Constitutional Bodies in India are the permanent or semi-permanent organization within the machinery of government. These bodies are responsible to look after the administration of specific functions. The functions of these bodies are normally executive in character. Moreover, different types of organisation or commissions are used for advisory functions. The bodies are of national importance and help in the effective function of the government. India is a Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and after independence, the introduction of the independent bodies as a part of the government helped the country. These constitutional or independent bodies have extensive administrative functions. The chief of these bodies are either appointed by the president of India or the Prime Minister serve as the chairman.
Among the major Constitutional Bodies in India, Election Commission is a permanent Constitutional Body. It was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. The Constitution has vested to this body superintendence, direction and control of the entire process for conduct of elections. Comptroller and Auditor General of India is another authority established by the Constitution of India. He is provided with the power auditing all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the state governments. In order to ensure independence of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General from the executive government, the position thus remains permanent.
Planning Commission of India is among the Constitutional Bodies in India. The planning commission was charged with the service of the opportunities to all for employment in the service of the community. The Prime Minister is the chairman of the Planning commission and the whole commission works under the guidance of the national Development Council. Finance Commission also serves a constitutional body for the purpose of allocation of certain resources of revenue between the Union and the State Governments. Other significant Constitutional Bodies in India include Central Vigilance Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Human Rights Commission as well as National Commission for Women. The Union Public Service Commission was given autonomous status both at Federal and Provincial levels for ensuring unbiased recruitment to the civil services and also for protection of service interests. All India Services are the civil services of India that supports in the recruitment of employees on the basis of an examination conducted through the Union Public Service Commission. The All India Services Act of 1951 authorizes that the government of India can make rules and regulation for the recruitment and conditions of service of the persons appointed for the ranks of All India Service.
The organisations such as National Commission for Backward classes, National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes are the other significant Constitutional Bodies in India