Parliamentary committees are small groups formed by members of Parliament (MPs) to perform specific functions. They scrutinize legislation, examine policies, conduct inquiries, and oversee the functioning of government departments. These committees enhance the legislative process by providing expert analysis and holding the government accountable.
Evolution of Committees
The structured committee system in India was established in 1993. However, committees have existed since the country’s independence. Notable early committees include the Ad Hoc Committee on Citizenship and the Advisory Committee on Political Safeguards for Minorities. These committees laid the groundwork for ’s parliamentary system.
Types of Parliamentary Committees
There are two main types of parliamentary committees –
- Standing Committees: Permanent committees that operate continuously.
- Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary committees formed for specific tasks.
Standing Committees
Standing committees are established by the rules of Parliament. They are further divided into six categories:
- Financial Committees: Includes the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings.
- Departmental Standing Committees: Total of 24 committees examining specific ministries.
- Committees to Inquire: Includes the Committee on Petitions and Committee of Privileges.
- Committees to Scrutinize and Control: Such as the Committee on Government Assurances.
- Committees Relating to Day-to-Day Business: Includes the Business Advisory Committee.
- House-Keeping Committees: Such as the General Purposes Committee.
Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and formed for specific purposes. They include:
- Inquiry Committees: Investigate specific issues, such as financial irregularities.
- Advisory Committees: Review specific bills and provide recommendations.
Constitutional Provisions
Parliamentary committees derive their authority from the Constitution, specifically Article 105 and Article 118. Article 105 addresses the privileges of Parliament members, while Article 118 allows Parliament to create rules for regulating its procedures.
Role of Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees serve multiple roles:
- Providing Legislative Expertise: Most MPs lack expertise in specific topics. Committees help fill this gap.
- Acting as a Mini-Parliament: Committees reflect the proportional representation of parties in Parliament.
- Instrument for Detailed Scrutiny: Committees examine bills closely and gather input from stakeholders.
- Providing a Check on Government: Recommendations create public records and pressure the government to reconsider positions.
Declining Role of Committees
Recently, the role of parliamentary committees has diminished. In the 17th Lok Sabha, only 14 bills were referred for examination. This is drop compared to earlier sessions. In the 16th Lok Sabha, only 25% of bills were referred to committees.
Strengthening Parliamentary Committees
To enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary committees:
- Increase resources, powers, and authority for accountability.
- Encourage civil society and expert participation in proceedings.
- Ensure transparency through live streaming and public access to reports.
- Promote bipartisan consensus-building for inclusive representation.
Categories of Committees
Parliamentary committees can be classified into various categories:
- Financial Committees: Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings.
- Departmental Standing Committees: 24 committees related to specific ministries.
- Committees to Inquire: Committee on Petitions, Committee of Privileges, Ethics Committee.
- Committees to Scrutinize and Control: Committee on Government Assurances, Committee on Subordinate Legislation.
- Day-to-Day Business Committees: Business Advisory Committee, Rules Committee.
- House-Keeping Committees: General Purposes Committee, Library Committee.
Functions of Departmental Standing Committees
Departmental Standing Committees focus on:
- Demand for grants of ministries.
- Examining bills of the respective ministries.
- Reviewing annual reports of ministries.
- Considering policy documents presented by ministries.
Committees to Inquire
These committees investigate specific issues:
- Committee on Petitions: Examines petitions related to bills or public matters.
- Committee of Privileges: Addresses breaches of parliamentary conduct.
- Ethics Committee: Deals with misconduct and indiscipline among members.
Committees to Scrutinise and Control
These committees ensure accountability:
- Committee on Government Assurances: Monitors promises made by ministers.
- Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Reviews executive regulations.
- Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs: Considers reports from commissions for the welfare of these communities.
House-Keeping Committees
House-Keeping Committees manage internal affairs:
- General Purposes Committee: Addresses miscellaneous matters.
- Library Committee: Oversees library facilities for members.
Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs)
JPCs consist of members from both houses. They investigate specific issues or bills. JPCs can summon witnesses and seek evidence to support their inquiries. Their findings can influence legislative decisions.
Importance of Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees enhance legislative efficiency. They allow for detailed examination and scrutiny of complex issues. This ensures informed decision-making and promotes accountability in governance.
Challenges Faced by Parliamentary Committees
Despite their importance, parliamentary committees encounter several challenges:
- Limited research staff and administrative support.
- Irregular or delayed meetings.
- Insufficient time for thorough discussions.
- Recommendations lack binding power.
- Limited public access to proceedings, reducing transparency.
Future Directions for Parliamentary Committees
To address these challenges, there is a need for:
- Regular review of existing committees to ensure relevance.
- Incorporation of new legislative committees for emerging issues.
- Strengthening the implementation of committee recommendations.
- Enhancing public engagement in the legislative process.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
About parliamentary committees is crucial for UPSC preparation. Key points include:
- Definition and purpose of parliamentary committees.
- Types of committees – Standing and Ad Hoc.
- Significance of financial oversight and legislative examination.
- Challenges faced by committees and proposed solutions.
This knowledge is essential for comprehending the functioning of Indian democracy and governance.
