"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence." Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Need of constitutional Status

(A) Structural Autonomy

1. Providing independent secretariat
2. Reducing ministry's control in functioning e.g. MOWCD in working of NCW
3. Providing for structural autonomy in funding e.g. charged expenses
4. Limitations

(B) Independence

(4) In appointment process → collegium based appointment instead of executive appointment.

(5) Independence of investigation & functioning → not dependent on enforcement agency.

(6) Independence of procedure and functioning.

(C) Limitation of statutory commission

(7) Non-Acceptance of Demand eg states gave only 36% of compensation given by NHRC.

(8) political control eg NHRC & NCW functioning

(9) No platform for grievance redressal of institutions as both ministry & government ignores them

Challenges in constitutionalisation

(1) complex procedure

(2) Does not solve the root cause of non-effective functioning

(3) government interference even in constitutional commission eg ECI

(4) Increases compliance and legislative burden of government

(5) Dilution of Agenda of other constitutional bodies

Way forward

(1) High level Committee to examine case of constitutionalisation

(2) Independence & Autonomy to statutory body

(3) separate financing & personnel training