Pradhikaran

Pradhikaran is a term used in Indian administrative language to denote an authority, agency, or regulatory body established by statute to oversee a specific sector or function. The word is derived from Sanskrit and Marathi roots meaning authority or authorization, and is commonly translated as commission, authority, or board in English.

In practice, a Pradhikaran typically operates with a statutory mandate and an autonomous or quasi-autonomous governance structure. It may have its own board or commissioners, a defined scope of powers, and the authority to issue licenses, set standards, plan or regulate activities, and enforce compliance. While it often enjoys financial and administrative independence, its activities are generally subject to oversight by a relevant government ministry or department.

In India, the term is widely used across states, especially in Marathi-speaking regions, to name or describe statutory bodies that regulate or manage public functions. These can include agencies responsible for urban development, water supply and sanitation, environmental protection, energy regulation, and transportation planning. The exact powers and structures of a Pradhikaran vary by enabling law, but they are typically characterized as public authorities created to implement policy and deliver services with a degree of specialized expertise.

See also: authority, commission, regulatory agency.