GK preimere 7

The Polity

INDIA, a Union of States, is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic
with a parliamentary system of government. The Republic is governed in terms of
the Constitution, which was adopted by Constituent Assembly on 26 November
1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950.
The Constitution which envisages parliamentary form of government is federal
in structure with unitary features. The President of India is constitutional head of
executive of the Union. Article 74(1) of the Constitution provides that there shall be
a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as head to aid and advise President
who shall in exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice. Real
executive power thus vests in Council of Ministers with Prime Minister as head.
Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok
Sabha). Similarly, in states, Governor is head of executive, but it is the Council of
Ministers with Chief Minister as head in whom real executive power vests. Council
of Ministers of a state is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.
The Constitution distributes legislative power between Parliament and state
legislatures and provides for vesting of residual powers in Parliament. Power to
amend the Constitution also vests in Parliament. The Constitution has provision
for independence of judiciary, Comptroller and Auditor-General, Public Service
Commissions and Chief Election Commissioner.

THE UNION AND ITS TERRITORY

India comprises 28 States and seven Union Territories. They are: Andhra Pradesh,
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Union
Territories are : Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli, Daman and Diu, National Capital Territory of Delhi, Lakshadweep and
Pondicherry.

CITIZENSHIP

The Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship for the whole of India.
Every person who was at the commencement of the Constitution (26 January 1950)
domiciled in the territory of India and: (a) who was born in India; or (b) either of
whose parents was born in India; or (c) who has been ordinarily resident in India
for not less than five years became a citizen of India. The Citizenship Act, 1955,
deals with matters relating to acquisition, determination and termination of Indian
citizenship after the commencement of the Constitution.

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

The Constitution offers all citizens, individually and collectively, some basic
freedoms. These are guaranteed in the Constitution in the form of six broad
categories of Fundamental Rights which are justiciable. Article 12 to 35 contained
in Part III of the Constitution deal with Fundamental Rights. These are : (i) right to
equality including equality before law, prohibition of discrimination on grounds of
religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and equality of opportunity in matters of
employment; (ii) right to freedom of speech and expression; assembly; association
or union; movement; residence; and right to practice any profession or occupation
(some of these rights are subject to security of the State, friendly relations with
foreign countries, public order, decency or morality); (iii) right against exploitation,
prohibiting all forms of forced labour, child labour and traffic in human beings;
(iv) right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of
religion; (v) right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture, language or
script and right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of
their choice; and (vi) right to constitutional remedies for enforcement of Fundamental
Rights.

FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

By the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, adopted in 1976, Fundamental Duties
of the citizens have also been enumerated. Article 51 ‘A’ contained in Part IV A of
the Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties. These enjoin upon a citizen among
other things, to abide by the Constitution, to cherish and follow noble ideals which
inspired India’s struggle for freedom, to defend the country and render national
service when called upon to do so and to promote harmony and spirit of common
brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities.

DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY

The Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy which though
not justiciable, are ‘fundamental in governance of the country’ and it is the duty of
the State to apply these principles in making laws. These lay down that the State
shall strive to promote the welfare of people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice—social, economic and political—shall form in all institutions of national life. The State shall direct its policy in such a manner as to secure the right of all men and women to an adequate means of livelihood, equal pay for equal work and within limits of its economic capacity and development, to make effective provision for securing the right to work, education and to public assistance in the event of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement or other cases of undeserved want. The State shall also endeavour to secure to workers a living wage, humane conditions of work, a decent standard of life and full involvement of workers in management of industries.
In the economic sphere, the State is to direct its policy in such a manner as to
secure distribution of ownership and control of material resources of community to
subserve the common good and to ensure that operation of economic system does
not result in concentration of wealth and means of production to common detriment.
Some of the other important directives relate to provision of opportunities
and facilities for children to develop in a healthy manner, free and compulsory
education for all children up to the age of 14; promotion of education and economic
interests of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other weaker sections;
organisation of village panchayats; separation of judiciary from executive,
promulgation of a uniform civil code for whole country; protection of national
monuments; promotion of justice on a basis of equal opportunity; provision of free
legal aid; protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests
and wildlife of the country and promotion of international peace and security, just
and honourable relations between nations, respect for international law, treaty
obligations and settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

THE UNION
EXECUTIVE

The Union executive consists of the President, the Vice-President and the Council
of Ministers with the Prime Minister as the head to aid and advise the President.

PRESIDENT

The President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of elected
members of both Houses of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of the states in
accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single
transferable vote. To secure uniformity among state inter se as well as parity between
the states, as a whole, and the Union, suitable weightage is given to each vote. The
President must be a citizen of India, not less than 35 years of age and qualified for
election as member of the Lok Sabha. His term of office is five years and he is eligible for re-election. His removal from office is to be in accordance with procedure prescribed in Article 61 of the Constitution. He may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-President, resign his office.
Executive power of the Union is vested in the President and is exercised by
him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the
Constitution. Supreme command of defence forces of the Union also vests in him.
The President summons, prorogues, addresses, sends messages to Parliament and
dissolves the Lok Sabha; promulgates Ordinances at any time, except when both
Houses of Parliament are in session; makes recommendations for introducing
financial and money bills and gives assent to bills; grants pardons, reprieves, respites
or remission of punishment or suspends, remits or commutes sentences in certain
cases. When there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in a state, he can assume to himself all or any of the functions of the government of that state. The President can proclaim emergency in the country if he is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby security of India or any part of its territory is threatened whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion.

VICE-PRESIDENT

The Vice-President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of
members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional
representation by means of single transferable vote. He must be a citizen of India,
not less than 35 years of age and eligible for election as a member of the Rajya
Sabha. His term of office is five years and he is eligible for re-election. His removal
from office is to be in accordance with procedure prescribed in Article 67 b.
The Vice-President is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as
President when the latter is unable to discharge his functions due to absence, illness
or any other cause or till the election of a new President (to be held within six months when a vacancy is caused by death, resignation or removal or otherwise of President).
While so acting, he ceases to perform the function of the Chairman of the Rajya
Sabha.

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

There is a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the
President in exercise of his functions. The Prime Minister is appointed by the
President who also appoints other ministers on the advice of Prime Minister. The
Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. It is the duty of the Prime
Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of Council of Ministers relating to administration of affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation and information relating to them.
The Council of Ministers comprises Ministers who are members of Cabinet,
Ministers of State (independent charge), Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers.

