UPSC Prelims 2013 Q19: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Bodies not mentioned in the Constitution
| Body | Mentioned in the Constitution? | How it was created |
|---|---|---|
| 1. National Development Council | No | Executive resolution, 1952 |
| 2. Planning Commission | No | Executive resolution, 1950 |
| 3. Zonal Councils | No | States Reorganisation Act, 1956; they are statutory |
Types of bodies:
| Type | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional | Named in the Constitution | Election Commission, Finance Commission, UPSC, CAG |
| Statutory | Created by an Act of Parliament | Zonal Councils, NHRC, SEBI |
| Executive (non-statutory) | Created by a Cabinet resolution | Planning Commission, NDC, NITI Aayog |
The Inter-State Council is constitutional (Article 263); do not confuse it with the Zonal Councils.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Zonal Councils are also not mentioned in the Constitution.
- (b) Incorrect. The National Development Council and Zonal Councils are also absent.
- (c) Incorrect. The Planning Commission is also not mentioned.
- (d) CORRECT. None of the three bodies finds mention in the Constitution.
Key point
Not in the Constitution: Planning Commission (1950) and NDC (1952) by executive resolution; Zonal Councils by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Remember
NDC, Planning Commission, Zonal Councils: none in the Constitution.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Zonal Councils (statutory) with the Inter-State Council (Article 263).
- Assuming important bodies must be constitutional.
- Forgetting that the Union Home Minister chairs all Zonal Councils.
Exam tip
Planning bodies were never in the Constitution. Zonal Councils come from the 1956 Act.
Sources
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956 — Part III (Zones and Zonal Councils)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapters on Planning Commission, National Development Council and Zonal Councils