In India, special committees and commissions have played a crucial role in shaping policies, governance, and administration. They help resolve key issues related to Centre-State relations, economic policies, social justice, electoral reforms, and law enforcement.
If you are preparing for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam, understanding these committees and commissions is essential for the Polity & Governance section. In this blog, we will cover:
✅ What are Special Committees and Commissions?
✅ Important Commissions in Indian Polity
✅ Why are they important for MPSC?
✅ How to remember them for exams?
Let’s dive in! 🚀
What Are Special Committees and Commissions?
Special committees and commissions are formed by the government to study, analyze, and recommend solutions for specific issues. They help in:
- Improving Centre-State relations
- Suggesting administrative and legal reforms
- Strengthening democracy and governance
- Examining socio-economic issues
These bodies are usually temporary and submit a detailed report with recommendations. Some commissions, like the Law Commission of India, are formed periodically to review laws.
Important Special Committees and Commissions in India
1. Centre-State Relations Commissions
🔹 Sarkaria Commission (1983)
- Studied Centre-State relations and recommended greater autonomy for states.
- Suggested reforms in President’s Rule (Article 356) and the role of the Governor.
- Recommended inter-state councils for better coordination.
🔹 Punchhi Commission (2007)
- Reviewed Centre-State relations in the context of changing political and economic conditions.
- Suggested a fixed tenure for Governors and restrictions on misuse of Article 356.
📝 Why important for MPSC?
Maharashtra, being a large state, faces Centre-State conflicts. Understanding these commissions will help in writing strong answers in the Mains exam.
2. Electoral Reforms Commissions
🔹 Tarkunde Committee (1975)
- Recommended reforms in free and fair elections.
- Suggested State funding of elections to curb money power.
🔹 Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990)
- Proposed electoral funding reforms.
- Recommended reducing the criminalization of politics.
🔹 Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998)
- Strongly supported State funding of elections.
- Suggested curbing the use of black money in elections.
📝 Why important for MPSC?
MPSC often asks about electoral reforms in both Prelims and Mains, and Maharashtra has had several election-related issues in the past.
3. Social Justice and Reservation Commissions
🔹 Mandal Commission (1980)
- Recommended 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and education.
- Played a major role in affirmative action policies.
🔹 Rohini Commission (2017)
- Studied the sub-categorization of OBCs for better distribution of reservation benefits.
🔹 Sachar Committee (2005)
- Studied the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India.
- Recommended measures to improve education, employment, and social inclusion.
📝 Why important for MPSC?
Maharashtra has a significant OBC and minority population. These commissions help understand reservation policies and minority welfare schemes.
4. Administrative and Governance Reform Commissions
🔹 1st Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)
- Recommended the creation of Lokpal & Lokayuktas to curb corruption.
- Suggested police and judicial reforms.
🔹 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2005-2009)
- Introduced Right to Information (RTI) and e-Governance.
- Focused on civil service reforms and improving governance transparency.
📝 Why important for MPSC?
Maharashtra has an active Lokayukta, and governance reforms are frequently discussed in MPSC exams.
5. Law and Order & Judicial Reforms Commissions
🔹 Malimath Committee (2000)
- Suggested reforms in the criminal justice system.
- Proposed witness protection programs and faster trials.
🔹 Verma Committee (2012)
- Formed after the Nirbhaya case to recommend stronger laws for crimes against women.
- Suggested amendments to Criminal Law and tougher punishments for sexual offenses.
🔹 Law Commission of India
- Periodically reviews laws and legal reforms.
- Recommends changes in civil and criminal laws.
📝 Why important for MPSC?
Law and order issues are major topics in Polity & Governance. Maharashtra has seen debates on women’s safety laws and judicial reforms.
Why Are These Committees & Commissions Important for MPSC?
- Polity & Governance Section – Many MPSC Prelims and Mains questions are directly related to these commissions.
- Essay Writing & Answer Enrichment – Quoting these reports makes your answers stronger and well-researched.
- Current Affairs Linkages – Many commissions’ recommendations are in the news even today.
- State-Specific Relevance – Maharashtra has implemented various committee recommendations, making them important for MPSC Mains.
How to Remember These Commissions for Exams?
📌 Use Mnemonics – For example, "SP-PM" for Sarkaria & Punchhi Commissions (Centre-State relations).
📌 Make Short Notes – Write 1-2 key points for each commission.
📌 Link to Current Affairs – Relate old commissions to recent news.
📌 Revise Regularly – Use flashcards or a revision diary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the main recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission?
It recommended greater autonomy for states and reforms in Centre-State relations.
2. Why was the Verma Committee formed?
It was set up after the Nirbhaya case (2012) to suggest stronger laws against crimes on women.
3. What was the role of the Mandal Commission?
It recommended 27% OBC reservation in government jobs and education.
4. What is the function of the Law Commission of India?
It reviews existing laws and suggests legal reforms periodically.
Final Thoughts
Special committees and commissions have played a vital role in shaping India’s governance, judiciary, and administration. If you’re preparing for MPSC Prelims & Mains, understanding their recommendations will help you score higher in the Polity & Governance section.
Keep revising, link concepts to current affairs, and practice writing structured answers for Mains. 🚀