Organisations / Institutions

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on organizations and institutions! In this resource, we delve into the vital role that organisations / institutions play in various aspects of society, ranging from business and governance to education and culture. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply curious about how these entities shape our world, you’ll find valuable insights and information here.

Table of Contents

Open Network for Digital Commerce

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a significant initiative backed by the Government of India to revolutionize e-commerce, particularly benefiting small-scale merchants and local stores. Here are the key details about ONDC:

Objective:
- ONDC aims to create an open, inclusive e-commerce ecosystem that empowers small merchants, enabling them to leverage digital technologies and processes similar to those used by large e-commerce platforms.
Establishment:
- ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Government of India.
Open Network Philosophy:
- The initiative is based on open-sourced methodology, utilizing open specifications and open network protocols. This means that it is designed to be platform-agnostic and not tied to any specific e-commerce platform.
Counter to Duopoly:
- ONDC is viewed as a strategic move to counter the existing dominance of major players like Amazon and Flipkart in the Indian e-commerce market. It aims to level the playing field for smaller businesses.
Test Run and Expansion:
- In May 2022, ONDC conducted a test run in cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Bhopal, and Shillong. The plan is to onboard 150 sellers initially, with plans for further expansion.
Role in the Ecosystem:
- ONDC serves as an intermediary platform, connecting buyers and sellers. It provides the infrastructure and interfaces necessary for smooth transactions.
Microsoft’s Involvement:
- Microsoft has become the first major tech company to join ONDC. This involvement signifies international recognition of the potential impact and importance of ONDC in reshaping e-commerce.

ONDC holds great promise in democratizing e-commerce, offering more opportunities for smaller businesses to thrive in the digital marketplace. Through its open approach and government support, it aims to create a more competitive and diverse e-commerce landscape in India.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a pivotal organization established under the Ministry of Power, tasked with the responsibility of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting conservation measures across various sectors. Here are the key functions and details associated with BEE:

Foundation:
- BEE was instituted on March 1, 2002, as a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, following the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act (EC Act) in 2001.
Mandate:
- The primary goal of BEE is to diminish the energy intensity of the Indian economy by employing a range of regulatory and promotional tools.
Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) Scheme:
- Initiated in 2015, the PAT scheme recognizes and rewards industries across 13 sectors with energy security certificates for surpassing specific energy efficiency targets. This scheme aims to drive energy efficiency improvements in industries.
Promotional Functions:
- BEE’s major promotional functions encompass a wide array of activities aimed at creating awareness, enhancing skills, supporting research and development, and facilitating the implementation of energy-efficient practices. These functions include:
  - Dissemination of energy efficiency information and awareness.
  - Conducting training programs for professionals and specialists in energy efficiency techniques.
  - Fostering consultancy services in the domain of energy conservation.
  - Encouraging research and development initiatives.
  - Establishing testing and certification procedures and promoting testing facilities.
  - Formulating and executing pilot projects and demonstration projects.
  - Advocating for the use of energy-efficient processes, equipment, devices, and systems.
  - Promoting preferential treatment for energy-efficient equipment or appliances.
  - Encouraging innovative financing of energy efficiency projects.
  - Providing financial aid to institutions for advancing energy conservation practices.
  - Developing educational curriculum focused on energy efficiency and conservation.
  - Participating in international cooperation programs related to energy efficiency.

BEE plays a pivotal role in India’s pursuit of energy conservation and efficiency, contributing significantly to the nation’s sustainable development goals.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a crucial regulatory body established by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, with its inception date being February 20, 1997. TRAI holds the responsibility of overseeing and governing telecom services in India, including the fixation and revision of tariffs for these services.

Here are some key aspects of TRAI:

Mission:
- TRAI is committed to creating and fostering an environment conducive to the growth of telecommunications in India. It aims to enable India to emerge as a leading player in the global information society.
Objectives:
- One of the primary goals of TRAI is to establish a transparent and equitable policy framework that encourages fair competition and ensures a level playing field in the telecommunications sector.
Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT):
- The TRAI Act underwent an amendment through an ordinance on January 24, 2000, leading to the establishment of TDSAT. This tribunal is tasked with adjudicating disputes between licensors and licensees, among service providers, between service providers and consumer groups, and handling appeals against directions, decisions, or orders of TRAI.
Contributions to India’s Telecom Sector:
- India’s telecom sector has made significant strides and now stands as the second-largest telecom market worldwide. The sector plays a substantial role in contributing to India’s GDP.
Policy Interventions and Technological Advancements:
- Over the years, the government has implemented several pivotal policy measures and welcomed technological advancements. These include permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector, deregulating Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and call centres, allowing in-flight Wi-Fi, and permitting deferred payments from telecom operators in light of their financial challenges.

