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NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Institutions Related to Art and Culture
A. Lalit Kala Akademi
To promote and propagate understanding of Indian art, both within and outside the country, the Lalit Kala
Akademi was established in 1954 at New Delhi.

The Akademi has regional centres called Rashtriya Lalit Kala Kendras at Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai,
New Delhi and Bhubaneswar with workshop facilities in painting, sculpture, print-making and ceramics.

Broadly the objectives of the Akademi are

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To encourage the exchange of ideas between various schools of art by organizing conferences, seminars,
exhibitions etc. on all India basis involving scholars and educationists and State Academies, Zonal
cultural Centers and Art Organizations like faculties of art in universities, art colleges and schools, art
museums, art galleries and art associations;

b)

To publish and to promote publication of literature on art including monographs, journals etc (The
Akademi also brings out bi-annual art journals, Lalit Kala Contemporary (English), Lalit Kala Ancient
(English) and Samkaleen Kala (Hindi));

c)

To foster cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibition,
exchange of personal and art objects;

d)

To award scholarships and prizes to deserving artists;

e)

To create a Reserve Fund, Sinking Fund, or any other special fund, whether for depreciation or for
repairs, improving, extending or maintaining any of the properties or rights of the Akademi.

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a)

The National Exhibition of Art is the most prestigious annual event of the Lalit Kala Akademi begun in
1955; it is directed towards showcasing and representing visual advances in the year.

The Akademi honours eminent artists and art historians every year by electing them as Fellows of the
Akademi.

B.

Sangeet Natak Akademi

The Sangeet Natak Akademi - India's national academy for music, dance and drama - is the first National
Academy of the arts set-up by the Republic of India. It was created by a resolution of the Ministry of
Education, Government of India, dated 31 May 1952.

The Akademi has been functioning as the apex body of the performing arts in the country, preserving and
promoting the vast intangible heritage of India's diverse culture expressed in the forms of music, dance
and drama.

The Akademi coordinates and collaborates with the governments and art academies of different States and
Territories of the Union of India as also with major cultural institutions in the country.

The Akademi establishes and looks after institutions and projects of national importance in the field of
the performing arts.

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The National School of Drama was set up in 1959.

The two national institutions of dance -- Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal and
Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance) in New Delhi - were set up in 1964, respectively.

National Projects of Support to Kuttiyattam - the age-old Sanskrit theatre of Kerala - Chhau dances of
eastern India and Sattriya traditions of Assam have been lauched subsequently. After ten years of intensive
work under the Kutiyattam project, the UNESCO declared Kutiyattam as a Masterpiece of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity in May 2001. It organizes performances of music, dance, and theatre.

The Akademi Awards are the highest national recognition conferred on eminent artistes. The Akademi also
confers Fellowships and Scholarship, their numbers being restricted to 30 living recipients.

To subsidize the work of institutions engaged in teaching, performing or promoting music, dance, or
theatre; the Akademi gives grants-in-aid for research, documentation, and publishing in the performing arts;
organizes and subsidizes seminars and conferences of subject specialists; documents and records the
performing arts for its audio-visual archive.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi is at present an autonomous body of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture,
Government of India and is fully funded by the Government for implementation of its schemes and
programmes.

C.

Sahitya Akademi

Sahitya Akademi is the Indian National Academy of Letters meant to promote the cause of Indian
literature through publications, translations, seminars, workshops, cultural exchange programmes and literary
meets organised all over the country.

The Akademi was founded in March 1954 as an autonomous body fully funded by the Department of
Culture. It was registered as a Society in 1956 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

It has endeavored to promote good taste and healthy reading habits, to keep alive the intimate dialogue
among the various linguistic and literary zones and groups through seminars, lectures, symposia, discussions,
readings and performances, to increase the pace of mutual translations through workshops and individual
assignments and to develop a serious literary culture through the publications of journals, monographs,
individual creative works of every genre, anthologies, encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, who's who
of writers and histories of literature.

The highest honour conferred by the Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow. This honour is
reserved for the 'Immortals of Literature' and limited to 21 at any given time.

The Akademi has recognised 24 languages. Besides the twenty two languages enumerated in the Constitution
of India, the Sahitya Akademi has recognised English and Rajasthani as languages in which its programme
may be implemented.

It has three journals, Indian Literature (bi-monthly in English), Samkaleena Bharatiya Sahitya (bi-monthly
in Hindi) and Samskrita Pratibha (half-yearly in Sanskrit). Every year the Akademi publishes 250-300
books on an average.

