LLM Notes: The structure of administrative authorities in public utilities in India

 The structure of administrative authorities in public utilities in India is organized on a three-tier hierarchical framework comprising Central, State, and Local authorities. This layered structure ensures comprehensive governance, regulation, and implementation of public utility services across different jurisdictions.

Central Level Authorities

At the central level, key regulatory bodies oversee public utilities of national or inter-state importance. Important central regulatory authorities include:

• Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Regulates interstate electricity transmission, central government-owned power generation, and inter-state electricity trading; consists of a chairperson and three members appointed for five years.

• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): Regulates telecommunications services nationwide, covering tariff fixation, spectrum allocation, and consumer protection.

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Oversees food safety regulation with a chairperson and 22 members from various sectors.

• Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA): Regulates tariffs and charges for major airports exceeding 35 lakh passengers annually.

State Level Authorities

Each state has regulatory bodies regulating intra-state public utilities within their jurisdiction, such as:

• State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs): Regulate generation, transmission, distribution, and tariffs of electricity within the state.

• Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA): India's first independent water regulator managing water allocation and tariffs in Maharashtra; consists of a chairperson and two members appointed by the Governor.

Local Level Authorities

At the local level, municipal bodies and district authorities implement and supervise utility services in their respective areas. The district collector often plays a key administrative executive role in district-level utility management, coordinating across departments and ensuring policy enforcement.

Composition and Appointment

Typically, administrative authorities have a structure of one chairperson supported by two to three members with expertise in fields like engineering, law, economics, or management. Appointments are made by the central or state government through selection committees to ensure independence and professionalism. The usual tenure is five years.

Subordinate Legislation

Administrative authorities exercise regulatory powers through subordinate legislation, which includes rules, regulations, orders, and bye-laws created under enabling statutes. These authorities function independently to make timely decisions while remaining under parliamentary, judicial, and committee oversight.

Summary

The administrative authority structure in public utilities in India follows a "3-tier" system:

• Central authorities manage national and inter-state utilities.

• State authorities regulate within the state.

• Local bodies handle district or municipal-level services.

Together, they ensure effective governance with specialized, semi-autonomous bodies addressing sector-specific needs and public welfare.

Print Page