LEGISLATURE

Legislature of the Union which is called Parliament , consists of President and two
Houses, known as Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and House of the People (Lok
Sabha). Each House has to meet within six months of its previous sitting. A joint
sitting of two Houses can be held in certain cases.

RAJYA SABHA

The Constitution provides that the Rajya Sabha shall consist of 12 members to be
nominated by the President from amongst persons having special knowledge or
practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social
service; and not more than 238 representatives of the States and of the Union
Territories.
Elections to the Rajya Sabha are indirect; members representing States are
elected by elected members of legislative assemblies of the States in accordance
with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable
vote, and those representing Union Territories are chosen in such manner as
Parliament may by law prescribe. The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution;
one-third of its members retire every second year.
Rajya Sabha, at present, has 245 seats. Of these, 233 members represent the
States and the Union Territories and 12 members are nominated by the President.
The names of members of Rajya Sabha and party affiliation are given in Appendices.

LOK SABHA

The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of people chosen by direct election
been constituted so far.
QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF PARLIAMENT
In order to be chosen a member of Parliament, a person must be a citizen of India
and not less than 30 years of age in the case of Rajya Sabha and not less than 25
years of age in the case of Lok Sabha. Additional qualifications may be prescribed
by Parliament by law.

FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF PARLIAMENT

As in other parliamentary democracies, the Parliament in India has the cardinal
functions of legislation, overseeing of administration, passing of the Budget,
ventilation of public grievances and discussing various subjects like development
plans, national policies and international relations. The distribution of powers
between the Union and the States, followed in the Constitution, emphasises in many
ways the general predominance of Parliament in the legislative field. Apart from a
wide-range of subjects, even in normal times, the Parliament can, under certain
circumstances, assume legislative power with respect to a subject falling within the
sphere exclusively reserved for the States. The Parliament is also vested with powers
to impeach the President and to remove the Judges of Supreme Court and High
Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Comptroller and Auditor General
in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Constitution.
All legislation require consent of both the Houses of Parliament. In the case of
money bills, however, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails. Delegated legislation is
also subject to review and control by Parliament. Besides the power to legislate, the
Constitution vests in Parliament the power to initiate amendment of the Constitution.

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

The functions of Parliament are not only varied in nature, but considerable in volume.
The time at its disposal is limited. It cannot make very detailed scrutiny of all
legislative and other matters that come up before it. A good deal of Parliamentary
business is, therefore, transacted in the committees.
Both Houses of Parliament have a similar committee structure, with a few
exceptions. Their appointment, terms of office, functions and procedure of
conducting business are also more or less similar and are regulated as per rules
made by the two Houses under Article 118(1) of the Constitution.
Broadly, Parliamentary Committees are of two kinds—Standing Committees
and ad hoc Committees. The former are elected or appointed every year or
periodically and their work goes on, more or less, on a continuous basis. The latter
are appointed on an ad hoc basis as need arises and they cease to exist as soon as
they complete the task assigned to them.
Standing Committees : Among the Standing Committees, the three Financial
Committees—Committees on Estimates, Public Accounts and Public Undertakings—
constitute a distinct group as they keep an unremitting vigil over Government
expenditure and performance. While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated
on the basis of adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by
the Constitution is now 552 (530 members to represent the States, 20 members to
represent the Union Territories and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian
community to be nominated by the President, if, in his opinion, that community is
not adequately represented in the House). The total elective membership of the Lok
Sabha is distributed among the States in such a way that the ratio between the
number of seats allotted to each State and the population of the State is, as far as
practicable, the same for all States. The Lok Sabha at present consists of 545 members.
Of these, 530 members are directly elected from the States and 13 from Union
Territories while two are nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian
community. Following the Constitution 84th Amendment Act, 2001 the total number
of existing seats as allocated to various States in the Lok Sabha on the basis of the
1971 census shall remain unaltered till the first census to be taken after the year
2026.
The term of the Lok Sabha, unless dissolved earlier is five years from the date
appointed for its first meeting. However, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in
operation, this period may be extended by Parliament by law for a period not
exceeding one year at a time and not extending in any case, beyond a period of six
months after the Proclamation has ceased to operate. Fourteen Lok Sabhas have
with Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings, the members of the
Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from the Lok Sabha.
The Estimates Committee reports on ‘what economies, improvements in
organisation, efficiency or administrative reform consistent with policy underlying
the estimates’ may be effected. It also examines whether the money is well laid out
within limits of the policy implied in the estimates and suggests the form in which
estimates shall be presented to Parliament. The Public Accounts Committee
scrutinises appropriation and finance accounts of Government and reports of the
Comptroller and Auditor-General. It ensures that public money is spent in
accordance with Parliament’s decision and calls attention to cases of waste,
extravagance, loss or nugatory expenditure. The Committee on Public Undertakings
examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General, if any. It also examines
whether public undertakings are being run efficiently and managed in accordance
with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices.
Besides these three Financial Committees, the Rules Committee of the Lok
Sabha recommended setting-up of 17 Department Related Standing Committees
(DRSCs). Accordingly, 17 Department Related Standing Committees were set up
on 8 April 1993. In July 2004, rules were amended to provide for the constitution of
seven more such committees, thus raising the number of DRSCs from 17 to 24. The
functions of these Committees are : (a) to consider the Demands for Grants of various
Ministries/Departments of Government of India and make reports to the Houses;
(b) to examine such Bills as are referred to the Committee by the Chairman, Rajya
Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha, as the case may be, and make reports thereon; (c)
to consider Annual Reports of ministries/departments and make reports thereon;
and (d) to consider policy documents presented to the Houses, if referred to the
Committee by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha, as the case
may be, and make reports thereon.
Other Standing Committees in each House, divided in terms of their functions,
are (i) Committees to Inquire: (a) Committee on Petitions examines petitions on
bills and on matters of general public interest and also entertains representations
on matters concerning subjects in the Union List; and (b) Committee of Privileges
examines any question of privilege referred to it by the House or Speaker/Chairman;
(ii) Committees to Scrutinise : (a) Committee on Government Assurances keeps track
of all the assurances, promises, undertakings, etc., given by Ministers in the House
and pursues them till they are implemented; (b) Committee on Subordinate
Legislation scrutinises and reports to the House whether the power to make
regulations, rules, sub-rules, bye-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or Statutes
is being properly exercised by the delegated authorities; and (c) Committee on Papers
Laid on the Table examines all papers laid on the table of the House by Ministers,
other than statutory notifications and orders which come within the purview of the
Committee on Subordinate Legislation, to see whether there has been compliance
with the provisions of the Constitution, Act, rule or regulation under which the
paper has been laid; (iii) Committees relating to the day-to-day business of the House:
(a) Business Advisory Committee recommends allocation of time for items of
Government and other business to be brought before the Houses; (b) Committee on
Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions of the Lok Sabha classifies and allocates
time to Bills introduced by private members, recommends allocation of time for
discussion on private members’ resolutions and examines Constitution amendment
bills before their introduction by private members in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha
does not have such a committee. It is the Business Advisory Committee of that
House which recommends allocation of time for discussion on stage or stages of
private members’ bills and resolutions; (c) Rules Committee considers matters of
procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommends amendments or
additions to the Rules; and (d) Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings
of the House of the Lok Sabha considers all applications from members for leave or
absence from sittings of the House. There is no such Committee in the Rajya Sabha.
Applications from members for leave or absence are considered by the House itself;
(iv) Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, on which
members from both Houses serve, considers all matters relating to the welfare of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes which come within the purview of the Union
Government and keeps a watch whether constitutional safeguards in respect of
these classes are properly implemented; (v) Committees concerned with the
provision of facilities to members : (a) General Purposes Committee considers and
advises Speaker/Chairman on matters concerning affairs of the House, which do
not appropriately fall within the purview of any other Parliamentary Committee;
and (b) House Committee deals with residential accommodation and other amenities
for members; (vi) Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of
Parliament, constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of
Parliament Act, 1954, apart from framing rules for regulating payment of salary,
allowances and pension to Members of Parliament, also frames rules in respect of
amenities like medical, housing, telephone, postal, constituency and secretarial
facility; (vii) Joint Committee on Offices of Profit examines the composition and
character of committees and other bodies appointed by the Central and State
governments and Union Territories Administrations and recommends what offices
ought to or ought not to disqualify a person from being chosen as a member of
either House of Parliament; (viii) The Library Committee consisting of members
from both Houses, considers matters concerning the Library of Parliament; (ix) On
29 April 1997, a Committee on Empowerment of Women with members from both
the Houses was constituted with a view to securing, among other things, status,
dignity and equality for women in all fields; (x) On 4 March 1997, the Ethics
Committee of the Rajya Sabha was constituted. The Ethics Committee of the Lok
Sabha was constituted on 16 May 2000.
Ad hoc Committees : Such Committees may be broadly classified under two
heads : (a) committees which are constituted from time to time, either by the two
Houses on a motion adopted in that behalf or by Speaker/Chairman to inquire into
and report on specific subjects, (e.g., Committees on the Conduct of certain Members
during President’s Address, Committees on Draft Five-Year Plans, Railway
Convention Committee, Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area
Development Scheme, Joint Committee on Bofors Contracts, Joint Committee on
Fertilizer Pricing, Joint Committee to enquire into irregularities in securities and
banking transactions, Joint Committee on Stock Market Scam, Joint Committees on
Security in Parliament Complex, Committee on Provision of Computers for Members
of Parliament, Offices of Political Parties and Officers of the Lok Sabha Secretariat;
Committee on Food Management in Parliament House Complex; Committee on
Installation of Portraits/Statues of National Leaders and Parliamentarians in
Parliament House Complex, etc.), and (b) Select or Joint Committees on Bills which
are appointed to consider and report on a particular Bill. These Committees are
distinguishable from the other ad hoc committees inasmuch as they are concerned
with Bills and the procedure to be followed by them as laid down in the Rules of
Procedure and Directions by the Speaker/Chairman.

