India’s parliamentary committees are crucial for the smooth functioning of the legislative body. These committees are designed to delve into matters of public concern and generate expert opinions. This system was officially established in 1993, but individual committees have appeared since India’s independence.
Evolution of Committees
The evolution of parliamentary committees can be traced back to India’s pre-independence era. During the Constituent Assembly, essential committees like The Ad Hoc Committee on the Citizenship Clause and The Expert Committee on Financial Provisions of the Union Constitution were formed. These early committees tackled significant areas such as taxation, Indian citizenship nature, and the rights of minorities.
Definition of Parliamentary Committees
A true parliamentary committee is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker or Chairman. They function under the Speaker or Chairman’s direction and present their reports to the House or the Speaker/Chairman. The Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha provides a secretariat for these committees.
Different Types of Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees can mainly be classified into two categories. Standing Committees are permanent and work continuously. These can further be divided into six types, including Financial Committees, Departmental Standing Committees, and House-Keeping Committees. Ad Hoc Committees, on the other hand, are temporary and are disbanded upon completion of the task assigned to them.
Legal Provisions for Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees derive their authority from Article 105 (on privileges of Parliament members) and Article 118 (on Parliament’s authority to regulate its procedure and business conduct).
The Significance of Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees play a critical role in providing legislative expertise and influencing policy-making. They offer MPs the expertise and time required to evaluate issues in detail. These committees also maintain a check on the government by creating a public record of consultations that occur, pressurizing the government to reconsider contentious provisions.
Decline in the Role of Parliamentary Committees
However, recently the role of parliamentary committees has seen a decline. By the 17th Lok Sabha, only 14 Bills were referred for further examination. This is a significant drop from the 15th and 14th Lok Sabha, where 71% and 60% of Bills were introduced to committees, respectively.
A Look Ahead
The way forward includes reinforcing parliamentary committees with more resources, power, and authority to hold the executive accountable. There is also a need for greater participation from civil society and experts in committee proceedings for diverse perspectives and informed decision-making. Efforts should also be made to ensure transparency and accountability in committee proceedings.
Understanding Parliamentary Committees through UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
A sound understanding of parliamentary committees can also help in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services. For example, a previous year question asked was: “In India, which of the following review the independent regulator in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?”. The options provided were Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament, Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees, Finance Commission, Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, NITI Aayog. The correct answer being the Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament and the Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees. This elucidates the relevance and importance of parliamentary committees in India’s legislative process.
