1. Introduction
NITI Aayog was established by the Government of India on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. It serves as a think tank and policy advisory body providing strategic and technical advice to the Central and State Governments.
NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism and bottom-up planning.
2. Background: Planning Commission vs NITI Aayog
| Aspect | Planning Commission | NITI Aayog |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | 1950 | 2015 |
| Nature | Central planning authority | Think tank |
| Approach | Top-down | Bottom-up |
| State Role | Limited role | Equal partners |
| Fund Allocation | Allocated funds | No fund allocation |
3. Reasons for Replacement
- India transformed into global economy
- States demanded greater role
- Centralized planning caused tensions
- Need for policy strategy separation
- Need for cooperative federalism
4. Composition of NITI Aayog
| Position | Holder |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister |
| Governing Council | Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors |
| Vice-Chairperson | Appointed by Prime Minister |
| Full-Time Members | Experts |
| Part-Time Members | Maximum two experts |
| Ex-Officio Members | Union Ministers nominated by PM |
| CEO | Appointed by Prime Minister |
5. Objectives of NITI Aayog
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Shared Vision | National development planning |
| Cooperative Federalism | Strong Centre-State coordination |
| Village Planning | Grassroots development |
| National Security | Integrate economic strategy with security |
| Weaker Sections | Focus on vulnerable groups |
| Strategic Planning | Long-term policy planning |
| Partnerships | Encourage collaborations |
| Knowledge Hub | Innovation and research |
| Monitoring | Evaluate government programs |
| Technology | Promote technological development |
6. Features of NITI Aayog
- Policy and Programme Framework
- Cooperative Federalism
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Think Tank and Knowledge Hub
Supporting Institutions
- DMEO – Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office
- AIM – Atal Innovation Mission
- NILERD – Labour Economics Research Institute
7. Key Initiatives
| Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aspirational Districts Programme | Develop backward districts |
| Atal Innovation Mission | Promote innovation |
| SDG India Index | Measure SDG progress |
| National Health Stack | Digital health infrastructure |
| Women Entrepreneurship Platform | Support women entrepreneurs |
| School Education Quality Index | Measure education quality |
IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS:
- Established → January 1, 2015
- Replaced → Planning Commission
- Nature → Think tank
- Chairperson → Prime Minister
- Approach → Cooperative Federalism
- No fund allocation power
1. Introduction
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is the apex national body for protection and promotion of human rights in India. The Commission conforms to the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations.
NHRC protects rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity.
2. Definition of Human Rights
Human rights include rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by Constitution or International Covenants and enforceable by Indian courts.
3. Composition of NHRC
| Position | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court Judge |
| Member | Supreme Court Judge |
| Member | Chief Justice of High Court |
| Members | Two human rights experts |
| Ex-Officio Members | Chairpersons of national commissions |
Appointment Committee
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Home Minister
- Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
- Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha)
- Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
4. Autonomy and Independence
- Independent appointment process
- Fixed tenure
- Financial autonomy
- Independent investigative staff
5. Term and Removal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Term | 3 years or 70 years |
| Reappointment | Eligible |
| Resignation | Submit to President |
| Removal | By President after Supreme Court inquiry |
6. Functions of NHRC
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Inquiry | Investigate human rights violations |
| Court Intervention | Intervene in court cases |
| Institution Visits | Visit prisons and detention centers |
| Review Safeguards | Review constitutional safeguards |
| Research | Promote human rights research |
| Awareness | Promote awareness programs |
| NGO Support | Encourage NGOs |
7. Powers of NHRC
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Civil Court Powers | Summon witnesses, require documents |
| Investigation | Conduct independent investigations |
| Recommendations | Recommend relief or prosecution |
| Access to Courts | Approach Supreme Court or High Court |
8. Complaint Handling
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Complaints | More than 5,000 monthly |
| Languages | Hindi, English, Eighth Schedule languages |
| Fee | No fee |
| Government Response | 1–3 months |
9. Structure of NHRC
- Law Division
- Investigation Division
- Administrative Division
- Training Division
- Policy Research Division
IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS:
- Established → 1993
- Act → Protection of Human Rights Act
- Nature → Statutory body
- Chairperson → Retired CJI
- Term → 3 years or 70 years
- Powers → Civil court powers
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1. Introduction
The Central Information Commission was constituted on October 12, 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is the apex appellate authority for matters relating to the RTI Act, 2005.
The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.
CIC ensures transparency and accountability in Central Government functioning.
