The National Advisory Council of India is an advisory body set up to monitor the implementation of the UPA government's manifesto, the Common Minimum Programme(CMP). It was set up on June 4, 2004 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The leader of the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of NAC, holding the status of a cabinet minister. The other members of this council are nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the chairperson. The funds for the functioning of this council are provided from the budgetary allocation for the Prime Minister's Office.
The NAC has been criticised by some as not in keeping with India's constitution, and that it would emerge as an alternative, unelected cabinet, particularly given Mrs. Gandhi's political standing .
On March 23 2006 Sonia gandhi has resigned from the post of chairmanship of the NAC.