The head office of Sahitya Akademi is situated at New Delhi whereas it has regional centres at: Kolkatta,
Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.

Notes

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D. Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for
the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.

Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the
prime concern of the ASI.

Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

E.

The Asiatic Society, Kolkata

The Asiatic society was founded in Calcutta in 1784 by Sir William Jones, an eminent indologist , with
the objective of inquiring into the history, antiquities, arts, science and literature of Asia.

This institution proved to be the fountain-head of all literary and scientific activities in India and patron
of all Asiatic socities in the world.

The society has a rich collection of books, manuscripts, coins, inscriptions and archival material. It is also
a museum.

F.

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) is one of the premier institutions working in the
field of linking education with culture.

Established in 1979, pioneered by Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, it functions
as an autonomous organization under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

CCRT works for holistic education, encompassing the cognitive, emotional and spiritual development of
children.

To this end the CCRT conducts education grounded in cultural knowledge and understanding as conducive
to clarity, creativity, independence of thought, tolerance and compassion.

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G. Central Board of Film Certification

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was set up under the Cinematograph Act 1952.

CBFC certifies films for public exhibition in India. It consists of a chairperson and twenty five other non
-official members.

Its headquarters is in Mumbai. It has nine regional offices in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Cuttack,
Guwahati, Hyderbad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.

The CBFC screen every film made in India before it is made public and no film can be shown without
receiving a certificate. Ratings are assigned as follows:
Unrestricted (U): These are films suitable for all age groups. These films may contain educational,
social or family-oriented themes. Films under this category may also contain fantasy violence,very
mild sex scenes and/or mild bad language.

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a)

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Unrestricted with Parental Guidance (UA): It is advised that children below 12 be accompanied by
a parent though all ages are admitted. Generally the theme or content is be considered inappropriate
or too intense for younger children. Films under this category may contain mature themes, sexual
references, mild sex scenes, violence with brief gory images and/or infrequent use of crude language.

c)

Restricted to Adults (A): These films are restricted to adult audiences 18 years or older. Nobody
below the age of 18 may buy/rent an A-rated disc, videotape, or watch a film in the cinema with this
rating. Films in this category may contain adult themes, disturbing scenes, frequent crude language,
brutal violence with blood and gore, strong sex scenes and/or scenes of drug abuse considered
unsuitable for minors.

d)

Restricted to a Special Class (S): This rating means the film is designed for a specialised audience,
such as doctors.

The CBFC can refuse public exhibition of a film and often uses this power to order the removal of scenes
deemed offensive.

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b)

Institutions Related to Education

A. Central Advisory Board of Education

It was first established in 1920 and dissolved in 1923 as a measure of economy. It was revived in 1935
and had continued to exist till 1994. The CABE remained dormant for almost a decade since 1994, and
it is only in 2004 that this important body in the field of education has been revived by the Government
of India.

It is the highest advisory board in the country to advice in education related matter. It gives advises to
the State or, Central Education Committee.

The principal duty of the Central Advisory Board of Education is to provide priceless advises to the State
as well as Central education board. It gives advises to those boards which regulates as well as generates
the basic rules and regulations of education in the whole of the country.

B.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

The AICTE was set up in 1948 as an advisory body to assist the Central Government in the planning and
development of technical education at the post-secondary level.

In 1988, the AICTE was constituted as a statutory body under an Act of Parliament.

Education in engineering and technology, architecture, management and pharmacy is within the purview
of the AICTE.

The AICTE coordinates and supports the development of engineering colleges, management education
institutions and polytechnics engaged in the training of technicians.

Development support is provided by the AICTE to universities (through the UGC) and engineering
colleges and polytechnics for their expansion, as also for improvements in their quality and standards.

Among the major programmes supported by the AICTE are review and renewal of the curriculum for the
education and training of engineers and technicians; Modernization of the laboratories and workshops,

GS

The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) is the highest advisory body to advise the Central and
State Governments in the field of education.

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removal of obsolescence, establishment of community polytechnics, technology forecasting, manpower

planning, training of teachers, preparation of norms and standards for programmes of education and
training in various disciplines at different levels, and extending the benefits of technical and training to the
backward and rural areas.
In order to improve upon the present technical education system, the current objective is to modify the
engineering curriculum as follows: Greater emphasis on design oriented teaching, teaching of design
methodologies, problem solving approach; Greater exposure to industrial and manufacturing processes;
Exclusion of outmoded technologies and inclusion of the new appropriate and emerging technologies and
Greater input of management education and professional communication skills.

C.

