Constitutional Bodies In India (Part 2): Powers and Functions

Let's pick up where we left off in Part 1, in which we have talked about constitutional bodies like the UPSC, the Attorney General of India, etc and their important roles and responsibilities. In Part 2, we'll get to know more about these bodies and their powers and a fun trick to help you remember them easily. Let's continue!

7. Finance Commission of India (FCI)

The Finance Commission, aka Vitta Āyoga, was set up on 22 November 1951. Its main job is to divide revenue between the Union and State governments. The goal of creating the Finance Commission was to keep good financial relations between the Centre and the States.

8. Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council)

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was a major change introduced by the 101st Amendment Act 2016. For GST to work well, both the central and state governments need to work together and coordinate effectively.

The GST Council's secretariat is located in New Delhi, and the Union Revenue Secretary serves as the ex-officio secretary.

9. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes was created on 19 February 2004, replacing the earlier National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes established in 1978. 

It was set up to support and protect the Scheduled Castes in India, aiming to prevent discrimination and exploitation and to help improve their lives.

Click on the link to read about how SC/ ST are decided in India.

10. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was created by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act in 2003 and was officially formed on 19 February 2004. It was established under Article 338A after splitting from the previous National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 

The NCST is responsible for ensuring the implementation of various protections for Scheduled Tribes provided by the Constitution.

If you want to read about the Act, which was enacted to prevent atrocities against individuals belonging to SC and ST, then click Here.

11. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

The National Commission for Backward Classes was created in 1993 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through the National Commission for Backward Classes Act. Its purpose is to identify and address the economic and social challenges faced by backward classes and suggest solutions to overcome these issues.

The commission resulted from Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India. In 1992, the Supreme Court of India directed the Government of India and others to create a permanent body that would handle requests and complaints about adding or removing groups from the list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Court also stated that only social and educational backwardness, not economic status, should be considered for this purpose.

12. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (CLM)

The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (CLM) was established under the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 and is part of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. 

Linguistic minorities at the state, district, and taluka/tehsil levels are groups of people whose mother tongues differ from the principal language of the respective state, district, or taluka/tehsil.

If you want to read about The 105th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, then click on the link.

Trick to remember Constitutional Bodies of India

There are about 20 constitutional bodies in India. However, the trick to remember the important ones is:

Conclusion

Constitutional bodies work according to specific articles in the Constitution, focusing on various aspects of the country's development and governance. India has 20 different constitutional bodies, each with unique roles important for the nation's progress. These bodies are empowered by the constitution with special authority and responsibilities.