Other Important Authorities
In the preceding pages an attempt has been made to survey the duties and functions of the important statutory authorities. A similar survey is made of certain other authorities, which though not established under the constitutional provisions, are nonetheless very important in the administrative set-up of the Government of India.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission was set up by a Resolution of the Government of India in 1950. It aims at promoting a rapid rise in the standard of living of the people by efficient exploitation of the resources of the country; increasing production and providing opportunities to all for employment in the service of the community. Functions: 1. Assessment of the material, capital and human resources of the country, including
technical personnel and formulation of proposals for augmenting resources that are found to be deficient. Formulation of Plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of the country’s resources. Defining stages for the implementation of the plan and determination of priorities and allocation of resources for completion of each stage. Determining the nature of machinery required for the implementation of the Plan in all its aspects.
Periodic appraisal of the progress achieved in the execution of each stage of the plan. 6. Perspective Planning.
The Planning Commission is an advisory body of the Government. Its Plans become effective only after the approval of the Cabinet. The Planning Commission is not concerned with the implementation of the plans, which is the work of the Central and State Governments.
Check out Polity notes in detail.
National Development Council
National Development Council was set up in August 1952 to strengthen and mobilise the Chont and resources of the nation in support of the Five Year Plans to promote common economic policies in all vital spheres and to ensure the balanced and rapid development of all parts of the country.
In October 1967, on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission, the National Development Council was reconstituted and its functions were redefined as follows:
1. To prescribe guidelines for the formulation of the National Plan, including the assessment of resources for the Plan;
2. To consider the National Plan as formulated by the Planning Commission;
3. To review the working of the Plan from time to time and to recommend such measures as are necessary for achieving the aims and targets set out in the National Plan, including measures to secure the active participation and cooperation of the people, improve the efficiency of the administrative services, ensure the fullest development of the less advanced regions and sections of the community and, through sacrifice borne equally by all citizens, build up resources for national development.
The National Development Council makes its recommendations to the Central and the State Governments and comprises of the Prime Minister, all Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories and the Members of the Planning Commission. The Union Territories are represented by their respective Administrators. Other Union Ministers and State Ministers may also be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Council. The Secretary of the Planning Commission acts as Secretary to the National Development Council.
Staff Selection Commission
Set up in 1975 on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission, this Commission came up under the name of Subordinate Services Commission, as an attached office of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. From October 1976 its name has been changed to Staff Selection Commission. It has a Chairman and a Member and a Secretary-cum-Controller of Examinations with other supporting Staff.
Staff Selection Commission makes recruitments to non-technical category ‘C’ posts under the Government of India including its attached and subordinate offices. The Commission .conducts periodical examinations for recruitment and interviews candidates, whenever necessary.
President’s Secretariat
The President’s Secretariat provides Secretarial assistance to the President. Secretary to the President is a link between the President and the Ministers / Departments of the Government of India. He is a channel for submission of papers to the President and communication of the President’s orders to the concerned Departments.
He is concerned with all correspondence with Governors, semi-Government Organisations and the public. There is also a Military Secretary to the President. He is responsible for all ceremonials, management of the President’s Estate including the gardens, planning, preparations and arrangements of all tours of the President, hospitality, catering and household. Press Secretary to the President looks after pubic relations work.
Prime Minister’s Office
On the official side, it is a link office between the Prime Minister and his ministers, President, Governors, Chief Ministers and Foreign representatives. On the public side, it is concerned with Party matters, personal correspondence, complaints from the public etc. This office is not responsible for the Prime Minister functions as head of the Cabinet but is responsible for his functioning as Chairman of the Planning Commission.