Committee/Commission

Year

Description

Fazl Ali Commission

1953

Recommended reorganizing states on linguistic lines (led to creation of Andhra Pradesh as the first linguistic state); emphasized administrative convenience for smaller language groups.

Shah Commission

1977

Investigated abuses of power during the 1975–77 Emergency (e.g., forced sterilization, press censorship). Its findings highlighted the need for checks on executive power.

Nanavati Commission

1984

Probed the 1984 anti-Sikh riots; examined roles of political leaders and police. The final report recommended further investigation of certain cases and better legal safeguards for minorities.

Liberhan Commission

1992

Investigated the demolition of Babri Masjid (Ayodhya); its report addressed communal polarization and called for more robust law enforcement to prevent similar incidents.

Nanavati-Mehta Commission

2002

Investigated the 2002 Gujarat riots; examined state administration’s response and recommended steps to strengthen communal harmony.

Justice Verma Committee

2013

Formed post-Nirbhaya; proposed landmark criminal law amendments for sexual assault, recommended marital rape be criminalized, and stressed better policing and gender-sensitization.

Pam Rajput Committee

2013 (Report 2015)

Set up by the Ministry of Women & Child Development to empower women; its 2015 report informed the draft National Policy for Women (2016), which is yet to be implemented.

Shyam Benegal Committee

2016

Recommended making the CBFC a film certification body (rather than censoring films); proposed specific sub-categories like UA12+ and UA15+ to better guide audiences.

Committee/Commission

Year

Description

Finance Commission (1st)

1951

A constitutional body (Article 280) to distribute financial resources between the Union and the States; the first commission laid the foundation for periodic reviews of fiscal federalism in India.

Kaka Kalelkar Commission

1955

First attempt to identify “socially & educationally backward classes”; recommended measures like reservations in education and jobs to uplift them.

Law Commission of India

1955

Advisory body on legal reform; examines existing laws, suggests amendments, and drafts new legislation to streamline and modernize Indian law.

Balwant Rai Mehta Committee

1957

Proposed a three-tier Panchayati Raj system (village, block, district); laid the groundwork for democratic decentralization and local self-governance.

Mehta Committee

1963

Recommended further strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions with more resources and clearer functional responsibilities.

K. Santhanam Committee

1964

Investigated corruption in public services; recommended establishing the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to tackle graft in government.

Kothari Commission

1964

Provided comprehensive educational reforms; suggested a 10+2+3 structure, common school system, and focus on moral education and national development.

Administrative Reforms Commission (1st)

1966

Proposed over 500 recommendations to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in government (e.g., creation of Lokpal, reforms in All India Services).

Rajamannar Committee

1969 (Report 1971)

Studied Centre-State financial relations; suggested consulting the Inter-State Council on critical national decisions and vesting residuary powers in States to reduce central dominance.

Mandal Commission

1979

Examined the socio-economic condition of OBCs; recommended 27% reservation in government jobs and educational institutes, significantly impacting India’s affirmative action policies.

Justice Mulla Committee

1980

Proposed a National Policy on Prisons, creation of an All India Prisons Service, and reforms in correctional administration (improved staff training, infrastructure, and prisoner rehabilitation).

Sarkaria Commission

1983 (Report 1988)

Examined Centre-State relations thoroughly; recommended circumspection in use of Article 356, stronger Inter-State Council, and a more consultative approach in appointing Governors.

L. M. Singhvi Committee

1986

Advocated constitutional status for Panchayati Raj, greater devolution of powers, and more financial independence for local bodies; paved the way for 73rd Amendment.

Justice Krishna Iyer Committee

1987 (approx.)

Investigated the conditions of women prisoners; recommended exclusive women’s staff in female wards, better health and rehabilitation facilities for incarcerated women.

National Commission for Women

1992

A statutory body to protect and promote women’s interests; addresses grievances, advises government on policy, and monitors women’s rights violations.

N. N. Vohra Committee

1993

Examined the nexus between criminals, politicians, and bureaucrats; recommended institutional measures to curb the criminalization of politics.

Malimath Committee

2000

Reviewed the criminal justice system; proposed improvements in investigation, trial procedures, victim compensation, and enhanced witness protection.

Venkatachaliah Commission

2000

Studied the working of the Constitution; made suggestions regarding judicial reforms, electoral processes, and safeguarding fundamental rights.

Justice Ranganath Misra Commission

2004

Studied linguistic and religious minorities’ status; recommended 15% reservations for minorities in education, identifying specific communities needing affirmative action.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes

2004

A constitutional body (Article 338) to protect SC interests; reviews implementation of safeguards and advises on policy matters affecting SC communities.

Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd)

2005

Provided a roadmap for governance reforms; recommended right to information, e-governance initiatives, ethics in administration, and police reforms.

Punchhi Commission

2007

Studied Centre-State relations again; proposed a fixed five-year term for Governors, clearer impeachment procedures, and limited central intervention in states.

Suresh Tendulkar Committee

2009

Recommended a new methodology for poverty estimation based on consumption expenditure, influencing welfare scheme targeting.

Anil Kakodkar Committee (Higher Education)

2010

Suggested steps to enhance autonomy, merit-based appointments, and R&D in higher education; recommended upgrading IITs to global research standards.

Dr. Mohini Giri Report

2011 (approx.)

Focused on welfare of senior citizens; proposed a comprehensive policy framework (healthcare, financial security, protection from abuse) for the elderly.

NITI Aayog

2015

Replaced the Planning Commission; functions as a policy think tank, focusing on cooperative federalism, strategic policy, and performance-based evaluations of states’ progress.

Lodha Committee

2015

Appointed by the Supreme Court to reform the BCCI; recommended age and tenure limits for office-bearers, a “one state, one vote” policy, and increased transparency in cricket administration.

Kadiyam Srihari Committee

2016 (approx.)

Reviewed girls’ education status; suggested interventions like targeted scholarships, improved sanitation/infrastructure in schools, and community mobilization.

Justice Rohini Singh Committee

2017

Recommended sub-categorization of OBCs to ensure more equitable reservation benefits, addressing the dominance of certain OBC groups over others.

Committee/Commission

Year

Description

Narasimham Committee (1st)

1991

Initiated major banking reforms: lowering SLR/CRR, introducing prudential norms, addressing NPAs, and liberalizing licensing policies for private banks.

Dharia Committee

1993

Recommended PDS reforms: targeted approach, improved transparency, and better distribution channels to reduce leakages.

Narasimham Committee (2nd)

1998

Focused on PSB recapitalization, consolidated banking structure, and stronger NPA management; recommended allowing banks more autonomy in operational matters.

Mashelkar Committee

2003

Reviewed drug regulatory reforms; recommended fast-track approvals, encouraging R&D, and stricter quality checks to ensure patient safety and global competitiveness.

M.S. Swaminathan Committee (NCF)

2004–06

Advocated farmer-centric policies: land use regulation to curb diversion from agriculture, universal access to credit, a stronger MSP regime, and “Evergreen Revolution” strategies to enhance productivity sustainably.

Rangarajan Committee

2008

Advised deregulating petrol/diesel prices gradually, reviewed the subsidy structure for petroleum products, and suggested rationalizing fuel taxes.

Wadhwa Committee

2008

Investigated operational issues in the PDS, highlighted inefficiencies in supply chain management, and recommended better technology adoption for tracking.

Satwant Reddy Committee

2009

Evaluated the drug registration process; suggested streamlining approvals, adopting global best practices, and strengthening post-marketing surveillance.

Gadgil Committee

2011

Studied environmental impact in the Western Ghats; advocated strong ecological safeguards, zoning regulations, and involvement of local communities in conservation.

Malegam Committee

2011

Reviewed microfinance sector issues; recommended capping interest rates, creating NBFC-MFIs as a separate category, and stronger regulation to protect borrowers.

Vijay Kelkar Committee

2012

Reviewed fiscal consolidation roadmap; suggested controlling subsidies, increasing tax-to-GDP ratio, and adopting medium-term expenditure frameworks.

Anil Kakodkar Committee (Railways)

2012

Studied railway safety (signaling, track infrastructure), organizational structure, and staff training; recommended creating a non-lapsable “Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh.”

Anand Sinha Committee (RBI)

2012

Examined credit pricing; recommended a transparent, benchmark-linked floating interest rate system (particularly for home loans) to protect consumer interests.

Kirit Parikh Committee

2013

Proposed full deregulation of diesel prices, direct benefit transfer of kerosene subsidies, and better targeting of LPG subsidies.

Urjit Patel Committee

2013

Proposed inflation targeting as RBI’s primary objective; recommended forming a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with accountability for achieving inflation targets.

Nachiket Mor Committee

2013

Studied financial inclusion; proposed “Payments Bank” model, universal electronic bank accounts, and better credit access for low-income households and small businesses.

Arvind Mayaram Committee

2014

Harmonized definitions of FDI and FII to streamline foreign investment inflows; clarified thresholds and investment routes to reduce ambiguity.