LEADERS OF OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT

In keeping with their important role, the Leaders of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha
and the Lok Sabha are accorded statutory recognition. Salary and other suitable
facilities are extended to them through a separate legislation brought into force on
1 November 1977.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN PARLIAMENT
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs is entrusted with the responsibility of
coordinating, planning and arranging Government Business in both Houses of
Parliament. In the discharge of this function, he is assisted by his Ministers of State.
The Minister also keeps close and constant contact with the presiding officers, the
leaders as well as chief whips and whips of various parties and groups in both the
Houses of Parliament. During the period 1 June 2006 to 31 May 2007, both Houses
of Parliament passed 57 Bills.

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs constitutes Consultative Committees of
Members of both the Houses of Parliament, which are attached to various Ministries,
and arranges meetings thereof. The Minister/Minister of State in-charge of the
Ministry concerned acts as the chairman of the Consultative Committee of that
Ministry.
The main purpose of these Committees is to provide a forum for informal
discussions between the Government and Members of Parliament on policies and
programmes of the Government and the manner of their implementation. Meetings
of these Committees are held both during the session and inter-session period of
Parliament. After the constitution of the 14th Lok Sabha, 32 Consultative Committees
attached to various Ministries were constituted. Besides this, 16 Informal
Consultative Committees of the sixteen Railway Zones have also been constituted.
Unlike the Consultative Committees attached to the Ministries, meetings, of these
Informal Consultative Committees are to be arranged during Session periods only.
322 meetings of the Consultative Committees were held till 31 May 2007 after
the constitution of the 14th Lok Sabha including 116 meetings held during the year
2006.

NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON GOVERNMENT
COMMITTEES/BODIES

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates Members of Parliament on
Committees, Councils, Boards and Commissions, etc., set-up by the Government of
India in various Ministries (except in case of statutory or other bodies where the
statute or the bye-laws framed thereunder provides that the Member of Parliament
to be appointed thereon will be nominated by the Presiding Officers of the respective
Houses or will be elected by the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, as the case may be).
The Members are nominated on such Bodies keeping in view their aptitude and
special interest in the subject.