TRAI has been instrumental in regulating and shaping the telecom landscape in India, facilitating its growth and evolution into a dynamic and thriving sector.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a significant statutory body operating under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. Here are some key details about CARA:

Purpose and Mandate:
- CARA serves as the central agency responsible for the adoption of Indian children. It is tasked with overseeing and regulating both in-country and inter-country adoptions.
Role as the Central Authority:
- CARA has been designated as the Central Authority for managing inter-country adoptions under the provisions laid out in the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption of 1993. This convention was ratified by the Government of India in 2003.
Focus on Vulnerable Children:
- The primary focus of CARA lies in facilitating the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children. It collaborates with associated and recognized adoption agencies to achieve this objective.

CARA’s pivotal role in regulating adoptions, both within the country and across international borders, plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and future of many vulnerable children.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is a significant autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Culture. Here are some key details about NCSM:

Scope and Scale:
- NCSM boasts the distinction of being the world’s largest network of science centres and museums that operate under a single administrative authority.
Mission:
- The primary mission of NCSM is to foster a culture of science within society, with a special emphasis on students. Its motto, “Communicating Science to Empower People,” reflects this commitment.
Implementation of Science City Scheme:
- NCSM is entrusted with the role of implementing the Science City Scheme. This initiative aims to establish new science centres at various levels – national, regional, and district – across the country.

NCSM’s endeavours play a crucial role in promoting scientific awareness, education, and engagement, making it a key player in the dissemination of scientific knowledge and culture in India.

Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) is a noteworthy organization that has played a significant role in empowering women in India. Here are some key details about SEWA:

Establishment and Founder:
- SEWA was founded by Ela Bhatt in the year 1972.
Origin and Affiliation:
- SEWA’s roots can be traced back to the Textile Labour Association (TLA), which was established by Anasuya Sarabhai and Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. However, SEWA had to wait until 1972 to register as a trade union. This was because its members, being self-employed, didn’t fit the traditional definition of “workers” with an employer.
SEWA Bank:
- In 1974, SEWA established SEWA Bank. This financial institution was created to provide small loans to economically disadvantaged women. This initiative gained international recognition and was acknowledged by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a pioneering effort in the field of microfinance.

SEWA’s work has been instrumental in enabling women to gain economic independence and improve their overall quality of life. Through initiatives like SEWA Bank, it has provided women with access to financial resources, which has been a crucial step towards their empowerment.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO):

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) responsible for the regulation and control of pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India. Here are some key points about CDSCO:

Parent Department:
- CDSCO operates under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Responsibilities:
- CDSCO oversees various aspects of drugs and cosmetics regulation, including approval of new drugs, conducting clinical trials, setting standards for drugs, ensuring the quality of imported drugs, and coordinating activities of State Drug Control Organizations.
Regulatory Framework:
- The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, of 1940, and the rules framed under it in 1945 entrust regulatory responsibilities to both central and state authorities for the regulation of drugs and cosmetics.

National Dam Safety Authority:

The National Dam Safety Authority has been established to ensure the safety of dams, prevent dam-related disasters, and address inter-State issues related to dam safety. Here are some key details about the National Dam Safety Authority:

Functions:
- The authority is responsible for standardizing safety-related data and practices in coordination with State-level dam safety organizations and dam owners.
Composition:
- The Authority is headed by a Chairman and assisted by five members, each overseeing a specific wing: policy and research, technical, regulation, disaster and resilience, and administration and finance.
Conflict Resolution:
- One of the key roles of the Authority is to resolve issues between State Dam Safety Organizations of different states or between a State Dam Safety Organization and the owner of a specified dam.
Role in Dam Safety:
- The Authority has the power to act as the State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO) for dams located in one state but owned by another, to ensure uniform dam safety standards.

Both CDSCO and the National Dam Safety Authority play crucial roles in regulating and ensuring the safety of drugs and dams respectively, contributing to public health and safety in India.

Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC):

SFAC is an organization established by the Indian government to facilitate agri-business ventures and encourage private investment in agriculture. Here are some key points about SFAC:

Establishment and Purpose:
- SFAC was established as a Society in January 1994 to catalyze private investment in agriculture through the Venture Capital Assistance (VCA) Scheme.
- Its primary objective is to promote the development of small agribusinesses.
Government Affiliation:
- SFAC operates under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Functions:
- Promotion of small agribusinesses through the VCA scheme.
- Facilitating the formation and growth of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
- Enhancing access to working capital and supporting the business activities of FPOs/FPCs through Equity Grant and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme.
- Implementation of the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Electronic Trading platform.