P.J. Nayak Committee

2014

Suggested corporate governance reforms in public sector banks; recommended a Bank Investment Company to hold Govt’s shares, giving PSBs more autonomy.

T.S.R. Subramanian Committee

2014

Reviewed environmental laws (like the Environment Protection Act); proposed unified legislation, stricter enforcement, and time-bound approvals for industrial projects.

Shailesh Nayak Committee

2014

Examined Coastal Regulation Zone norms; recommended balancing coastal development with protection, clarity on “No-Development Zones,” and streamlined approval processes.

High-Level Committee on CSR

2015

Reviewed Companies Act’s CSR provisions; recommended clearer definitions, simpler compliance, and better monitoring to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

Kelkar Committee (on PPP)

2015

Addressed the crisis in infrastructure PPPs; advocated risk-sharing frameworks, independent regulators, and renegotiation mechanisms for stalled projects.

A.K. Bhargava Committee

2015

On net neutrality; urged telecom/internet service providers to treat all data equally without discriminatory pricing or throttling.

Anupam Varma Committee

2015

Assessed the risk posed by certain pesticides; recommended banning 18 hazardous pesticides and phasing out others.

Shanta Kumar Committee

2015

Focused on FCI restructuring; advocated reduced coverage under the National Food Security Act, direct cash transfers in place of physical grains, and more efficient storage infrastructure.

H.R. Khan Committee (RBI)

2016

Suggested allowing corporate bonds as collateral in RBI’s liquidity operations and adoption of blockchain to improve transaction security and speed in banking.

N.K. Singh Committee

2016

Reviewed FRBM Act; recommended reducing fiscal deficit to below 2% by 2022, limiting total government debt to 60% of GDP, and eliminating off-budget borrowings for clarity and transparency.

Bibek Debroy Committee (Railways)

2016

Recommended restructuring Indian Railways, separating policy from operations, setting up a regulator, and attracting private investment for better efficiency.

Ashok Dalwai Committee

2016

Developed a roadmap to double farmers’ incomes by 2022: e-marketing, improved irrigation, warehouse receipts, and technology adoption (e.g., precision agriculture).

Arvind Subramanian Committee

2016

Tackled pulses shortages; advocated hiking MSP and offering bonuses to farmers, ensuring a stable supply and price for essential pulses.

Amitabh Kant Committee

2016

Identified barriers to digital payments and e-commerce growth; recommended uniform policies, digital literacy programs, and incentives for digital transactions.

Ratan Watal Committee

2016

Reviewed payment systems; proposed amendments to PSS Act (2007), creation of a Payments Regulatory Board, and incentivizing e-transactions (e.g., tax benefits).

Chitale Committee

2016

Examined de-siltation of the Ganga; advocated scientific dredging, catchment area treatment, and stakeholder coordination to improve river flow and reduce flood risk.

Prakash Singh Committee

2016

Recommended structural police reforms, citing lapses during agitations (like the Jat agitation); highlighted need for better training, accountability, and community policing.

Madhukar Gupta Committee

2016

Reviewed security along the Indo-Pak border; proposed the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), better surveillance tech, and improved coordination among agencies.

Bibek Debroy Task Force

2017

Explored ways to formalize the economy and generate employment; suggested reducing compliance burdens, reforming labor laws, and using technology for record-keeping.

Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee

2017

Drafted a data protection framework: consent-based data processing, data localization provisions, right to be forgotten, and a Data Protection Authority.

Biplab Kumar Sarma Committee

2019

Studied Assam Accord’s Clause 6 (cultural, social safeguards for Assamese people); suggested legal and administrative steps to preserve Assamese identity, language, and heritage.

Injeti Srinivas Committee

2019

Reviewed India’s CSR framework; proposed stricter rules for unspent CSR funds, better disclosures, and stronger enforcement under the Companies Act.

Sushil Modi Committee

2019

Chaired the GST Council’s Group of Ministers to address revenue shortfall; recommended improved compliance, streamlined compensation to States, and administrative reforms for better tax collection.

P.K. Mohanty Committee (RBI)

2020

Reviewed bank ownership and corporate governance norms in private banks; proposed stricter fit-and-proper criteria for major shareholders and robust board oversight.

K.V. Kamath Committee

2020

Assessed COVID-19 impact on corporate/bank loans; recommended sector-specific restructuring parameters to manage stressed assets and maintain financial stability.

Kris Gopalkrishnan Committee

2020

On non-personal data; classified data into public, private, and community categories, suggested creating data trusts for sharing at scale, and recommended regulations to protect community interests.