YOUTH PARLIAMENT COMPETITION

In order to develop democratic ethos in the younger generation the Ministry conducts
youth parliament Competition in various categories of schools and colleges/
universities. The youth parliament Scheme was first introduced in the Schools in
Delhi in 1966-67. Kendriya Vidyalayas located in and around Delhi were
incorporated into the ongoing Scheme for Delhi Schools in 1978. Subsequently, as
separate scheme of youth parliament for Kendriya Vidyalayas at the National Level
was launched in 1988. Similarly, in 1997-98, two new youth Parliament Schemes at
the national level, one for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and the other for
Universities/Colleges were launched.
During 2006-07, the 41st Youth Parliament Competition for Delhi Schools was
completed and 46 schools participated. The 19th National Youth Parliament
Competition for Kendriya Vidyalayas was held and 90 Kendriya Vidyalayas
participated. The 10th National Youth Parliament Competition for Jawahar
Navodaya Vidyalayas is in progress. The Eighth National Youth Parliament
Competition for Universities/Colleges is also in progressOTHER PARLIAMENTARY MATTERS

ALL INDIA WHIPS CONFERENCE

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India has been organising
All India Whips’ Conference from time to time, with the purpose of establishing
suitable links among the whips of various political parties at the Centre and the
States who are concerned with the practical working of the legislatures to discuss
matters of common interest and to evolve high standards to strengthen the institution
of Parliamentary Democracy.

MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 AND SPECIAL MENTIONS

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs takes follow-up action on matters raised under
Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and by
way of Special Mentions in Rajya Sabha. Also after ‘Question Hour’ in both the
Houses of Parliament, Members raise matters of urgent public importance. Though
it is not mandatory, Ministers sometimes react to the points made by the Members.
In the absence of concerned Minister the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs assures
the House or the individual Members that their sentiments would be conveyed to
the concerned Ministers.

IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSURANCES

The Ministry culls out assurances, promises, undertakings, etc., given by Ministers
in both the Houses of Parliament, from the daily proceedings and forwards them to
the concerned Ministries/Departments for implementation, Statements showing
action taken by the Government in implementation of the assurances, after due
scrutiny of the implementation of the assurances, after due scrutiny of the
implementation reports received from the various Ministries/Departments
concerned, are laid periodically on the table of the Houses by Minister/Minister of
State for Parliamentary Affairs.


ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP

The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 are made by the
President of India under Article 77 of the Constitution for the allocation of business
of the Government of India. The Ministries/Departments of the Government are
created by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister under these Rules. The
business of the Government are transacted in the Ministries/Departments,
Secretariats and offices (referred to as ‘Department’) as per the distribution of subjects
specified in these Rules. Each of the Ministry(ies) is assigned to a Minister by the
President on the advice of the Prime Minister. Each department is generally under
the charge of a Secretary to assist the Minister on policy matters and general
administration.
CABINET SECRETARIAT
The Cabinet Secretariat is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister. The
administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the exofficio
Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
In the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 ‘Cabinet
Secretariat’ finds a place in the First Schedule to the Rules. The subjects allotted to
this Secretariat are : (i) Secretarial assistance to Cabinet and Cabinet Committees;
and (ii) Rules of Business.
The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government
of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India
(Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, facilitating smooth transaction of business in
Ministries/Departments of the Government by ensuring adherence to these rules.
The Secretariat assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-
Ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/Departments
and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing and ad hoc
Committees of Secretaries. Through this mechanism, new policy initiatives are also
promoted.
The Cabinet Secretariat ensures that the President, the Vice-President and
Ministers are kept informed of the major activities of all Ministries/Departments
by means of monthly summary of their activities. Management of major crisis
situations in the country and coordinating activities of various Ministries in such a
situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretariat is seen as a useful mechanism by the departments for
promoting inter-Ministerial coordination since the Cabinet Secretary is also the head
of the civil services. The Secretaries felt it necessary to keep the Cabinet Secretary
informed of developments from time to time. The Transaction of Business Rules
also require them to keep the Cabinet Secretary informed specially if there are any
departures from these rules.
NATIONAL AUTHORITY, CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION
National Authority, Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was set up by a
resolution of Cabinet Secretariat dated 5 May 1997 to fulfil the obligations enunciated in the Chemical Weapons Convention initially signed by 130 countries in a conference which concluded on 14 January 1993 for the purpose prohibiting of the development,production, execution, transfer, use and stockpiling of all chemical weapons by Member-States is a non-discriminatory process. To fulfil its obligations, each State Party has to designate or establish a National Authority to serve as the national focal point for effective liaison with Organisation for Prohibition of the Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other State Parties and hence the NA, CWC under the
administrative control of the Cabinet Secretariat was set-up.
A high-level steering committee under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet
Secretary with Secretary (Chemical and Petrochemicals), Foreign Secretary, Secretary,
Defence Research and Development, Defence Secretary and Chairman, National
Authority as its other members would oversee the functions of the National
Authority. The NA, CWC is responsible for implementation of CWC Act, liaison
with CWC and other State Parties, Collection of data fulfilling of declaration
obligations, negotiating facility agreements, coordinating OPCW inspections,
providing appropriate facilities for training national inspectors and industry
personnel, ensuring protection of confidential business information, checking
declarations for consistency, accuracy and completeness, registration of entitles
engaged in activities related to CWC, etc.


MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT

The Government consists of a number of Ministries/Departments, number and
character varying from time to time on factors such as volume of work importance
attached to certain items, changes of orientation, political expediency, etc. On 15
August 1947, the number of Ministries at the Centre was 18.

LIST OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS (as on 30.9.2006)

1. Ministry of Agriculture (Krishi Mantralaya)

(i) Department of Agriculture and Cooperation
(Krishi aur Sahkarita Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Agricultural Research and Education
(Krishi Anusandhan aur Shiksha Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and fishiries
(Pashupalan, Dairy aur Matsyapalan Vibhag)

2. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Rasayan aur Urvarak Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals
(Rasayan aur Petro-Rasayan Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Fertilizers (Urvarak Vibhag)

3. Ministry of Civil Aviation (Nagar Vimanan Mantralaya)

4. Ministry of Coal (Koyala Mantralaya)

5. Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Vanijya aur Udyog Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Commerce (Vanijya Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(Audyogik Niti aur Samvardhan Vibhag)

6. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Sanchar aur
Soochana Praudyogiki Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Telecommunications (Doorsanchar Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Post (Dak Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Information Technology
(Soochana Praudyogiki Vibhag)

7. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
(Upbhokta Mamle, Khadya aur Sarvajanik Vitaran Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Consumer Affairs
(Upbhokta Mamle Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Food and Public Distribution
(Khadya aur Sarvajanik Vitaran Vibhag)

