About Joint Parliamentary Committees in India

Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) play important role in the Indian legislative process. Recently, the Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, proposed the formation of a JPC to examine the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills. This marks the ongoing relevance and function of JPCs in scrutinising important legislative matters.

What Is a Joint Parliamentary Committee?

A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a temporary body formed by the Parliament of India. It consists of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. JPCs are created for specific purposes, such as detailed examination of a Bill or to investigate irregularities. They are dissolved once their task is completed or their term ends.

Formation of a JPC

A JPC is established when one House of Parliament passes a motion, and the other House agrees to it. The composition of the committee is determined by Parliament. The number of members can vary depending on the motion and the issue at hand.

Functions and Powers of a JPC

The primary function of a JPC is to investigate specific issues as defined by its mandate. This may include scrutinising documents, summoning witnesses, and collecting evidence. JPCs can make recommendations to the government based on their findings. However, these recommendations are not binding. The government can choose to act on them or not.

Examples of Previous JPCs

Several JPCs have been formed in the past to tackle issues. Notable examples include investigations into the Allocation and Pricing of Telecom Licenses, Pesticide Residues in Beverages, and the Stock Market Scam. Each of these committees had specific mandates aimed at addressing public concerns.

Limitations of a JPC

While JPCs have investigative powers, their recommendations carry persuasive value rather than legal authority. The government must report on actions taken based on JPC recommendations, but it is not obligated to follow them. This limitation raises questions about the effectiveness of JPCs in enforcing accountability.

Recent Developments and Future Implications

The recent motion by the Law Minister indicates a proactive approach towards legislative scrutiny. The establishment of a JPC for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal may set a precedent for future legislative processes. As political dynamics evolve, the role of JPCs could become increasingly in shaping policy and governance.

Questions for UPSC –

1. Examine the significance of Joint Parliamentary Committees in enhancing legislative accountability in India.
2. Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in investigating financial irregularities. Provide examples of notable investigations.
3. Critically discuss the limitations of Joint Parliamentary Committees in influencing government policy decisions.
4. What are the implications of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal on the Indian democratic process? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of Joint Parliamentary Committees in enhancing legislative accountability in India.

1. JPCs provide a platform for detailed scrutiny of legislative proposals, ensuring thorough examination.
2. They consist of members from both Houses, promoting bipartisan collaboration and accountability.
3. JPCs can investigate irregularities, encouraging transparency in government actions and decisions.
4. Their recommendations, though not binding, influence public discourse and government policy.
5. They serve as a check on the executive, enhancing the overall accountability of the legislative process.

2. Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in investigating financial irregularities. Provide examples of notable investigations.

1. Parliamentary committees, including JPCs, are empowered to investigate financial misconduct and irregularities.
2. They can summon witnesses, scrutinize documents, and gather evidence to ensure accountability.
3. Notable investigations include the Stock Market Scam and the Bofors Contract, addressing financial concerns.
4. These committees help identify regulatory loopholes and recommend corrective measures to the government.
5. They enhance public trust by addressing allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

3. Critically discuss the limitations of Joint Parliamentary Committees in influencing government policy decisions.

1. JPC recommendations are persuasive but not binding, limiting their direct impact on government actions.
2. The government is required to report on follow-up actions, but it can choose to ignore recommendations.
3. Confidentiality of proceedings can restrict public access to findings, reducing transparency.
4. Political dynamics may influence the effectiveness of JPCs, leading to partisan bias in investigations.
5. Their temporary nature can hinder long-term accountability and follow-up on issues addressed.

4. What are the implications of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal on the Indian democratic process? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. The proposal aims to synchronize elections, potentially reducing electoral costs and administrative burdens.
2. It may enhance voter engagement by minimizing election fatigue and increasing turnout.
3. However, it raises concerns about federalism, as state and national issues may be conflated in a single electoral cycle.
4. Examples include the potential impact on regional parties, which may struggle to compete on a national platform.
5. The proposal could alter the political landscape, affecting governance and accountability at both state and national levels.