The University Grants Commission

The University Grants Commission (UGC) was established in 1952 and was constituted as a statutory
body under an Act of Parliament in 1956.

It serves as a coordinating body between the Union and State Governments and the institutions of higher
learning. It acts as an advisory body to these Governments and institutions on issues relating to higher
education.

The primary responsibility of the Commission is to promote and coordinate university education in the
country and to ensure that the standards are maintained in teaching, research and examinations. In performing
these functions, the UGC allocates and disburses grants placed at its disposal by the Central Government
to the Universities, after an assessment of their needs.

The Commission provides the development and maintenance grants to universities established under the
Acts of Parliament and only development grants to those established by state legislatures.

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D. Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (abbreviated as CBSE) is a Board of Education for public and
private schools, under the Union Government of India.

The main objectives were those of: serving the educational institutions more effectively, to be responsive
to the educational needs of those students whose parents were employed in the Central Government and
had frequently transferable jobs.

The jurisdiction of the Board is extensive and stretches beyond the national geographical boundaries.

Schools located outside India are looked after by regional office Delhi. Matters pertaining to day-to-day
administration, liaison with schools, pre and post examination arrangements are all dealt with by the
respective regional offices.

CBSE has launched the grading system. As a part of this new system, student's marks will be replaced
by grades which will be evaluated through a series of curricular and extra-curricular evaluations along with
academics. Grades are awarded to students based on work experience skills, dexterity, innovation, steadiness,
teamwork, public speaking, behavior, etc. to evaluate and present an overall measure of the student's
ability. This helps the students who are not good in academics to show their talent in other fields such as
arts, humanities, sports, music, athletics, etc.

E.

National Knowledge Commission

The National Knowledge Commission is a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India, with
the objective of transforming India into a knowledge society.

Notes

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The National Knowledge Commission has been given a mandate to guide policy and direct reforms,
focusing on certain key areas such as education, science and technology, agriculture, industry, e-governance
etc.

Easy access to knowledge, creation and preservation of knowledge systems, dissemination of knowledge
and better knowledge services are core concerns of the commission.

The overarching aim of the National Knowledge Commission is to enable the development of a vibrant
knowledge based society. The NKC seeks to develop appropriate institutional frameworks to:
Strengthen the education system, promote domestic research and innovation, facilitate knowledge
application in sectors like health, agriculture, and industry.

b)

Leverage information and communication technologies to enhance governance and improve connectivity.

c)

Devise mechanisms for exchange and interaction between knowledge systems in the global arena.

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a)

Institutions Related to Health

A. Medical Council of India

The Medical Council of India was set up in 1934 under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1933. This Act
was repealed and a new Act, The Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, was enacted. This latter Act was
further amended in 1964, 1993 and in 2001. The objectives of the Indian Medical Council, as per the Act,
are as follows:

a)

Maintenance of uniform standards of medical education, both undergraduate and postgraduate.

b)

Recommendation for recognition/de-recognition of medical qualifications of medical institutions of

India or foreign countries.

c)

Permanent registration/provisional registration of doctors with recognised medical qualifications.

d)

Reciprocity with foreign countries in the matter of mutual recognition of medical qualifications.

GS

The promotion of medical ethics; ensuring ethical medical practice and punishing wrong-doers; providing
guidance to medical professionals on good medical practice, and advice on novel forms of treatment
bristling with ethical implications (the use of embryos in medical research and the use of stem cells in
clinical practice being just two recent examples) do not feature in the stated objectives.

B.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and
Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related
issues in various Ministries and Departments.

FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their
manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for
human consumption.

FSSAI has been mandated by the FSS Act, 2006 for performing the following functions:

Notes

a)

Framing of Regulations to lay down the Standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food and
specifying appropriate system of enforcing various standards thus notified.

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Laying down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies engaged in certification
of food safety management system for food businesses.

c)

Laying down procedure and guidelines for accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited
laboratories.

d)

To provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government and State Governments in
the matters of framing the policy and rules in areas which have a direct or indirect bearing of food
safety and nutrition .

e)

Collect and collate data regarding food consumption, incidence and prevalence of biological risk,
contaminants in food, residues of various, contaminants in foods products, identification of emerging
risks and introduction of rapid alert system.

f)

Creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, Panchayats etc
receive rapid, reliable and objective information about food safety and issues of concern.

g)

Provide training programmes for persons who are involved or intend to get involved in food businesses.

h)

Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

i)

Promote general awareness about food safety and food standards.

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b)

Codex India

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was created in 1961/62 by Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to develop food standards,
guidelines and related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.