Food Corporation of India (FCI):

The Food Corporation of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in the country. Here are some key details about FCI:

Objectives:
- FCI’s primary objectives include conducting effective price support operations to benefit poor farmers, distributing food grains for the Public Distribution System (PDS), maintaining adequate operational and buffer stocks of food grains for national food security, and regulating market prices to ensure affordable food grains for consumers.
Functions:
- FCI is responsible for the procurement, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of food grains and other foodstuffs across India.
- It ensures the availability of food grains to consumers at reasonable prices.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and is responsible for regulating activities involving genetic engineering and biotechnology. Here are some key points about GEAC:

Responsibilities:
- GEAC evaluates activities involving the large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants from an environmental perspective.
- It assesses proposals related to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.
Composition:
- GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

GEAC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and environmental impact of activities related to genetic engineering in India.

Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC):

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission is a statutory body established by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956. It operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and is responsible for the development and promotion of khadi and village industries in rural areas. Here are some key points about KVIC:

Establishment and History:
- Established by an Act of Parliament, KVIC took over the functions of the former All India Khadi and Village Industries Board in April 1957.
Objectives:
- KVIC’s primary objectives include planning, promoting, facilitating, organizing, and assisting in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development.
Three Main Objectives:
- Social Objective: Providing employment opportunities in rural areas.
- Economic Objective: Producing marketable products.
- Wider Objective: Creating self-reliance and fostering a strong sense of community spirit in rural areas.

National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL):

NeSL is India’s first Information Utility registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). It serves as a repository of legal evidence related to debts and claims submitted by creditors. Here are some key points about NeSL:

Role and Registration:
- NeSL serves as a repository for legal evidence regarding debts and claims, verified and authenticated by the involved parties. It operates under the IBC.
Ownership:
- NeSL is incorporated as a union government company and is backed by leading banks and public institutions.
Objectives:
- NeSL aims to facilitate time-bound resolution by providing verified information to creditors and Adjudicating Authorities, reducing information asymmetry, and enhancing credit monitoring by creditors.
Functions:
- Provides default intimation to creditors linked to a debtor when a creditor files a default against the debtor.
- Facilitates a clear statement of outstanding balance between parties to a debt.
- Leverages Information Technology to achieve the objectives of the IBC ecosystem.

NeSL plays a crucial role in streamlining and facilitating the resolution of debts and claims under the IBC.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

The National Disaster Management Authority is the apex body responsible for disaster management in India. It was established in 2005 and operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Here are some key points about NDMA:

Establishment and Legal Status:
- Initially constituted in 2005 by an Executive Order, it was later officially notified in 2006 under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Composition:
- The NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and includes other members nominated by the chairperson.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Spearheads and implements a comprehensive and integrated approach to disaster management in the country.
Cyber Security Responsibility:
- NDMA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, can be assigned the responsibility for protecting critical cyber infrastructure, leading to overlapping responsibilities with CERT-IN and NCIIPC.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR):

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights was established in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Here are some key points about NCPCR:

Mandate:
- Ensures that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms align with the Child Rights perspective enshrined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Functions:
- Examines and reviews the safeguards provided by laws for the protection of child rights and recommends measures for effective implementation.
- Presents reports on the working of these safeguards to the central government.
- Inquires into violations of child rights and recommends proceedings in such cases.
- Examines factors inhibiting the enjoyment of rights of children affected by various circumstances and recommends appropriate measures.
GHAR Portal:
- Developed the GHAR (GO Home and Re-Unite) portal for the restoration and repatriation of children, digitally monitoring and tracking the process according to protocol.

NCPCR plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of children in India and ensuring that they are protected and provided with the necessary support and care.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC):

The NAAC is an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC) responsible for assessing and certifying higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Here are some key points about NAAC:

Objective:
- The primary objective of NAAC is to evaluate the quality and standards of higher education institutions in India.
Accreditation Process:
- The accreditation process involves a multi-layered approach, including the submission of a self-study report by the institution, validation of data by NAAC expert teams, and peer team visits to the institutions.
- Institutions are graded on a scale ranging from A++ to C, with D indicating that the institution is not accredited.
Eligibility:
- Only higher education institutions that are at least six years old or have graduated at least two batches of students can apply for accreditation.
Accreditation Validity:
- Accreditation is valid for five years.
Shift towards Outcome-Based Approach:
- NAAC is considering shifting from an “input-based” approach to an “outcome-based” approach for accreditation. This would require institutions to provide evidence of specified learning outcomes.
Challenges in Accreditation:
- Some institutions are hesitant to apply for accreditation due to the fear of receiving a low grade or no accreditation at all. Despite being made mandatory by UGC regulations, this apprehension persists.

