Commissions play a vital role in governance, policymaking, and maintaining transparency in administrative processes. These commissions are established to address specific issues, implement reforms, and ensure justice and equity in society. Understanding the purpose and scope of various commissions is essential for exam preparation, thesis writing, and academic studies. This guide outlines key commissions, their functions, and examples to help learners grasp their significance effectively.
| S.No | Commission Name | Year of Establishment | Key Functions/Recommendations | Examples/Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hutchins Commission (US) | 1942 | Suggested the social responsibility theory of media. Published ‘A Free and Responsible Press’ report in 1947. | Advocated ethical journalism and press freedom with accountability. |
| 2 | First Press Commission (India) | 1952 | Recommended Price-page schedule, setting up the Registrar of Newspapers of India, and creating a Press Council. | Enactment of laws for working journalists and newspaper registration. Members included A. R. Brat, J. Natarajan. |
| 3 | Second Press Commission (India) | 1978 | Suggested Newspaper Development Corporation, removal of Section 5 of Official Secrets Act, 1923, opposed a formal code of ethics. | Advocated balanced defamation laws and strengthening press freedom. Chairman: K.K. Mathew. |
| 4 | MacBride Commission | 1980 | Proposed Democratisation of media, promoting balanced communication systems globally. | Recommended reforms in global communication policies. Adopted by the UN and focused on human rights. |
| 5 | Royal Press Commission (UK) | – | Reviewed the state of the press and recommended reforms for freedom and responsibility of the press. | Ensured checks on press ownership and editorial independence. |
| 6 | Election Commission of India | 1950 | Conducts free and fair elections, regulates political parties, and monitors election expenditure. | Organizing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across states in India. |
| 7 | Finance Commission | 1951 | Recommends distribution of taxes between the Union and State governments. | Recommendations for revenue-sharing formulas in Union Budget allocations. |
| 8 | National Human Rights Commission | 1993 | Protects and promotes human rights, investigates violations, and recommends reforms. | Investigating custodial deaths and addressing cases of police brutality. |
| 9 | Central Vigilance Commission | 1964 | Monitors corruption in government offices and ensures accountability. | Investigating corruption charges against public officials and government employees. |
| 10 | Union Public Service Commission | 1926 | Conducts recruitment exams for civil services and other central government positions. | Conducting UPSC exams like IAS, IPS, and IFS recruitment. |
| 11 | National Commission for Women | 1992 | Advocates for women’s rights, monitors gender-based violence, and suggests legal reforms. | Handling domestic violence complaints and proposing amendments to laws protecting women. |
| 12 | National Commission for Scheduled Castes | 2004 | Safeguards the rights of Scheduled Castes and investigates discrimination cases. | Addressing caste-based atrocities and providing legal support to victims. Chairperson: Vijay Sampla. |
| 13 | National Commission for Scheduled Tribes | 2004 | Ensures the protection and development of Scheduled Tribes. | Proposing policies for tribal welfare and investigating violations of tribal rights. |
| 14 | Law Commission of India | 1955 | Suggests legal reforms and reviews existing laws to make them relevant to current scenarios. | Recommending reforms in marriage laws, arbitration processes, and corporate governance regulations. |
| 15 | Planning Commission (Replaced by NITI Aayog) | 1950 | Formulated Five-Year Plans and economic strategies until its replacement by NITI Aayog in 2015. | Formulating growth models for agriculture, infrastructure, and industry development before its dissolution. |
This quicky provides a comprehensive list of key commissions in India and globally, along with their functions and applications. From safeguarding human rights to ensuring fair elections and promoting gender equality, these commissions play an essential role in governance and policymaking. Use this quick-reference guide to strengthen your understanding of commissions and their contributions.
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