The main purpose of this Programme is to protect the health of consumers, ensure fair practices in the
food trade, and promote coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental
and non-governmental organizations.

"Codex India" the National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) for India, is located at the Directorate General
Of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOH&FW), Government of India. It
coordinates and promotes Codex activities in India in association with the National Codex Committee and
facilitates India's input to the work of Codex through an established consultation process.

GS

C.

D. Indian Council of Medical Research

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, the apex body in India for the formulation,
coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the
world.

The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare.

The Council's research priorities coincide with the National health priorities such as control and management
of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders,
developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, containment within safety limits of environmental
and occupational health problems; research on major non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular
diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and haematological disorders; mental health research and
drug research (including traditional remedies). All these efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the
total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population.

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National Medicinal Plants Board

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) set-up in November 2000 by the Government of India has
the primary mandate of coordinating all matters relating to medicinal plants and support policies and
programmes for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation.

The Board is located in the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy
(AYUSH) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Functions of the Board are:

a)

Assessment of demand/supply position relating to medicinal plants both within the country and abroad

b)

Advise concerned Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations/ State/ UT Governments on policy matters

relating to schemes and programmes for development of medicinal plants.

c)

Provide guidance in the formulation of proposals, schemes and programmes etc. to be taken-up by agencies
having access to land for cultivation and infrastructure for collection, storage and transportation of medicinal
plants.

d)

Identification, inventorisation and quantification of medicinal plants.

e)

Promotion of ex-situ/in-situ cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.

f)

Promotion of co-operative efforts among collectors and growers and assisting them to store, transport and
market their produce effectively.

g)

Setting up of data-base system for inventorisation, dissemination of information and facilitating the prevention
of Patents being obtained for medicinal use of plants which is in the public domain.

h)

Matters relating to import/export of raw material, as well as value added products either as medicine, food
supplements or as herbal cosmetics including adoption of better techniques for marketing of product to
increase their reputation for quality and reliability in the country and abroad.

i)

Undertaking and awarding Scientific, Technological research and cost-effectiveness studies.

j)

Development of protocols for cultivation and quality control.

k)

Encouraging the Protection of patent Rights and IPR.

GS

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E.

Institutions Related to Social Welfare

A. National Commission for Scheduled Castes

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes, a Constitutional body monitors the safeguards provided
for Scheduled Castes and also reviews issues concerning their welfare.

Functions and duties of the commission are:

Notes

a)

To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes
under this Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the
Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguar

b)

To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the
Scheduled Castes;

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c)

To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled
Castes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State;

d)

To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit,
reports upon the working of those safeguards;

e)

To make in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or
any State for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection,
welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes; and

f)

To discharge such other functions in relation to the protection, welfare and development and
advancement of the Scheduled Castes as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made
by Parliament, by rule specify.

National Commission on Scheduled Tribes

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was first formed by the Government of India in 1978 as
a Non-statutory Multi-Member Commission. Initially, the Commission was set up through a resolution for
both the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes. In the year 1987, the Government of India re-structured
the duties of the Commission by authorizing it to advice on the Broad Policy Issues and Levels of
Development of SCs and STs.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article 338 and
inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was
replaced by two separate Commissions namely- (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC),
and (ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in 2004.

Functions of the Commission are:

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B.

To investigate and monitor all the matters relating to the safeguards provided for the SCs and STs
under the Constitution of India or under any other law and to evaluate the working of such
scapegoats.

b)

To enquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of the rights and the safeguards
of the SCs and the STs.

c)

To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled
Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union
and any State.

d)

To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit,
reports upon the working of those safeguards;

e)

To make in such reports or recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union
or any State for the effective implementation of those the protection, welfare and socio-economic
development of the Schedule Castes and the Schedule Tribes as the President may by lured specify.

GS

a)

National Commission for Backward Classes

National Commission for Backward Classes came into effect on the 2nd April, 1993.

The Act provides that the Commission shall consist of five Members, comprising of a Chairperson who

Notes

C.

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is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court; a social scientist; two persons, who have
special knowledge in matters relating to backward classes; and a Member-Secretary, who is or has been an
officer of the Central Government in the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.

The Commission shall examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the
lists and hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and
tender such advice to the Central Government as it deems appropriate.

The advice of the Commission shall ordinarily be binding upon the Central Government.

The Commission shall while performing its functions have all the powers of a civil court trying a
suit and in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person from any part of India and examining him
on oath;

b)

Requiring the discovery and production of any document;

c)

Receiving evidence on affidavits;

d)

Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;

e)

Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses and documents; and

f)

Any other matter which may be prescribed.

