Types of Committees in the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament is the cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework, where deliberations, legislation, and scrutiny of the executive take place. To ensure efficiency and expertise in handling various issues, Parliament has established a robust system of committees. These committees play a vital role in reducing the workload of Parliament and in ensuring detailed scrutiny of bills, policies, and governance matters. Broadly, the parliamentary committees in India can be categorized into Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees, along with various other specialized committees. Let us delve into these categories and their subtypes.

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1. Standing Committees

Standing Committees are permanent in nature and work throughout the year. They are reconstituted annually but retain their functions. These committees ensure detailed examination of legislative and financial matters and monitor the functioning of the government.

(a) Financial Committees

The financial committees are crucial for overseeing government expenditure and ensuring fiscal accountability. These include:

1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
   • Examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
   • Ensures that public funds are utilized efficiently and for the intended purposes.
   • It does not question policy decisions but focuses on implementation and irregularities.
2. Estimates Committee:
   • Suggests ways to improve efficiency in government expenditure.
   • Examines whether funds are well-utilized and suggest reforms to cut down wasteful expenditure.
   • Consists of members only from the Lok Sabha.
3. Committee on Public Undertakings:
   • Focuses on the performance of public sector enterprises.
   • Evaluates their accounts, management practices, and policy frameworks.

(b) Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)

• These committees scrutinize the working of various ministries and departments.
• They review budgetary allocations, examine bills, and oversee the implementation of policies.
• Currently, there are 24 DRSCs, each covering a specific set of ministries.
• They comprise members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

(c) Committees to Inquire and Report

1. Committee on Petitions:
   • Considers petitions presented by the public.
   • Provides recommendations on grievances or suggestions for legislative amendments.
2. Committee of Privileges:
   • Examines cases related to breaches of parliamentary privileges by members or outsiders.
3. Ethics Committee:
   • Addresses ethical misconduct by members of Parliament.
   • Aims to uphold the dignity and decorum of parliamentary proceedings.

(d) Committees to Ensure Parliamentary Efficiency

1. Business Advisory Committee:
   • Prepares the agenda and allocates time for discussions on various parliamentary issues.
2. Rules Committee:
   • Recommends changes to the rules of procedure for the smooth functioning of Parliament.
3. Committee on Absence of Members:
   • Considers requests for leave of absence from parliamentary sessions.

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2. Ad Hoc Committees

Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and are dissolved once their purpose is achieved. These committees are formed to address specific issues or investigate matters requiring detailed inquiry.

(a) Select Committees

• Formed to scrutinize a particular bill.
• The committee examines the bill clause-by-clause and recommends amendments.

(b) Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs)

• Consists of members from both Houses of Parliament.
• Formed to investigate specific issues such as scams, policy lapses, or contentious legislative matters.

(c) Inquiry Committees

• Constituted to investigate serious issues such as corruption or misconduct.
• These committees prepare detailed reports based on their findings.

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3. Other Parliamentary Committees

(a) Committees Relating to the Functioning of Parliament

1. Library Committee:
   • Looks after the Parliament Library and its resources.
   • Suggests ways to improve research facilities for members.
2. Committee on Government Assurances:
   • Tracks assurances, promises, and undertakings given by ministers during parliamentary sessions.
3. Committee on Subordinate Legislation:
   • Examines rules, regulations, and by-laws framed under delegated legislation.

(b) Committees on Welfare

1. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:
   • Ensures the effective implementation of schemes for the welfare of SCs and STs.
2. Committee on Empowerment of Women:
   • Examines issues related to women’s rights and welfare.
3. Committee on Papers Laid on the Table:
   • Reviews documents and reports submitted in Parliament to ensure accuracy and relevance.

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Importance of Parliamentary Committees

1. Detailed Scrutiny: Committees allow in-depth examination of complex matters which is not feasible during parliamentary debates.
2. Bipartisan Approach: They bring together members from different political parties, encouraging constructive dialogue and consensus.
3. Expertise: Committees rely on subject matter experts, enabling better analysis and decision-making.
4. Time Management: They reduce the workload of Parliament by examining issues independently and reporting back.
5. Accountability: Committees enhance government accountability by scrutinizing policies, expenditures, and legislation.

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Challenges and Suggestions

1. Lack of Time: Members often have limited time to devote to committee work due to other responsibilities.
   • Suggestion: Streamline the functioning of committees and enhance member participation.
2. Underutilization: Some committees, particularly those related to subordinate legislation, lack the necessary attention.
   • Suggestion: Increase awareness and provide resources to improve their efficiency.
3. Transparency: Committee meetings are often closed to the public.
   • Suggestion: Allow more public access and publish reports for greater transparency.
4. Follow-Up: Recommendations by committees are sometimes ignored by the government.
   • Suggestion: Implement a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure accountability.

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Conclusion

Parliamentary committees are indispensable to the Indian democratic process. They ensure legislative efficiency, executive accountability, and informed decision-making. By addressing their challenges and strengthening their functioning, these committees can continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s governance and policies.