8. Ministry of Corporate Affaire (Korporate Karya Mantralya)

9. Ministry of Culture (Sanskriti Mantralya)

10. Ministry of Defence (Raksha Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Defence (Raksha Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Defence Production and Supplies
(Raksha Utpadan aur Aapoorti Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Defence Research and Development
(Raksha Anusandhan aur Vikas Vibhag)

11. Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (Uttar Poorvi Kshetra
Vikas Mantralaya)

12. Ministry of Earth Sciences (Bhoo Vigyan Mantralaya)

13. Ministry of Environment and Forests (Paryavaran aur Van Mantralaya)

14. Ministry of External Affairs (Videsh Mantralaya)

15. Ministry of Finance (Vitta Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Economic Affairs (Arthik Karya Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Expenditure (Vyaya Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Revenue (Rajaswa Vibhag)
(iv) Department of Disinvestment (Vinivesh Vibhag)
(v) Department of Financial Services (Vittiya Sewayen Vibhag)

16. Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(Khadya Prasanskaran Udyog Mantralaya)

17. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(Swasthya aur Parivar Kalyan Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Health and family welfare (Swasthya aur Parivar Kalyan
Mantralaya)
(ii) Department of Ayurveda, Yoga-Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homoeopathy (AYUSH)
(Ayurveda, Yoga-Prakritik Chikitsa Paddhati, Unani, Siddha aur
Homoeopathy Vibhag)

18. Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
(Bhari Udyog aur Lok Udyam Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Heavy Industries (Bhari Udyog Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Public Enterprises (Lok Udyam Vibhag)

19. Ministry of Home Affairs (Grih Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Internal Security (Antarik Suraksha Vibhag)
(ii) Department of States (Rajya Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Official Language (Raj Bhasha Vibhag)
(iv) Department of Home (Grih Vibhag)
(v) Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs
(Jammu tatha Kashmir Vibhag)
(vi) Department of Border Management
(Seema Prabandhan Vibhag)

20. Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
(Aawas aur Shahari Garibi Upshaman Mantralaya)

21. Ministry of Human Resource Development
(Manav Sansadhan Vikas Mantralaya)
(i) Department of School Education and Literacy
(School Shiksha aur Saksharta Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Higher Education
(Uchchatar Shiksha Vibhag)

22. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(Soochana aur Prasaran Mantralaya)

23. Ministry of Labour and Employment (Shram aur Rozgar Mantralaya)

24. Ministry of Law and Justice
(Vidhi aur Nyaya Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Legal Affairs (Vidhi Karya Vibhag)
(ii) Legislative Department (Vidhayee Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Justice (Nyaya Vibhag)

25. Ministry of Mines (Khan Mantralaya)

26. Ministry of Minority Affairs
(Alpasankhyak Karya Mantralya)

27. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(Naveen Aur Navikarniya Oorja Mantralaya)

28. Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs (Apravasi Bharatiyon Ke
Mamalon Ka Mantralya)

29. Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Panchayati Raj Mantralaya)

30. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (Sansadiya Karya Mantralaya)

31. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Karmik Lok Shikayat tatha Pension Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Personnel and Training
(Karmik aur Prashikshan Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(Prashasanik Sudhar aur Lok Shikayat Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare
(Pension aur Pension Bhogi Kalyan Vibhag)

32. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
(Petroleum aur Prakritik Gas Mantralaya)

33. Ministry of Planning (Yojana Mantralaya)

34. Ministry of Power (Oorja Mantralaya)

35. Ministry of Railways (Rail Mantralaya)

36. Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways (Pot Parivahan,
Sarak Parivahan aur Raj Marg Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Shipping (Pot Parivahan Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Road Transport and Highways
(Sadak Parivahan Aur Raj Marg Vibhag)

37. Ministry of Rural Development (Gramin Vikas Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Rural Development
(Gramin Vikas Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Land Resources
(Bhumi Sansadhan Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Drinking Water Supply
(Peya Jal Poorti Vibhag)

38. Ministry of Science and Technology (Vigyan aur Praudyogiki
Mantralaya)
(i) Department of Science and Technology
(Vigyan aur Praudyogiki Vibhag)
(ii) Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
(Vigyan aur Audyogik Anusandhan Vibhag)
(iii) Department of Bio-Technology (Biotechnology Vibhag)

39. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(Sukshma Laghu Aur Madhyam Udyam Mantralya)

40. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(Samajik Nyaya aur Adhikarita Mantralaya)

41. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(Sankhyiki aur Karyakram Kiryanvayan Mantralaya)

42. Ministry of Steel (Ispat Mantralaya)

43. Ministry of Textiles (Vastra Mantralaya)

44. Ministry of Tourism (Paryatan Mantralaya)

45. Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Janjatiya Karya Mantralaya)

46. Ministry of Urban Development (Shahari Vikas Mantralaya)

47. Ministry of Water Resources (Jal Sansadhan Mantralaya)

48. Ministry of Woman and Child Development
(Mahila Aur Bal Vikas Mantralaya)

49. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Yuva Karyakram aur Khel Mantralaya)

50. Department of Atomic Energy (Parmanu Oorja Vibhag)

51. Department of Space (Antariksh Vibhag)

52. Cabinet Secretariat (Mantrimandal Sachivalaya)

53. President’s Secretariat (Rashtrapati Sachivalaya)

54. Prime Minister’s Office (Pradhan Mantri Karyalaya)

55. Planning Commission (Yojana Ayog)

PUBLIC SERVICES
ALL INDIA SERVICES

Prior to Independence, the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was the senior most amongst
the Services of the Crown in India. Besides the ICS, there was also the Indian Police
Service. After Independence, it was felt that though the ICS was a legacy of the
imperial period there was need for the All India Services for maintaining the unity,
integrity and stability of the nation. Accordingly, a provision was made in Article
312 of the Constitution for creation of one or more All India Services common to the
Union and State. The Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service
are deemed to be constituted by the Parliament in terms of Article 312 of the
Constitution. After the promulgation of the Constitution, a new All India Service,
namely, the Indian Forest Service, was created in 1966. A common unique feature of
the All India Services is that the members of these services are recuited by the Centre
but their services are placed under various State cadres and they have the liability
to serve both under the State and under the Centre. This aspect of the All India
Services strengthens the unitary character of the Indian federation.
Of the three All India Services, namely, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS),
the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS), the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension is the cadre controlling authority for the
IAS. The recruitment to all the three services is made by the UPSC. These officers
are recruited and trained by the Central Government and then allotted to different
State cadres.
CENTRAL SECRETARIAT SERVICES
The Central Secretariat has three services, namely, (i) Central Secretariat Service
(CSS), (ii) Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service (CSSS) and (iii) the Central
Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS). The grades of Selection Grade and Grade I of
CSS and as well as the Senior Principal Private Secretary and Principal Private
Secretary of CSSS are centralised. The Section Officers Grade and Assistants Grade
of the CSS, Steno Grade 'D', 'C', 'A' and 'B' (merged) of CSS and LDS & UDC are
decentralised.