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a)

D. National Commission for Women

The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in January 1992 under the National
Commission for Women Act, 1990 to:
a)

Review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women ;

b)

Recommend remedial legislative measures ;

c)

Facilitate redressal of grievances and

d)

Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.

GS

The objective of the NCW is to represent the rights of women in India and to provide a voice for their
issues and concerns. The subjects of their campaigns have included dowry, politics, religion, equal
representation for women in jobs, and the exploitation of women for labour. They have also discussed
police abuses against women.

The commission regularly publishes a monthly newsletter, Rashtra Mahila in both Hindi and English.

E.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the
Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, an Act of Parliament (December 2005).

The Commission's Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms
are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.

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The Commission visualises a rights-based perspective flowing into National Policies and Programmes,
along with nuanced responses at the State, District and Block levels, taking care of specificities and
strengths of each region.

In order to touch every child, it seeks a deeper penetration to communities and households and expects
that the ground experiences gathered at the field are taken into consideration by all the authorities at the
higher level.

Thus the Commission sees an indispensable role for the State, sound institution-building processes, respect
for decentralization at the local bodies and community level and larger societal concern for children
and their well-being.

F.

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis is an Indian statutory body was established through National
Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis seeks to study, evaluate and monitor the implementation
of various schemes for Safai Karamcharis as an autonomous organisation and also to provide redressal of
their grievances.

The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-

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Recommend to the Central Government specific programmes of action towards elimination of

inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis under a time-bound action
plan;

b)

Study and evaluate the implementation of the programmes and schemes relating to the social and
economic rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis and make recommendations to the Central Government
and State Governments for better co-ordination and implementation of such programmes and schemes;

c)

Investigate specific grievances and take suo moto notice of matters relating to non-implementation
of

GS

a)

i.

Programmes or schemes in respect of any group of Safai Karamcharis;

ii.

Decisions, guidelines or instructions, aimed at mistigating the hardship of Safai Karamcharis;

iii.

Measures for the social and economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis;

iv.

The provisions of any law in its application to Safai Karamcharis, and take up such matters with
the concerned authorities or with the Central or State Governments;

d)

Make periodical reports to the Central and State Governments on any matter concerning Safai
Karamcharis, taking into account any difficulties or disabilities being encountered by Safai Karamcharis

e)

Any other matter which may be referred to it by the Central Government.

In the discharge of its functions under sub-section, the Commission shall have power to call for information
with respect to any matter specified in that sub-section from any Government or local or other authority.

G. National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission is a quasi-judicial commission which was set up
in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

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The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is a benevolent social legislation that lays down the rights of the
consumers and works for promotion and protection of the rights of the consumers.

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission is headed by a sitting or retired Judge of the Supreme
Court of India.

In order to help achieve the objects of the Consumer Protection Act, the National Commission has also
been conferred with the powers of administrative control over all the State Commissions by calling for
periodical returns regarding the institution, disposal and pendency of cases.

The National Commission is empowered to issue instructions regarding (1) adoption of uniform procedure
in the hearing of the matters, (2) prior service of copies of documents produced by one party to the
opposite parties, (3) speedy grant of copies of documents, and (4) generally over-seeing the functioning
of the State Commissions and the District Forums to ensure that the objects and purposes of the Act are
best served, without interfering with their quasi-judicial freedom.

The Consumer Protection Act covers 'goods' as well as 'services'. The goods are those which are manufactured
or produced and sold to consumers through wholesalers and retailers. The services are in the nature of
transport, telephone, electricity, housing, banking, insurance, medical treatment, etc.

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Regulatory Bodies in India

A. Central Water Commission

The Central Water Commission is the apex technical organisation in the country for development of water
resources and is attached organization of the Ministry of Water Resources.

The Commission is responsible for initiating, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with the State
Governments, the schemes for control, conservation, development and utilization of water resources
throughout the country for the purpose of irrigation, flood management, power generation, navigation etc.

Implementation of the National Water Policy is another important concern of the Commission.

Over the years, the Commission has developed the technological knowhow in planning, investigation,
appraisal, design and construction of projects, monitoring and management of projects, hydrological
observations and flood forecasting.

Central Water Commission has presence in almost all the aspects of water resources development and
management.

