Role of Parliamentary Committees

Context: Department-related Standing Committees of Parliament are likely to be finalised by September 20

What is a Parliamentary Committee?

A Parliamentary committee is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are either elected or appointed from among the house members or nominated by the Speaker or Chairman.

The concept of Parliamentary committees originated in the British Parliament.

These committees function under the guidance of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and submit their findings and recommendations to the respective houses.

The authority of Parliamentary committees is established by the constitution:

Article 105: Outlines the powers, privileges, and responsibilities of the houses of Parliament, as well as their members and committees.

• Article 118: Allows each House of Parliament to create rules for its procedures and conduct of business, subject to constitutional provisions.

How are Parliamentary Committees Classified?

In India, Parliamentary Committees are classified into two types based on their nature:

1. Standing Committees: These are permanent committees established by Parliament to address specific areas of public policy or administration. Standing Committees are formed at the beginning of each parliamentary session and remain active until the end of that session.
2. Ad Hoc Committees: Standing Committees are ongoing entities designed to handle particular aspects of public policy or administration, and they function throughout the parliamentary session.

Ad Hoc Committees

Ad hoc committees are temporary entities created for a specific purpose and for a limited duration. They are typically established to review and report on a particular bill or to investigate specific issues of public significance. These committees are dissolved once they have completed their task.

Ad hoc committees can be categorized into two types:

1. Inquiry Committees: Focused on investigating particular matters or issues.
2. Advisory Committees: Provide recommendations and advice on specific subjects.

Notable examples of ad hoc committees include the Select and Joint Committees on Bills, the Railway Convention Committee, and the Joint Committee on Food Management in the Parliament House Complex.

What Are the Powers and Functions of Parliamentary Committees?

Parliamentary committees have several key powers and functions:

• Reviewing and Scrutinizing Government Work: Committees assess government policies and programs, offering recommendations for improvements.
• Summoning Ministers and Officials: They have the authority to call ministers and officials to provide testimony and answer questions regarding their policies and actions.
• Examining Bills: Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing and analyzing bills before they become law.
• Making Recommendations: They can propose changes to bills and ensure that they align with constitutional and legal standards.

What Is the Significance of Parliamentary Committees?

The significance of Parliamentary Committees includes:

• Expertise and Specialization: Composed of members with specialized knowledge in areas such as finance, foreign affairs, or health, Parliamentary Committees provide in-depth analysis and recommendations. For example, the Committee on Health and Family Welfare reviewed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016, which addressed commercial and altruistic surrogacy.
• Checks and Balances: Committees serve as a check on executive power by scrutinizing government policies and ensuring accountability for actions.
• Strengthening Laws: Committees contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of legislation. For instance, the Committee on Food and Consumer Affairs proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act 2019 to increase penalties for misleading advertisements and clarify certain definitions.
• Budgetary Oversight: Departmental Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) review budget estimates for all ministries, providing detailed scrutiny of government expenditure.
• Consensus Building: Committees offer a platform for building consensus among political parties through closed-door meetings, facilitating open discussion and agreement on various issues.
• Public Engagement: Committees allow public and organizational participation in the legislative process, offering opportunities for direct interaction with Parliament.

What Are the Issues and Challenges Facing Parliamentary Committees?

Parliamentary committees in India encounter several issues and challenges, including:

• Resource Constraints: Committees have limited technical support, primarily relying on a secretariat for scheduling meetings and note-taking. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) noted the insufficient research support and specialist advisors available to Departmental Related Standing Committees (DRSCs).
• Lack of Independence: Some committees face pressure from the government or influential groups, which can compromise their impartiality and independence.
• Limited Powers: Committees do not have the authority to enforce their recommendations or take disciplinary action against non-compliance.
• Limited Participation: Attracting sufficient participation from MPs can be challenging, affecting the committees’ effectiveness. For instance, between 2009 and 2014, only 49% of members attended departmental-related standing committee meetings.
• Political Influence: Committees are often subject to political pressures from party leaders or other powerful entities, which can undermine their objectivity and effectiveness.
• Low Number of Sitting Days: During the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha, Parliament met for only 37 days. Over the past decade, the average number of sitting days per year has been 67.
• Lack of Detailed Scrutiny: Committees often face difficulties in conducting thorough scrutiny. For example, in the 16th Lok Sabha, only 17% of the budget was discussed on the floor of the House, indicating limited detailed examination.

What Measures Can Enhance the Role of Parliamentary Committees?

To improve the effectiveness of parliamentary committees, several measures can be considered:

• Increase Resources and Time: Committees should be allocated more time and resources to thoroughly examine and review government policies and actions. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) recommended funding to support inquiries, public hearings, and data collection.
• Enhance Independence: Committees should operate with greater independence, free from government or influential group pressures, to maintain impartiality.
• Increase Public Visibility: Enhance transparency by making committee work more accessible to the public. This can include holding public hearings and publishing reports to inform and engage the community.
• Boost Participation: Foster greater involvement from MPs in committee activities by providing additional incentives or resources to encourage active participation.

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Mains

1. Q) Why do you think the Committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (2018)
2. Q) Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such Committees with suitable examples. (2020)

Prelims

        1. Q) With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and            reports to the Ilouse whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the                     Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such         delegation?(2018)

1. Committee on Government Assurances
2. Committee on Subordinate Legislation
3. Rules Committee
4. Business Advisory Committee

       2. Q) Consider the following statements:(2013)

      The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC)

1. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government
3. examines the report of CAG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

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