Constitutional Bodies, Check List of Constitutional Bodies

Constitutional bodies is one created by the Constitution. These bodies operate as a part of legislative and executive branches of government to ensure efficient governance. Know more about it below.

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Constitutional Bodies of India

Constitutional Bodies: A Constitutional body is established by the Constitution of India and can only be created or changed through a Constitutional Amendment, not by regular or private bills. These bodies derive their powers from the Indian Constitution and are seen as more prestigious and powerful than other organizations. Any changes to their functions or powers require a Constitutional amendment. In India, Constitutional bodies have permanent or semi-permanent roles in government and are responsible for executive functions. The President of India has the authority to make appointments to these bodies, but this power is exercised based on proposals from the Cabinet, which decides who is appointed and to what positions. These decisions are usually discussed with the Prime Minister before finalizing. Overall, Constitutional bodies are essential for helping the government operate effectively and efficiently.

List of Constitutional bodies

Attorney general. (Article 76)
Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (Article148)
Advocate General. (Article 165)
Finance Commission. (Article 280)
Goods and Service Tax Council. (Article 279A)
Union Public Service Commission. (Article 315-323)
State Public Service Commission. (Article 315-323)
Election Commission. (Article 324)
Metropolitan Planning Committee. (Article 243ZE)
Inter-state Council. (Article 263)
National Commission for scheduled castes. (Article 338)
National Commission for schedule tribes. (Article 338A)
National Commission for Backward Classes. (Article 338B)
Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. (Article 350B)

List of Constitutional Bodies of India

Constitutional Bodies derive their authority from the Indian Constitution; as a result, any changes or expansions of these organisations authority require a constitutional amendment. The Constitutional Bodies that are covered in this article are included in the UPSC Indian Polity and Governance Syllabus.

List of Constitutional Bodies of India
Constitutional Bodies	Articles	Term	Removal	Powers of Constitutional Bodies
Attorney General of India	76	Not fixed by the Constitution	Holds office during the pleasure of the President	Give advice to the government on such legal matters as conferred by the President. Right to an audience in all Indian courts. He enjoys all the privileges that is enjoyed by Member of Parliament.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India	148 – 151	For a period of six years or 65 years (whichever comes earlier)	Is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge	CAG has the power to audit the accounts for the Contingency Fund, the Consolidated Fund of India and States, and the Public Accounts Fund of the states and the union government For matters related to finance CAG acts as an advisor to the President. CAG when needed it also audits accounts of government companies, corporations as and when required by law.
Election Commission of India	324	Currently, for 6 years or until 65 years old, whichever comes first	In the same manner and on the same grounds as the judge of the Supreme Court.	Registration and recognition of political parties He determine the territorial extent of electoral constituencies Based on Delimitation Commission Act. Notify election schedules and dates. Has the power of settling the disputes in relation to allotment of electoral symbols to parties.
Finance Commission of India	280-281	as specified by the President	done by the President	EC determine the principle based on which the center will give states the grants-in-aid of the Consolidated fund of India · Shares of tax distribution between center and state government Other matters relating to necessary financial matters as the President states. Finance Commission’s recommendations, steps must be taken to increase the state’s consolidated fund in order to support the resources of the panchayat and the municipality.
NCSC – National Commission for Scheduled Castes	A-338	Is appointed by the President of India for a period of 3 Years.	Presidents determines his removal	Monitoring and reporting on the application of the constitutional protections for Scheduled Castes. It possesses the same power as a civil court. Investigate allegations alleging that the SCs’ rights have been violated. Considering the development of SCs when planning socioeconomic development projects.
NCST – National Commission for Scheduled Tribes	338 A	3 Years, appointment by the President	done by the President	It has the authority of a civil court. It is being tracked and reported on how the constitution’s protections for Scheduled Tribes are being carried out. It possesses the same power as a civil court.
National Commission for Backward Classes	338 B	determined by the president	3 Years	Examine grievances and assistance programs for socially and educationally disadvantaged people. It possesses the same power as a civil court. Gives recommendation for the socioeconomic advancement of socially and educationally disadvantaged populations.
Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities	Article – 350 B	Tenure on the Pleasure of the president	Removed on the Pleasure of the President	It is being tracked and reported on how well the constitution’s protections for language minorities are working. Assists in preserving and promoting the nation’s diverse linguistic minorities. Encourages equal opportunity for linguistic minorities to thrive equally and inclusively.
Union Public Service Commission	315-323	For the time being, 6 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier)	done by the President	Recruitment for All India Services, public services in the area under central management, Central Services, and advisory authority. The state governments are helped in the event of joint recruitment. Gives the President an annual report on its performance. Determines the standards to be used when selecting applicants
State Public Service Commission	315-323	presently for 6 years or 62 years, whichever is earlier	Is done by the President	Its advice is necessary on numerous issues connected to personnel management. It conducts examination for appointment to various state services. Is considered by the Governor when formulating regulations for state-level judges who are not district judges.

Conclusion

Constitutional Bodies in India are essential for maintaining the principles of the Constitution and ensuring democracy works smoothly. They oversee elections and promote transparency and accountability, taking on important responsibilities for the nation’s governance and welfare. As protectors of democracy, these bodies work towards justice, equality, and integrity, strengthening India’s democratic foundation.

Constitutional Bodies UPSC

The state needs a number of authorities to manage diverse governmental activities. As a result, the constitution of the state stipulates the creation of a few key authorities, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and powers of those authorities, as well as the credentials necessary for leaders and officials. We refer to them as constitutional bodies.

Organisations whose creation is required by the Indian Constitution are known as constitutional bodies.
The Indian Constitution serves as the foundation for their authority.
A constitutional amendment is usually required to alter the power or duties of such bodies.

Constitutional bodies FAQs

What is a constitutional body UPSC?

Constitutional bodies derive their powers and authorities from the Constitution of India.

What is meant by constitutional bodies?

In India, a Constitutional body is a body or institute established by the Constitution of India.

Is NITI Aayog a constitutional body or non constitutional body?

NITI Aayog is a non-constitutional body as India's Constitution does not create it, and a non-statutory body as an Act of the Parliament does not create it.

Why UPSC is a constitutional body?

UPSC is a Constitutional Body under Article 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II of the Constitution of India to discharge their duties, functions and obligations assigned under Article 320.

What is difference between constitutional body and statutory body for UPSC?

The constitutional bodies are provided with the assigned article in the constitution whereas the statutory body does not have the specific mention as the constitutional body.