Fostering interaction between the government and the parliament members, the Consultative Committees are an integral part of the Indian political structure. Recently, on 24th February 2020, a meeting was convened by the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Steel. Let’s delve deeper into the formation, composition, and functions of these committees.
Formation of the Consultative Committees
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs takes up the responsibility of creating the Consultative Committees. Usually, these committees come into existence following the establishment of a new Lok Sabha. This means that with every dissolution of the Lok Sabha, the committee also dissolves and is reconstituted when a new Lok Sabha is formed.
Composition of the Consultative Committees
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs sets the guidelines regarding the composition of these committees. The membership encompasses representatives from both the Houses of Parliament. Voluntary in nature, the participation of members in these committees depends on their individual choice and the decision of their party leaders. According to the set norms, the maximum membership of a committee should not exceed 30, while the minimum limit is set at 10.
Functions of the Consultative Committees
The Consultative Committees are linked with different ministries or departments of the Central Government. The Minister or Minister of State in charge of the concerned Ministry presides over the consultative committee of that particular ministry as the chairman. These committees play a significant role in facilitating informal discussions between the ministers and parliament members regarding the government’s policies, programs, and their implementation strategies.
It is important to note that Consultative Committees differ from Parliamentary Committees. While a Parliamentary Committee receives appointment or election by the House or nomination from the Speaker/Chairman, Consultative Committees do not undergo such process. Also, unlike a Consultative Committee, a Parliamentary Committee works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman, presents its reports to the House or Speaker/Chairman, and has a secretariat provided by the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha.
In conclusion, Consultative Committees serve as an essential conduit for fostering dialogue and understanding between various governmental departments and members of Parliament. They provide an opportunity for detailed deliberation over policies and programs, thus ensuring better governance.
Reference: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
