Executive
The Executive in India is divided into three levels: the Union (central) government, state governments, and local governments.
Union Executive
- President: The ceremonial head of state, exercising powers as per the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- Vice President: The second-highest constitutional office, serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Prime Minister: The head of government, leading the Council of Ministers and responsible for running the administration.
- Council of Ministers: Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers, each responsible for specific ministries.
Structure and Organization
- Ministries: Headed by Cabinet Ministers and organized into departments or divisions, each managed by a Secretary (IAS officer). Ministries are responsible for policy-making, administration, and implementation of government programs.
- Departments: Subdivisions within ministries focusing on specific areas (e.g., Department of Education under the Ministry of Education).
- Executive Agencies: Autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings executing specific government functions.
Functioning
- Policy Formulation: Ministries draft policies which are approved by the Cabinet.
- Administration: Implementation of policies through various departments and agencies.
- Coordination: Inter-ministerial coordination and cooperation with state governments.
- Budget and Finance: Preparation of budget proposals, financial allocation, and expenditure management.
- Legislative Interface: Introducing bills and responding to parliamentary questions.
State Executive
- Governor: The ceremonial head of state, exercising powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- Chief Minister: The head of the state government, leading the Council of Ministers.
- Council of Ministers: Comprises ministers responsible for various state departments, similar to the Union Council of Ministers.
Local Executive
- Municipalities and Panchayats: Local self-governments responsible for urban and rural administration respectively, led by elected representatives.
Judiciary
The Judiciary is an independent body responsible for interpreting the Constitution, enforcing laws, and delivering justice.
Structure
- Supreme Court: The apex court with the Chief Justice of India and other judges appointed by the President. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
- High Courts: Present in each state or group of states, with jurisdiction over state matters. High Courts supervise lower courts.
- Subordinate Courts: Include District Courts and other lower courts handling civil and criminal cases at the district level and below.
Organization
- Supreme Court: Organized into various benches to handle different types of cases.
- High Courts: Organized into benches in different cities for regional accessibility.
- District and Lower Courts: Organized geographically and hierarchically within each state.
Functioning
- Case Adjudication: Hearing and deciding cases based on legal principles and evidence.
- Judicial Review: Reviewing the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Allowing individuals or groups to file cases on behalf of public interest.
- Administration of Justice: Ensuring timely and fair delivery of justice through various judicial processes and mechanisms.
Ministries and Departments of the Government
Ministries and departments form the administrative machinery of the government, responsible for specific sectors and functions.
- Central Ministries: Examples include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, etc.
- State Departments: Corresponding to central ministries, focusing on state-specific issues and administration.
Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations
Pressure groups and associations play a significant role in shaping public policy and governance.
Pressure Groups
- Definition: Organized groups that seek to influence government policies without contesting elections.
- Types: Business groups (CII, FICCI), labor unions (INTUC, AITUC), professional associations (IMA, Bar Council), environmental groups (Greenpeace India), etc.
- Methods: Lobbying, public campaigns, strikes, petitions, and legal action.
Formal Associations
- NGOs and Civil Society Organizations: Work on various social, economic, and political issues, often collaborating with government agencies.
- Trade Unions and Professional Bodies: Represent the interests of workers and professionals, influencing labor laws and professional standards.
Informal Associations
- Community Groups: Local groups working on community-specific issues.
- Social Movements: Movements focused on broader societal changes, such as women's rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
Role in Polity
- Policy Advocacy: Pressure groups advocate for policies favorable to their interests.
- Public Awareness: Inform and educate the public on specific issues, mobilizing public opinion.
- Accountability: Act as watchdogs, ensuring government transparency and accountability.
- Representation: Represent diverse interests and voices in the policymaking process.
- Social Change: Drive social reforms and address socio-economic inequalities.
