NITI Aayog

  1. NITI Aayog stands for National Institution for Transforming India.
  2. It was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
  3. NITI Aayog is a non-constitutional and non-statutory body, functioning as a policy think tank of the Government of India.
  4. The primary aim of NITI Aayog is to foster cooperative federalism by involving states in the policy-making process.
  5. The governing structure of NITI Aayog include

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

  1. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are constitutional bodies established under Article 338 and Article 338A, respectively.
  2. These commissions were created to safeguard the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  3. The NCSC and NCST were originally a single body until they were bifurcated in 2003 by the 89th Constitutional Ame

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

  1. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) are constitutional bodies established under Article 338 and Article 338A, respectively.
  2. These commissions were created to safeguard the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  3. The NCSC and NCST were originally a single body until they were bifurcated in 2003 by the 89th Constitutional Ame

Finance Commission

  1. The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
  2. Its primary function is to make recommendations regarding the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States.
  3. The President of India constitutes the Finance Commission every five years or as deemed necessary.
  4. The Finance Commission consists of a Chairperson and four other members appointed by the President.
  5. The

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

  1. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is a constitutional authority established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
  2. The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and State governments and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
  3. The CAG is considered the guardian of public finances in India.
  4. The CAG is appointed by the President of India for a term of 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  5. The

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

  1. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
  2. It is responsible for conducting exams for appointments to the All India Services, Central Services, and other key government positions.
  3. The UPSC ensures a merit-based selection process for civil services.
  4. The Commission consists of a Chairperson and other members, whose number is determined by the President of India.
  5. Members of the UPSC are appoi

Election Commission of India

  1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India.
  2. It was established in 1950 under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
  3. The ECI ensures free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.
  4. It conducts elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President.
  5. The ECI is a constitutional body

Role of NGOs and civil society

  1. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are voluntary, nonprofit organizations that work for social, economic, and environmental causes.
  2. Civil society refers to the collective space where individuals and organizations work independently of the government to promote public interests.
  3. NGOs act as a bridge between the government and the citizens, addressing the gaps in governance.
  4. They contribute to policy advocacy by influencing government decisions and legislative processes.
  5. NGOs and civil

Social justice and inclusive growth

  1. Social justice ensures equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
  2. The concept is enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, which aims for justice—social, economic, and political.
  3. Inclusive growth focuses on economic growth that is distributed fairly across society, benefiting all sections.
  4. Article 38 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) directs the state to promote the welfare of the people.
  5. Programs like MNREGA

Transparency and accountability: RTI Act 2005

  1. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted in 2005, empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities.
  2. It aims to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
  3. The Act is a cornerstone of good governance in India, ensuring that citizens have access to government information.
  4. Section 2(f) of the Act defines "information" as any material in any form, including records, documents, and emails.
  5. It mandates the establishment of Public In