The main functions of Central Water Commission being discharged through its India?wide field basin
oriented setup are -

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12

a)

Hydrological observations and studies,

b)

Maintaining water resources information system for each river basin,

c)

Providing assistance in regulation and development of inter-state rivers,

d)

Issuing flood/inflow forecasts,

e)

Carrying out techno-economic appraisal of projects,

f)

Taking up survey and investigation of projects on request,

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g)

Providing design consultancy, and

h)

Advising and assisting the Government of India on related matters.

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

Recognizing that electricity is one of the key drivers for rapid economic growth and poverty alleviation
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), a key regulator of power sector in India, has been
set up in 1998 as a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status.

The Commission intends to promote competition, efficiency and economy in bulk power markets, improve
the quality of supply, promote investments and advise government on the removal of institutional barriers
to bridge the demand supply gap and thus foster the interests of consumers.

In pursuit of these objectives the Commission aims to - Improve the operations and management of the
regional transmission systems through Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC), Availability Based Tariff
(ABT), etc; Formulate an efficient tariff setting mechanism, which ensures speedy and time bound disposal
of tariff petitions, promotes competition, economy and efficiency in the pricing of bulk power and
transmission services and ensures least cost investments; to facilitate open access in inter-state transmission;
to facilitate technological and institutional changes required for the development of competitive markets
in bulk power and transmission services.

The National Electricity Policy has been evolved in consultation with and taking into account views of
the State Governments, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
(CERC) and other stakeholders.

Recently CERC announces Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) system for fulfillment of its mandate to
promote renewable sources of energy and development of market in electricity. REC mechanism is aimed
at addressing the mismatch between availability of Renewable Energy resources in state and the requirement
of the obligated entities to meet the renewable purchase obligation (RPO).

C.

Securities and Exchange Board of India

The Securities and Exchange Board of India was enacted on April 12, 1992 in accordance with the
provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

SEBI has to be responsive to the needs of three groups, which constitute the market: the issuers of
securities; the investors and the market intermediaries.

SEBI has three functions rolled into one body: quasi-legislative, quasi-judicial and quasi-executive. It drafts
regulations in its legislative capacity, it conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive
function and it passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity.

Though this makes it very powerful, there is an appeal process to create accountability.

There is a Securities Appellate Tribunal which is a three-member tribunal and is headed by Mr. Justice J
P Devadhar, a former judge of the Bombay High Court. A second appeal lies directly to the Supreme
Court. SEBI has taken a very proactive role in streamlining disclosure requirements to international
standards.

For the discharge of its functions efficiently, SEBI has been vested with the following powers:

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a)

To approve by laws of stock exchanges.

b)

To require the stock exchange to amend their by laws.

c)

Inspect the books of accounts and call for periodical returns from recognized stock exchanges.

d)

Inspect the books of accounts of a financial intermediaries.

e)

Compel certain companies to list their shares in one or more stock exchanges.

f)

Registration of brokers.

D. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was, thus, established with effect from 20th February
1997 by an Act of Parliament, called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate
telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the
Central Government.

TRAI's mission is to create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country in
a manner and at a pace which will enable India to play a leading role in emerging global information
society.

One of the main objectives of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which
promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

In pursuance of above objective TRAI has issued from time to time a large number of regulations, orders
and directives to deal with issues coming before it and provided the required direction to the evolution of
Indian telecom market from a Government owned monopoly to a multi operator multi service open
competitive market.

The directions, orders and regulations issued cover a wide range of subjects including tariff, interconnection
and quality of service as well as governance of the Authority.

The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000, establishing a
Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory
and disputes functions from TRAI. TDSAT was set up to adjudicate any dispute between a licensor and
a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers,
and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision or order of TRAI.

E.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority

In 1999, IRDA was constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry.

The key objectives of the IRDA include promotion of competition so as to enhance customer satisfaction
through increased consumer choice and lower premiums, while ensuring the financial security of the
insurance market.

The IRDA opened up the market in August 2000. Foreign companies were allowed ownership of up to
26%.

The Authority has the power to frame regulations and has from 2000 onwards framed various regulations
ranging from registration of companies for carrying on insurance business to protection of policy holders'
interests.

