The National Commission to review the working of the Constitution (NCRWC), also known as JMNR Venkatachaliah Commission, was set up by a resolution of the Government of India led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee's National Democratic Alliance in February 2000 for suggesting possible amendments to the Constitution of India.
It was reported that former Chief Justice of India, M. N. Venkatachaliah, would the commission, and that it would comprise ten other members, which would include one member-secretary, and "nine other members from various walks of life concerning constitutional background".
"[1] The terms of reference given to the Commission stated that it shall examine, in the light of the experience of the past fifty years, as to how best the Constitution can respond to the changing needs of efficient, smooth and effective system of governance and socio-economic development of modern India within the framework of parliamentary democracy, and to recommend changes, if any, that are required in the provisions of the Constitution without interfering with its 'basic structure' or 'basic features'.
[5] The report is bulky one, comprising 1979 pages in two-volumes was received by Law and Justice Minister Arun Jaitley.
Volume I contains the recommendations while Volume II (divided in Books 1, 2 & 3) consists of detailed consultation papers, background papers, details of deliberations and the report of its drafting and editorial committee dividing into three books.