National Archives of India (NAI):

The National Archives of India is an institution under the Ministry of Culture responsible for preserving non-current government records. Here are some key points about NAI:

Establishment:
- Originally established as the Imperial Record Department in 1891 in Calcutta, it is now located in Delhi.
Holdings and Languages:
- NAI houses records of the government and its organizations, with holdings dating back to the year 1748.
- The records are in languages including English, Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
Digitization Efforts:
- NAI has made efforts to digitize records and make them available through the Abhilekh Patal portal.
Document Receipt:
- Central ministries and departments are required to transfer records over 25 years old to NAI unless they contain classified information.
Exhibitions:
- NAI regularly organizes exhibitions, showcasing historical documents and themes.

NAI serves as a vital repository of India’s historical and governmental records, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of valuable information.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In):

CERT-In is the national nodal agency responsible for responding to computer security incidents in India. Here are some key points about CERT-In:

Establishment and Authority:
- CERT-In was established in 2004 as a functional organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- It was designated by the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 as the national agency for cyber security functions.
Functions:
- Collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
- Forecasting and issuing alerts about cyber security incidents.
- Implementing emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents.
- Coordinating response activities for cyber incidents.
- Issuing guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes, and whitepapers related to information security.
- Performing other prescribed functions in the realm of cyber security.
Constituency:
- The constituency of CERT-In is the Indian Cyber Community, which encompasses various stakeholders involved in cyberspace.

Additional Facts:

Budapest Convention on Cybercrime:
- The Budapest Convention is an international treaty aimed at addressing Internet and cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing international cooperation.
- It came into force in 2004, and India is not a signatory to this convention.
Cyber Surakshit Bharat Yojana:
- Launched in 2018, this initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division and industry players, focuses on enhancing cyber security awareness.
- It includes programs for awareness, workshops on best practices, and equipping officials with cybersecurity health tool kits.
Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre):
- This centre is responsible for detecting malicious programs and providing free tools for their removal.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):
- Established in 2018, I4C operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and aims to combat cybercrime in India through comprehensive and coordinated efforts.

National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC):

The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is a key organization within the Government of India responsible for safeguarding the critical information infrastructure of the country. Here are some essential details about NCIIPC:

Establishment and Authority:
- NCIIPC was established under Section 70A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended 2008).
- It was officially designated as the National Nodal Agency for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure through a gazette notification on January 16, 2014.
Location:
- NCIIPC is based in New Delhi, India.
Vision:
- The vision of NCIIPC is to facilitate the establishment of a safe, secure, and resilient Information Infrastructure for the critical sectors of the nation.
Mission:
- The mission of NCIIPC is to implement all necessary measures to protect Critical Information Infrastructure from unauthorized access, modification, use, disclosure, disruption, incapacitation, or destruction.
- This is achieved through coordinated efforts, synergy, and by enhancing information security awareness among all stakeholders.
Identified Critical Sectors:
- NCIIPC has identified specific sectors as ‘Critical Sectors’ that require heightened protection. These include:
  - Power & Energy
  - Banking, Financial Services & Insurance
  - Telecom
  - Transport
  - Government
  - Strategic & Public Enterprises

NCIIPC plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of critical information infrastructure, which is vital for the functioning and stability of various essential sectors in the country.

FAQs

Q1. What defines an organization or institution?

Organizations and institutions are structured groups of people with a common purpose or goal. They can vary widely in scope and function, ranging from businesses and non-profits to government agencies and educational establishments.

Q2. What roles do organizations and institutions play in society?

Organizations and institutions serve crucial roles in society, including providing goods and services, regulating activities, promoting social values, and facilitating collaboration and coordination among individuals and groups.

Q3. How do organizations and institutions differ from one another?

While both organizations and institutions involve structured groups of people, they differ in terms of their purposes and levels of formality. Organizations typically focus on specific goals or tasks, while institutions are more enduring and often involve established norms, rules, and traditions.

Q4. What are some examples of prominent organizations and institutions?

Examples of organizations include multinational corporations like Google and nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross. Institutions encompass entities like universities, governments, religious organizations, and legal systems, each playing distinct roles in society.

Q5. How do organizations and institutions adapt to changing environments?

Adaptation is crucial for organizations and institutions to remain relevant and effective. This may involve strategic planning, innovation, restructuring, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement to respond to evolving societal, economic, and technological trends.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.

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