Day 16 – Q 4.While a handful of constitutional bodies have evolved as the bulwarks of India’s democratic ideals, others have failed to meet the expectations. Illustrate.

4. While a handful of constitutional bodies have evolved as the bulwarks of India’s democratic ideals, others have failed to meet the expectations. Illustrate. 

जबकि कुछ संवैधानिक निकाय भारत के लोकतांत्रिक आदर्शों के रक्षक के रूप में विकसित हुए हैं, वहीँ अन्य उम्मीदों को पूरा करने में असफल रहे हैं। उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें।

Introduction:

Constitutional bodies are those who are set up, protected and derive their powers directly from the constitution. Indian constitution has provided for many such bodies who are the enablers and protectors of constitutional ideals in the country.

Body:

Among several constitutional bodies some have evolved over time and have performed as per their expectations. They are:

• UPSC: One of the most respected recruitment agency in the country which attracts young and bright talents to the government sector.
• Election commission: The body whose sole role is to conduct free and fair election to various important positions from President of India to state Legislatures.
• Finance Commission: Established under article 280, their role to determine the share of tax proceeds between Center and States and inter states.
• CAG: Protector of Public finance, friend, guide and philosopher of public accounts committee whose role is to make sure the finances are handled according to rules by executive.
• Judiciary: One of the most important constitutional bodies, who have protected the principles established under constitution.

Some of the other bodies have failed to meet their expectations:

• National commission for SC: The atrocities and backwardness of majority of people under SC are still continuing even after 70 years of independence.
• National commission for ST: They have failed to secure the forest rights, welfare of ST’s which can be seen in their social indicators.
• Higher Judiciary: Huge backlogs and pendency of cases sometimes the petitioner itself dies before case is solved. Also many spend time in Jail even for petty cases.
• Special commissioner for linguistic minorities: The work and functions of this office has not performed as per the expectations.
• Panchayats and Municipalities: They have failed to perform their duties due to varieties of reasons starting from lack of powers to revenue crunch among others.
• State public service commissions: Majority of State service commissions have been embroiled in controversies like corruption, nepotism etc.

Conclusion:

Although these institutions derive their powers under constitution and even small change in them requires amendment to the constitutional itself, they have not been performing as per expectations. It is time they reform and start working towards their goals as mandated by constitution before people lose hopes in them.