Appointments and promotions in the Centralised Grades are made on all
secretariat basis by Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T). In respect of
the decentralised grades, DOP&T monitors and assesses the overall requirements
of different cadres for fixing zones of promotion against the vacancies in seniority
quota and arranges centralised requirement against direct recruitment and
departments examinations quota vacancies through open competitive and
departmental examinations.
Pursuant to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee
on Home Affairs, the Government set-up a Committee on the Cadre Restructuring
of CSS in February 2001. The committee submitted its Report in February 2002 and
made several recommendations. The Government after careful considerations has
taken several decisions in October 2003 for improving the career prospects of the
CSS personnel and many of these recommendations have either been implemented,
or are in various stages of implementation.
The Government had also constituted a 'Group of Officers' on Cadre Structure
of the Central Secretariat Stenographers' Service (CSSS), which submitted its Report
in February 2004. After considering the recommendations of the Group of Officers,
the Government has taken several decisions on Cadre Structure of CSSS, for
improving the career prospects of the CSSS personnel. Necessary executive orders
for operationalisation of almost all the decisions have been issued.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
The Constitution provides for an independent body known as Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Gazetted posts
under Central Government and for advice in various service matters. The Chairman
and members of the Commission are appointed by the President for a tenure of six
years or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. To ensure
independence, members who were at the service of Government at the time of
appointment are deemed to have retired from Government service on their
appointment in the Commission. The Chairman and members are also not eligible
for further employment under the Government. They cannot be removed except
for the reasons and in the manner provided for in the Constitution.
STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) initially known as Subordinate Service
Commission was set up on 1 July 1976. It has been entrusted with the work of
making recruitment to (i) all non-gezetted Group 'B' posts in the various Ministries/
Departments of the Government and their Attached and Subordinate Offices which
are in the pay scales of Rs 6,500-10,500 and (ii) all non-technical Group 'C' posts in
the various Ministries/Departments of the Government and their attached and
subordinate offices, except those posts which are specifically exempted from the
purview of the Staff Selection Commission. The Commission is an attached office
of the Department of Personnel and Training and comprises of a Chairman, two
Members and Secretary-cum-Controller of Examinations. The tenure of Chairman/
Members is for five years or till they attain the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.
The Commission's headquarters and the office of its Northern Region are in New
Delhi. The offices of Central, Western, Eastern, North-Eastern, Southern and
Karnataka-Kerala region are at Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai
and Bangalore respectively. Its sub-regional offices of Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh
region and North-Western region are at Raipur and Chandigarh respectively.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE—CONSTITUTIONAL/STATUTORY
PROVISIONS
Article 343 (1) of the Constitution provides that Hindi in Devanagari script shall be
the Official Language of the Union. Article 343(2) also provided for continuing the
use of English in official work of the Union for a period of 15 years (i.e., up to 25
January 1965) from the date of commencement of the Constitution. Article 343(3)
empowered the Parliament to provide by law for continued use of English for official
purposes even after 25 January 1965. Accordingly, section 3(2) of the Official
Languages Act, 1963 (amended in 1967) provides for continuing the use of English
in official work even after 25 January 1965. The Act also lays down that both Hindi
and English shall compulsorily be used for certain specified purposes such as
Resolutions, General Orders, Rules, Notifications, Administrative and other Reports,
Press Communiqués; Administrative and other Reports and Official Papers to be
laid before a House or the Houses of Parliament; Contracts, Agreements, Licences,
Permits, Tender Notices and Forms of Tender, etc.
In 1976, Official Language Rules were framed under the provisions of section
3(4) of the Official Languages Act, 1963. Its salient features are as under: (i) These
Rules apply to all Central Government Offices, including any office of a Commission,
Committee or Tribunal appointed by the Central Government and Corporation or
Company owned or controlled by it. (ii) Communications from a Central
Government Office to State/Union Territories or to any person in Region “A”
comprising the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Haryana and Union Territories
of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Delhi, shall be in Hindi. (iii) Communications
from a Central Government Office to States/Union Territories in Region “B”
comprising the States of Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territory of
Chandigarh, shall ordinarily be in Hindi. However if any communication to any
person in Region “B” is issued in English it shall be accompanied by a Hindi
Translation thereof. (iv) Communications from a Central Government Office to a
State Government Office in region ‘C’, comprising all other States and Union
Territories not included in region ‘A’ and ‘B’, or to any office (not being a Central
Government Office) or person shall be in English. (v) Communications between
Central Government offices and from Central Government Offices to the Offices of
the State Governments/ Union Territories and individuals, etc., will be in Hindi in
such proportions as may be determined from time to time. (vi) All Manuals, Codes
and other Procedural literature relating to Central Government Offices are required
to be prepared both in Hindi and English. All Forms, Headings of Registers, Name
Plates, Notice Boards and various items of stationery, etc., are also required to be in Hindi and English. (vii) It shall be the responsibility of the officer signing the
documents specified in section 3(3) of the Act to ensure that these are issued both in
Hindi and English. (viii) Shall be the responsibility of the administrative head of
each Central Government Office to ensure that the provisions of the Act, the Rules
and directions issued under Sub-Rule-(2) are properly complied with and to devise
suitable and effective check points for this purpose.

POLICY

In compliance with the Official Language Resolution, 1968, an Annual Programme
is prepared by the Department of Official Language in which targets are set for the
offices of the Central Government with regard to originating correspondence,telegrams, telex, etc., in Hindi. A Quarterly Progress Report is called for from the
offices of the Central Government regarding achievements vis-à-vis the said targets.
An Annual Assessment Report is prepared on the basis of the Quarterly Progress
Reports, which is laid on the Tables of both Houses of the Parliament and copies
endorsed to State Governments and the Ministries/Departments of the Central
Government.
Eight Regional Implementation Offices have been established at Bangalore,
Cochin, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bhopal, Delhi and Ghaziabad to monitor the
implementation of Official Language Policy of the Union.

