1. NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)
Establishment: Non-constitutional, non-statutory body created via Cabinet
Resolution on January 1, 2015 (replacing the Planning Commission). Functions as
the premier policy think tank of Government of India.
Composition: • Chairperson: Prime Minister of India.
• Governing Council: Chief Ministers of all States + CMs of UTs with
legislatures (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K) + Lt. Governors of other UTs.
• Regional Councils: Created to address specific regional issues for
specified tenures.
• Vice-Chairperson & CEO: Appointed by PM (CEO has rank of Secretary to
GoI).
Core Hubs:Team India Hub (leads engagement of States with Centre) and
Knowledge and Innovation Hub (builds think tank capabilities).
2. National & State Human Rights Commissions (NHRC & SHRC)
Statutory Origin: Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act,
1993.
NHRC Composition (2019 Amendment Act): Chairman is a retired Chief Justice
of India OR a retired SC Judge. Includes 5 full-time members + 7 ex-officio
chairpersons of national commissions (NCSC, NCST, NCBC, NCW, NCM, NCPCR, Chief Commissioner for
PwDs).
Tenure:3 years or until 70 years of age (eligible for
re-appointment). Appointed by President on recommendation of a 6-member committee (PM, LS Speaker,
RS Deputy Chairman, Home Minister, Leaders of Opposition in LS & RS).
Powers: Powers of a civil court. Recommends compensation or prosecution;
recommendatory in nature. 1-year limitation period for investigating complaints.
3. Central & State Information Commissions (CIC & SIC)
Statutory Origin: Set up under the Right to Information (RTI) Act,
2005.
CIC Composition: Chief Information Commissioner + max 10 Information
Commissioners. Appointed by President on recommendation of a committee (PM, Leader of Opposition
in LS, Union Cabinet Minister).
RTI Amendment Act 2019 Changes: Removed fixed 5-year tenure and
salary parity with CEC. Term of office, salaries, and allowances are now determined directly by
the Central Government.
4. Central Vigilance Commission & CBI
Parameter
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Origin & Committee
Set up in 1964 on recommendation of K. Santhanam Committee. Conferred
statutory status by CVC Act, 2003.
Set up in 1963 on Santhanam Committee recommendation. Derives powers from Delhi
Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
Composition / Head
Central Vigilance Commissioner + max 2 Vigilance Commissioners.
Director of CBI (Appointed on recommendation of PM, Leader of Opposition in LS, CJI).
Tenure
4 years or until 65 years of age (Ineligible for further govt employment).
Fixed 2-year tenure (Can be extended up to 5 years via annual extensions under 2021
Amendment).
5. Lokpal & Lokayuktas (Lokpal Act, 2013)
Anti-Corruption Ombudsman (Lokpal Act 2013):
Composition: 1 Chairperson (former CJI / SC Judge / eminent person) +
max 8 Members (50% must be judicial members; 50% must be
SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women).
Selection Committee: PM (Chair), LS Speaker, Leader of Opposition in LS, CJI or
SC Judge nominee, Eminent Jurist.
Jurisdiction: Covers Prime Minister (with safeguards), Union Ministers, MPs,
Group A, B, C, D officers. Inquiry wing & Prosecution wing.