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Role of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA):

a)

To safeguard the interest of and secure fair treatment to insurance policy holders.

b)

To bring quick and systematic growth of the insurance industry or sector in order to provide benefits
to the common man and also to provide long term funds for accelerating growth of the economy.

c)

To set, promote, monitor and apply high standards of integrity, fair dealing, financial viability and
capability of those it regulates.

d)

To make sure that insurance policy holder receives precise, accurate, clear & correct information
about the products & services provided by insurance companies & also make customers aware about
their duties & responsibilities in this regard.

e)

To ensure quick settlement of genuine claims, to prevent insurance frauds, scams & other malpractices
and put in place operative grievance redressal machinery.

f)

To boost transparency, fairness, and orderly conduct in financial markets dealing with insurance &
build a trustworthy management information system in order to enforce high standards of financial
soundness amongst market players.

g)

To take appropriate actions where such standards do not prevail or are inadequate & ineffectively
enforced.

h)

To bring about optimal amount of self-regulation in day-to-day activities of the industry reliable with
the requirements of prudential regulation.

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Competition Commission of India

Competition Commission of India is a body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing The
Competition Act, 2002 throughout India and to prevent activities that have an adverse effect on competition
in India. It was established on 14 October 2003.

It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and
sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of
India.

The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a
statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness
and impart training on competition issues.

To achieve its objectives, the Competition Commission of India endeavours to do the following:

GS

F.

Make the markets work for the benefit and welfare of consumers.

b)

Ensure fair and healthy competition in economic activities in the country for faster and inclusive
growth and development of economy.

c)

Implement competition policies with an aim to effectuate the most efficient utilization of economic
resources.

d)

Develop and nurture effective relations and interactions with sectoral regulators to ensure smooth
alignment of sectoral regulatory laws in tandem with the competition law.

e)

Effectively carry out competition advocacy and spread the information on benefits of competition
among all stakeholders to establish and nurture competition culture in Indian economy.

Notes

a)

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G. Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority

Pension Fund regulatory is a pension related authority, which was established in the year 2003 by the
Indian Government.

It is authorized by the Finance Ministry, and it helps in promoting income security of old age by regulating
and also developing pension funds.

On the other hand, this group can also help in protecting the interest rate of the subscribers, associated
with the schemes of pension money along with the related matters.

PFRDA is also responsible for the appointment of different other intermediate agencies like Pension fund
managers, CRA, NPS Trustee Bank and more.

The PFRDA performs promotional, developmental and regulatory functions relating to pension funds
through regulations or guidelines. its functions include:

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a)

Regulating the NPS;

b)

approving the schemes, the terms and conditions thereof and laying down norms for the management
of the corpus of the pension funds, including investment guidelines under such schemes;

c)

Educating the subscribers and the general public on issues relating to pension, and training of
intermediaries;

d)

Adjudicating disputes between intermediaries as well as between intermediaries and subscribers; and

e)

Establishing mechanisms for grievance redressal of the subscribers.

Institutions Related to Environment

A. Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), is statutory organisation, was constituted in September,
1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981.

It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and
Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Principal functions of the CPCB, as spelt out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, (i) to promote cleanliness of streams
and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii)
to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

B.

State Pollution Control Board

The umbrella Act, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 1986 added strength to all preceding provisions.
Special stipulations were made for industrial, vehicular and noise pollution control in the country.

In India, states do not pursue independent environmental policy of their own but adopt the policies

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formulated at the national level subject to such variations as may be necessary to suit to the local
conditions.
The central government has also been issuing guidelines to the states on various environmental matters.

C.

Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL)

National Board for Wild Life is a "Statutory Organization" constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act,
1972.

Theoretically, the board is "advisory" in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies
and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.

However, it is a very important body because it serves as apex body to review all wildlife-related matters
and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.

Primary function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
It has power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and
sanctuaries. No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without
approval of the NBWL.

D. National Green Tribunal

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The National Green Tribunal has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for
effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests
and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving
relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.

It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving
multi-disciplinary issues. The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of
Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice
and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts. The Tribunal is mandated to make and
endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

E.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

The Zoological Survey of India, the only taxonomic organization in the country involved in the study of
all kinds of animals from Protozoa to Mammalian, occurring in all possible habitats from deepest depth
of the ocean to the peaks of Himalaya, was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration
and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of the various aspects of the exceptionally rich
animal life.

The functions of ZSI are:

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Responsible for carrying out survey to list all endangered species.

b)

It has its headquarters at Kolkata and also has sixteen other regional stations.

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Four status surveys one for Tibetan Wild Ass as earlier surveys. Ecology studies including status
survey of endangered animals were also continued.

d)

The National Zoological Collection was further enriched by the addition of 9532 Identified specimens
belonging to 487 species.

e)

Several faunal exploration and surveys including various eco-systems, Biosphere Reserves, National
Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, were undertaken by the ZSI and its various Regional
Stations.

f)

Research work regarding Identification of Madhya Pradesh, Amphibians of North-East India, Mammals
of Kerala, etc., were undertaken by the ZSI and its various Regional Stations.

g)

The ZSI published several records, occasional papers, bibliographies of Indian Zoology and other
special publications during the year.