COMMITTEES/SAMITIS

A Committee of Parliament on Official Language was constituted in 1976 under
section 4 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 to periodically review the progress in
the use of Hindi as the Official Language of the Union and to submit a report to the
President. The Committee consists of 20 Members of the Lok Sabha and 10 of the
Rajya Sabha. The Committee have decided to submit its report in parts. It has so far
submitted to the President eight parts of its report. The Presidential Orders on seven
parts of its report have been issued and work is in progress on the eighth part.
The Kendriya Hindi Samiti was constituted in the year 1967. It is chaired by
the Prime Minister. It is the apex policy making body which lays down the guidelines
for the propagation and progressive use of Hindi as Official Language of the Union.
Under the directions of the Kendriya Hindi Samiti, Hindi Salahakar Samitis
have been constituted in all Ministries/Departments under the chairmanship of
the Ministers concerned. These Samitis periodically review the progress in the use
of Hindi in their respective Ministries/Departments and the offices/ undertakings
and suggest measures to promote the use of Hindi.
Besides, the Central Official Language Implementation Committee [headed
by Secretary, Department of Official Language and consisting of Joint Secretaries
(In-charge Official Language) of all the Ministries/Departments as ex-officio
members] reviews the status of use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union,
training of its employees in Hindi and implementation of instructions issued from
time to time by the Department of Official Language and suggests measure for
removing the shortcomings and difficulties noticed in implementing these
instructions.
Town Official Language Implementation Committees are constituted in
different towns having ten or more Central Government offices, etc., to review the
progress made in the use of Hindi in their member offices and exchange experiences.
So far 257 Town Official Language Implementation Committees have been
constituted all over the country.


AWARD SCHEMES

The Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Awards Scheme has been in operation since 1986-87.
Shields are given every year to Ministries/ Departments, Banks and Financial
Institutions, Public Sector Undertakings and Town Official Language
Implementation Committees for outstanding achievements in the implementation
of the Official Language Implementation Cmmittees for outstanding achievements
in the implementation of the Official Language Policy of the Union. Cash awards
are given to the working/retired employees of the Central Government, Banks,
Financial Institutions, Universities, Training Institutions and Autonomous Bodies of
the Central Government for writing original books in Hindi.
The National Awards Scheme for Original Book writing on Gyan-Vigyan has
been renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Awards Scheme for Original Book Writing
in Hindi for promoting writing of books in Hindi on all branches of modern Science/
Technology and contemporary subjects. This Scheme is open to all citizens of India.
At Regional level, Regional Official Language Awards are given each year to
the Regional/Subordinate Offices, Public Sector Undertakings, Town Official
Language Implementation Committees, Banks and Financial Institutions of the
Central Government for outstanding achievements in implementing the Official
Language Policy of the Union and accelerating the progressive use of Hindi.

TRAINING

Under the Hindi Teaching Scheme, administered by the Department of Official
Language, training in Hindi language is being imparted through 119 full-time and
49 part-time centres throughout the country. Likewise, training in Hindi Stenography
and Hindi Typing is being provided through 23 full-time and 38 part-time centres.
Thus, training in Hindi is being provided in 229 centres located in different parts of
the country. Five Regional Offices of Hindi Teaching Scheme at Kolkata, Mumbai,
Delhi, Chennai and Guwahati are providing academic and administrative support
to the Hindi Teaching Scheme in the East, West, North-Central, South and North-
East Regions. To fulfill the increasing demand of Hindi training of North Eastern
region a new Regional Headquarter has been extablished at Guwahati and new
Hindi training centres have been established at Imphal, Aizwal and Agartala.
The Kendriya Hindi Prashikshan Sansthan was established on 31 August
1985, as a subordinate office of the Department of Official Language, with the
objective of providing Hindi Training through condensed courses in Hindi language/
typing and stenography as also training through correspondence in Hindi language
and Hindi Typwriting. Its sub-institutes were opened in Mumbai, Kolkata and
Bangalore in 1988 and in Chennai and Hyderabad in 1990. Training of Hindi typing
on computers is being imparted at almost all the typing/stenography centres in the
country.
The Central Translation Bureau was set up in March 1971 for translation of
different types of non-statutory literature, manuals/codes, forms, etc., of various
Ministries/Departments, Offices of the Central Government and Public Sector
Undertakings, Banks, etc. The Bureau has also been entrusted with the responsibility
of conducting translation training courses for the officers/employees associated
with the translation work. Initially, translation training courses of 3 months were
being conducted at the Headquarters in New Delhi. In order to strengthen training
facilities and meet regional requirements, Translation Training Centres have been
established in Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Besides, Central Translation Bureau
also conducts short-term translation courses for Central Government employees.

TECHNICAL

In order to facilitate the use of Official Language with the help of Mechanical and
Electronic equipment, especially computers, a Technical Cell was set up in the
Department of Official Language in October 1983. The main activities of the Cell
are as under:
(i) Development of "Language application tools" - Under this programme LILA
Rajbhasha, a self-learning package through the medium of Bangla, English,
Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu has been developed. MANTRA
Rajbhasha, an aid tool for English to Hindi translation has also been developed.
(ii) Organising computer training programmes in Hindi - Every year around 100
training programmes are conducted to impart training for the use of Hindi
on computers.
(iii) Organising exhibitions and seminars on billingual computing - Technical
seminars are held to help the users and manufacturers come face to face to
discuss the use of Hindi software, etc.
The Department of Official Language has now set up its portal click here


PUBLICATIONS
The Department of Official Language brings out ‘Rajbhasha Bharati’, a quarterly
magazine, dedicated for encouraging writings in the field of Official Language,
literature, technology, information technology, etc., in Hindi and also to give wide
publicity to the efforts being made in different Central Government Offices for the
use and propagation of Official Language Hindi. So far 112 issues of Rajbhasha
Bharati have been published. Likewise, Annual Programme for implementation of
the Official Language policy is brought out every year. Annual Assessment Report
regarding the use of Official Language in different Ministries/Departments and
offices of the Central Government/Public Sector Undertakings, etc., is also brought
out every year and laid on the tables of both the houses of Parliament. Official
Language Manual, Calendars, Films, Posters, etc., are also brought out to give
information regarding the activities relating to propagation and progressive use of
Hindi as the Official Language.

COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR-GENERAL

Comptroller and Auditor-General is appointed by the President. Procedure and
grounds for his removal from office are the same as for a Supreme Court Judge. He
is not eligible for further office under the Union or a State Government after he
ceases to hold his office. The President on advice of Comptroller and Auditor-General
prescribes the form in which accounts of the Union and states are to be kept. His
reports on accounts of the Union and states are submitted to the President and
respective governors which are placed before Parliament and state legislatures.

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is the nodal agency
of the Government for Administrative Reforms as well as redressal of public
grievances relating to the States in general and grievances pertaining to Central
Government agencies in particular. The Department disseminates information on
important activities of the Government relating to administrative reforms best
practices and public grievance redressal through publications and documentation.
The Department also undertakes activities in the field of international exchange
and cooperation to promote public service reforms.
The mission of the Department is to act as a facilitator, in consultation with
Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Administrations, Organisations and
Civil Society Representatives, to improve Government functioning through process
re-engineering, systemic changes. Organisation and Methods, efficient Grievance
handling promoting modernisation, Citizens Charters, award schemes, egovernance
and best practices in government.
A Commission on Review of Administrative Laws was set up by the Department
of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances on 8 May 1998 with a view to
identify proposals for amendment of the existing laws, regulations and procedures
having inter-sectoral impact and also for repeal of all dysfunctional laws. The
Commission submitted its report on 30 September 1998. Out of the 1382 Central
Laws of different categories recommended for repeal by the Commission, 415 Acts
including 5 War-time Permanent Ordinances have since been repealed. The various
Ministries/Departments have decided to retain 822 Acts (which include 700
Appropriation Acts and 27 Reorganisation Acts). The remaining Acts are at various
stages of processing.
The Department set up a Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC)
in 2005 under the Chairmanship of Shri Veerappa Moily to prepare a detailed
blueprint for revamping the public administrative system. The Commission has
been set up by the Government of India to suggest measures to achieve a proactive,
responsive, accountable, sustainable and efficient administration for the country at
all levels of the government.
The Commission has so far presented the following five Reports to the
Government :-
(i) Right to Information —Master Key to Good Governance (09.06.2006)
(ii) Unlocking Human Capital —Entitlements and Governance — a Case Study
(31.07.2006)
(iii) Crisis Management —From Despair to Hope (31.10.2006)
(iv) Ethics in Governance (12.02.2007)
(v) Public Order —Justice for each ..... Peace for all. (25.06.2007)
A group of Ministers under the Chairmanship of Shri Pranab Mukherjee
External Affairs Minister has been constituted to review the pace of implementation
of the recommendations of ARC as well as to provide guidance to the concerned
Ministries/Department in implementing the decisions.
The Department has also instituted in 2005, "Prime Minister's Awards for
Excellence in Public administration" to recognise the extraordinary and innovative
work done by the officers of the Central and State Governments. The Award
comprise - i) A Medal, ii) A scroll, and, iii) Cash Award of Rs. 1,00,000. In case of a
group of officials total award money for the group is Rs 5 lakh subject to a maximum
of Rs One lakh per person. The amount for an organisation is upto a limit of Rs 5
lakh. All officers of the Central and State Governments individually or as a group
or as organisations are eligible to be considered for the awards. The first such Awards were presented by the Prime minister on the occasion of Civil Service Day
celebrations on 21.04.2007 organised at Vigyan Bhawan.
The Department has developed a Model —(SEVOTTAM) for benchmarking
service delivery standards by the Government departments. The main objective of
the project is to set standards in consultation with user group and include these
standards in the citizen's charter. It also provides a framework to assess the
performance against the standards and to measure improvement and achievements
of these standards. The model is aimed to bring about excellence in service delivery
standards in government organizations and is to be implemented in all central
Ministries/Departments.
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has the
mandate of promoting good governance practices in the country. Documentation,
Incubation and Dissemination of Best Practices is one of the tasks enumerated in its
Vision and Mission Statement. In pursuance of this and in order to promote good
governance practices in the country, the Department has adopted multipronged
strategies like bringing out publications, organizing seminars, regional concerences,
arranging presentations, organizing lecture series and producing documentary films.
Through its regular publications, "Management in Government-a Quarterly Journal"
and "Civil Service News-a Monthly News letter" Department is creating awareness
about best practices. Besides, it has brought out two Books namely 'Ideas That Have
Worked' and "Learn From Them". These books share experiences of success or failure
of innovators. The Department has produced a DVD containing 73 select reports of
commissions/committee on Administrative Reforms since 1812 till date. A portal
of best practices has also been launched by the Department to effectively pursue
the objective of dissemination of best practices facilitating their replication.
ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS
The enactment of Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985 opened a new chapter in
the sphere of administering justice to the aggrieved government servants.
Administrative Tribunals Act owes its origin to Article 323-A of the Constitution
which empowers Central Government to set-up by an Act of Parliament,
Administrative Tribunals for adjudication of disputes and complaints with respect
to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the public service
and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union and the States. In pursuance of
the provisions contained in the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, the
Administrative Tribunals set-up under it exercise original jurisdiction in respect of
service matters of employees covered by it. As a result of the judgement dated 18
March 1997 of the Supreme Court, the appeals against the orders of an
Administrative Tribunal shall lie before the Division Bench of the concerned High
Court.
The Administrative Tribunals exercise jurisdiction only in relation to the service
matters of the litigants covered by the Act. The procedural simplicity of the Act can
be appreciated from the fact that the aggrieved person can also appear before it
personally. The Government can present its case through its departmental officers
or legal practitioners. Thus, the objective of the Tribunal is to provide for speedy
and inexpensive justice to the litigants.
The Act provides for establishment of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
and the State Administrative Tribunals. The CAT was set-up on 1 November 1985.
Today, it has 17 regular benches, 15 of which operate at the principal seats of High
Courts and the remaining two at Jaipur and Lucknow. These Benches also hold
circuit sittings at other seats of High Courts. In brief, the tribunal consists of a
Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members. The Members are drawn, both from
judicial as well as administrative streams so as to give the Tribunal the benefit of
expertise both in legal and administrative spheres.