In India, statutory bodies and non-statutory bodies differ primarily in their legal basis and authority. Here’s an explanation of each:
- Statutory Bodies:
- Legal Basis: Statutory bodies are established by an act of Parliament or state legislatures. They derive their authority and powers from specific legislation or statutes.
- Purpose: These bodies are usually created to perform specific functions, regulate certain sectors or activities, or address particular issues of public concern.
- Examples: Some examples of statutory bodies in India include the Election Commission of India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and various regulatory authorities like the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
- Non-Statutory Bodies:
- Legal Basis: Non-statutory bodies, also known as non-legal or non-constitutional bodies, are not established by any specific legislation. Instead, they are created through executive orders, resolutions, or administrative decisions.
- Purpose: These bodies are often formed to advise the government, undertake research, provide recommendations, or serve as forums for discussion and collaboration on specific issues.
- Examples: Non-statutory bodies in India include committees, commissions, advisory boards, task forces, and councils established by the government to address specific policy matters or to provide expert advice. For example, the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is a non-statutory body that replaced the Planning Commission in 2015. It serves as a policy think tank and advises the government on various developmental issues.
In summary, statutory bodies in India derive their authority and powers from specific legislation passed by Parliament or state legislatures, whereas non-statutory bodies are established through executive actions and do not have a legal basis in statutes. Both types of bodies play important roles in governance, regulation, and policy-making, but they differ in terms of their legal standing and authority.