2. Composition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners (maximum 10) |
| Appointment | By President on recommendation of committee |
| Selection Committee |
|
| Qualifications | Persons of eminence with experience in law, administration, science, media, or public affairs |
| Not Eligible | MP, MLA, or holder of office of profit |
3. Tenure and Removal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Term | 5 years or 65 years, whichever earlier |
| Reappointment | Not eligible |
| Resignation | Submit resignation to President |
| Removal | By President after Supreme Court inquiry |
Removal requires Supreme Court inquiry for misbehaviour or incapacity.
4. Powers and Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Second Appeal | Hear appeals against RTI decisions |
| Complaint Handling | Handle complaints of RTI denial |
| Record Maintenance | Direct authorities to maintain records |
| Penalty | Impose penalty up to ₹25,000 |
| Disciplinary Action | Recommend action against officials |
| Annual Report | Submit annual report to government |
| Binding Decisions | Decisions are binding |
5. Powers of Civil Court
The Commission has civil court powers under CPC, 1908.
- Summon witnesses
- Examine persons under oath
- Require documents
- Receive affidavits
- Requisition public records
- Issue summons
1. Introduction
The Central Vigilance Commission was established in 1964 based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. It was initially an executive body and later granted statutory status under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
The CVC is the apex vigilance institution responsible for monitoring vigilance administration in Central Government organizations.
CVC is the apex anti-corruption watchdog of the Central Government.
2. Composition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and up to two Vigilance Commissioners |
| Appointment | By President of India |
| Selection Committee |
|
| Qualification | Persons of integrity and experience in vigilance, administration, or policy-making |
3. Tenure and Removal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Term | 4 years or 65 years of age (whichever earlier) |
| Reappointment | Not eligible |
| Resignation | Submit resignation to President |
| Removal | By President after Supreme Court inquiry |
Removal requires Supreme Court inquiry for misbehaviour or incapacity.
4. Powers and Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Superintendence over Vigilance | Supervises vigilance administration of Central Government |
| Inquiry Powers | Order inquiry into corruption cases |
| CBI Oversight | Exercises control and superintendence over CBI |
| Annual Report | Submit report to President |
| Advice Government | Provide anti-corruption advice |
| Call Reports | Call reports from government departments |
5. Relationship with CBI
- CVC supervises CBI functioning
- CVC monitors corruption investigations
- CBI Director has minimum tenure of 2 years
- CVC plays role in selection of CBI Director
IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS:
- Established → 1964
- Statutory Status → CVC Act, 2003
- Nature → Statutory body
- Appointment → President
- Term → 4 years or 65 years
- Role → Anti-corruption watchdog
- Supervises → CBI
1. Introduction
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 was enacted to ensure prompt and fair investigation and prosecution in corruption cases.
- Lokpal at Central level
- Lokayukta at State level
These institutions investigate corruption allegations against public officials including Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, and public servants.
Lokpal is the apex anti-corruption ombudsman of India.
2. Historical Background
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1963 | ARC recommended Lokpal |
| 1968 | First Lokpal Bill introduced |
| 1971–2011 | Several bills failed |
| 2011 | Anna Hazare movement |
| 2013 | Lokpal Act passed |
| 2019 | First Lokpal appointed |
3. Composition of Lokpal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | Chairperson and up to 8 members |
| Judicial Members | Half must be judicial members |
| Diversity Requirement | Half must belong to SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women |
Selection Committee
- Prime Minister
- Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Leader of Opposition
- Chief Justice of India
- Eminent Jurist
4. Qualifications of Chairperson
- Former Chief Justice of India
- Former Supreme Court Judge
- Expert with 25 years experience
5. Term and Removal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Term | 5 years or 70 years |
| Reappointment | Not allowed |
| Removal | By President after Supreme Court inquiry |
6. Jurisdiction of Lokpal
- Prime Minister (with safeguards)
- Union Ministers
- Members of Parliament
- Government officers
- Government funded bodies
- Foreign funded organizations
7. Powers and Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Inquiry | Within 90 days |
| Investigation | Through CBI or other agencies |
| Prosecution | File case in Special Court |
| Supervision | Supervise investigations |
| Search and Seizure | Search and seizure powers |
| Interim Relief | Provide interim relief |
8. Investigation Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Inquiry | 90 days |
| Investigation | 6 months |
| Prosecution | After investigation |
9. Lokayuktas
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Each State must establish Lokayukta |
| Jurisdiction | State officials including CM, Ministers, MLAs |
| Composition | Determined by State law |
| Appointment | By Governor |
| Term | Usually 5 years |
IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS:
- Act → Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
- First Lokpal appointed → 2019
- Jurisdiction → PM, Ministers, MPs, public servants
- Term → 5 years or 70 years
- Anti-corruption ombudsman