or investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can authorize agencies to search for and seize documents relevant to an investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central Vigilance Commission must report to the Lokpal on actions taken on referred complaints, with the Lokpal issuing guidelines for effective disposal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Powers of a civil court for the purpose of any preliminary inquiry, the Inquiry Win<\/span><b> Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">g under the<\/span><b>Superintendence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It has the power of superintendence and directs any investigative agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, for cases referred to it by the Lokpal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Jurisdiction includes foreign donations in excess of Rs 10 Lakhs per year under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Act provides a requirement for establishing <\/span><b>Lokayukta <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">institutions through state legislation within 365 days of the Act coming into effect.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"h21\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Constitutional-and-Non-Constitutional-Bodies.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a> to download pdf of Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies<\/p>\n<p><em>To Read more about Prelims 20+ initiative<\/em>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/prelims20-a-free-initative-for-cse-prelims-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s Prelims 20+, we turn our attention to Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies \u2014 a foundational yet frequently tested area in the UPSC Prelims. These questions evaluate your conceptual clarity, awareness of mandates, appointment processes, powers, functions, and recent developments related to these institutions. Table of Content Constitutional Bodies Election Commission of India (ECI) Union&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/day-12-prelims-20-constitutional-and-non-constitutional-bodies\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Day 12 Prelims 20+: Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10367,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12123],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-337394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prelims-20","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/337394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10367"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=337394"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/337394\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=337394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=337394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=337394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}