Unit 4: Parliamentary Committees

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Parliamentary Committees

A significant portion of Parliament's work is conducted through committees. Given the size of the Parliament and the complexity of its tasks, it is impossible to scrutinize every matter in detail on the floor of the House. Committees are small groups of MPs appointed to examine specific issues.

Parliamentary Committees are often called "miniature legislatures". They provide the technical expertise and in-depth scrutiny that the full House cannot.

2. Types of Committees

Parliamentary committees can be broadly classified into two categories:

  1. Standing Committees:
    • These are permanent committees constituted every year.
    • They work on a continuous basis.
    • Examples: Financial Committees, Departmental Standing Committees (DRSCs), Committee on Petitions.
  2. Ad-hoc Committees:
    • These are temporary committees created for a specific purpose.
    • They are dissolved once they have completed their task and submitted a report.
    • Examples: Select Committees (to examine a particular bill), Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) (set up to investigate a specific matter or scandal).

3. Role of Standing Committees

The most important standing committees are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), first set up in 1993. There are 24 DRSCs, each covering a specific ministry or group of ministries (e.g., DRSC on Home Affairs, DRSC on Defence).

Their key roles include:

  • Scrutiny of Bills: When a bill is introduced, it is often referred to the relevant DRSC. The committee examines it in detail, invites expert opinions, and suggests amendments. This makes the law-making process more thorough.
  • Examination of Demands for Grants: Before the Parliament votes on the budget, the "Demands for Grants" of each ministry are sent to the respective DRSC. The committee examines the demands and tables a report. This strengthens financial control.
  • Reviewing Policy Documents: They examine long-term policy documents presented by ministries.
  • Overall Oversight: They act as a watchdog over their respective ministries, ensuring accountability even after the budget is passed.

4. Role of Finance Committees

These are the three most powerful standing committees, crucial for ensuring the financial accountability of the executive.

Finance Committee Composition Key Function
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) 22 members (15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha). A minister cannot be a member. The Chairman is by convention from the Opposition. To examine the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). It acts as a "watchdog" *after* the money has been spent, checking for irregularities and corruption.
Estimates Committee 30 members (All from Lok Sabha). A minister cannot be a member. To examine the budget *estimates* and suggest "economies" (ways to spend more efficiently). It is a "continuous economy committee."
Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) 22 members (15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha). A minister cannot be a member. To examine the reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the audit reports from CAG related to them.
Exam Tip: Remember the key difference:
  • The Estimates Committee is like a pre-mortem: it looks at *estimates* before spending.
  • The Public Accounts Committee is like a post-mortem: it looks at *accounts* after spending, guided by the CAG report.