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c)

F.

Botanical Survey of India

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Govt. of India for carrying out taxonomic and floristic studies on wild plant resources of the
country.

It was established on 13th February, 1890 with the basic objective to explore the plant resources of the
country and to identify the plants species with economic virtues.

The Botanical Survey of India has the nine regional circles situated at different regions of the country.

The following are the activities being carried out by the BSI:

Exploration, inventorying and documentation of phytodiversity in general and protected areas, hotspots
and fragile ecosystems in particular; publication of National, State and District Floras.

b)

Identification of threatened/red list species and species rich areas needing conservation; ex-situ
conservation of critically threatened species in botanical gardens.

c)

Survey and documentation of traditional knowledge (ethno-botany) associated with plants.

d)

Develop a National database of Indian plants, including herbarium and live specimens, botanical
paintings/illustrations, etc.

e)

Revisionary/Monographic studies on selected plant groups.

f)

Qualitative analysis of nutritive value of ethno-food plants and other economically useful species.

g)

Capacity building in plant taxonomy through refresher courses and post M.Sc. certificate course.

h)

Environment Impact Assessment of areas assigned by the ministry.

i)

Develop and maintain Botanical Gardens, Museums and Herbaria.

j)

Preparation of Seed, Pollen and Spore Atlas of Indian Plants.

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a)

G. National Tiger Conservation Authority

The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment,
Forests and Climate Change constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,

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as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it under
the said Act.

Objectives of the NTCA: Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance of its directives
become legal; Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of Tiger Reserves, by providing a
basis for MoU with States within our federal structure; Providing for an oversight by Parliament and
Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves.

H. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau

India has nearly 6.5% of the world's known wildlife species, and is one of the mega diverse countries of
the world.

The global demand for wildlife and its products puts at risk the mega diversity of the country.

The changing market dynamics and the lifestyles make the existing regulatory regimes inadequate in
dealing with the wildlife crimes assuming organized status.

It calls for coordinated actions in combating the wildlife related crimes including building capacity for
scientific and professional investigation along with other measures.

The Government of India constituted a statutory body, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in 2007, by
amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a special Act to protect the wildlife in the country. The
bureau would complement the efforts of the state governments, primary enforcers of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972 and other enforcement agencies of the country.

The functions of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are defined under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
are as follows:

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Collect and collate intelligence related to organized Wildlife Crime activities and to disseminate the
same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals
and to establish a centralized Wildlife Crime data bank;

b)

Co-ordination of actions by various officers, State Governments and other authorities in connection
with the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, either directly or through regional and border units
set up by the Bureau;

c)

Implementation of obligations under the various international Conventions and protocols that are in
force at present or which may be ratified or acceded to by India in future;

d)

Assistance to concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organizations to

facilitate co-ordination and universal action for wildlife crime control;

e)

Develop infrastructure and capacity building for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife
crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes;

f)

Advice the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international
ramifications, and suggest changes required in relevant policy and laws from time to time.

GS

a)

National Biodiversity Authority

TheNational Biodiversity Authority (NBA)is a statutory autonomous body under theMinistry of

Environment and Forests,Government of Indiaestablished in 2003 to implement the provisions under the

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NationalBiological Diversity Act, 2002, after India signedConvention on Biological Diversity(CBD) in

1992.
The Biological Diversity Act (2002) mandates implementation of the Act through decentralized system
with the NBA focusing on advising the Central Government on matters relating to the conservation of
biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization
of biological resources; and advising the State Governments in the selection of areas of biodiversity
importance to be notified under Sub-Section (1) of Section 37 as heritage sites and measures for the
management of such heritage sites;

The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) focus on advising the State Governments, subject to any guidelines
issued by the Central Government, on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use
of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources;

The SSBs also regulate, by granting of approvals or otherwise requests for commercial utilization or biosurvey and bio-utilization of any biological resource by Indians. The local level Biodiversity Management
Committees (BMCs) are responsible for promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of
biological diversity including preservation of habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars,
domesticated stocks and breeds of animals and microorganisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to
biological diversity.

The NBA with its headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, delivers its mandate through a structure that
comprises of the Authority, Secretariat, SBBs, BMCs and Expert Committees.

Since its establishment, NBA has supported creation of SBBs in 29 States and, facilitated establishment
of around 34,135 BMCs.

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20