Parliamentary Committees in India [UGC-NTA NET Political Science Notes]

Parliamentary committees play a vital role in the governance and legislative processes in India. They serve as sub-groups within Parliament, focusing on specific issues to enhance accountability and transparency. By examining matters in detail, these committees ensure that the legislative framework operates efficiently.

Definition and Purpose

Parliamentary committees are sub-groups formed within Parliament. Their primary purpose is to facilitate detailed examination and oversight of specific issues. This structure enhances accountability and ensures transparency in governance. Committees improve the efficiency of legislative processes by allowing for focused discussions and investigations.

Types of Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees can be categorised into several types:

• Standing Committees: These are permanent committees that meet regularly. Examples include the Finance Committee and the Home Affairs Committee.
• Select Committees: Temporary committees formed for specific purposes, such as the Select Committee on a Bill.
• Joint Committees: Comprised of members from both Houses, like the Joint Committee on the Personal Data Protection Bill.
• Ad hoc Committees: Formed for a specific task and dissolved upon completion, such as committees set up for specific inquiries.

Functions of Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees perform several essential functions:

1. Legislative Function: They review and suggest amendments to bills, ensuring that legislation is robust.
2. Financial Oversight: Committees scrutinise government expenditure and budget proposals, helping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
3. Investigative Role: They conduct inquiries into specific issues, gather evidence, and report findings to Parliament.
4. Monitoring Implementation: Committees assess the implementation of laws and policies, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.

Composition

The composition of parliamentary committees is crucial for their functioning:

• Membership: Committees consist of Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties. This ensures diverse representation and perspectives.
• Chairperson: A chairperson is usually appointed from among the members, often from the ruling party, to lead discussions and guide proceedings.

Powers of Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees hold powers:

1. Summoning Witnesses: They have the authority to summon individuals and request documents for inquiries.
2. Report Submission: Committees prepare and submit reports to Parliament that may include recommendations for action.
3. Examine Issues in Detail: They can delve deeper into subjects than the full House can, providing comprehensive insights.

Accountability Mechanism

Parliamentary committees serve as an accountability mechanism within the government:

• Checks and Balances: They act as a check on the executive by scrutinising its actions and decisions.
• Public Accountability: Committees often hold public hearings, allowing citizen participation and enhancing transparency.
• Follow-up Actions: They can recommend actions based on their findings, influencing government policy and decision-making.

Impact on Governance

The impact of parliamentary committees on governance is deep:

1. Policy Formulation: Committees influence the formulation and modification of policies through their recommendations.
2. Enhancing Legislative Quality: They improve the quality of legislation by providing detailed examination and expert input.
3. Strengthening Democracy: Committees encourage a culture of accountability and responsiveness in governance, vital for a healthy democracy.

Challenges Faced

Despite their importance, parliamentary committees face several challenges:

• Political Interference: There is potential for partisan politics to influence committee decisions, undermining their effectiveness.
• Limited Resources: Committees often lack adequate resources and staff for comprehensive investigations, limiting their capacity.
• Compliance Issues: The government may not always act on committee recommendations, reducing their impact.

Notable Committees in India

Several notable committees play crucial roles in Indian governance:

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): This committee examines government expenditure and reports on financial irregularities.
• Estimates Committee: It reviews estimates of expenditure and suggests improvements for better fiscal management.
• Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): This committee oversees the functioning of public sector enterprises, ensuring accountability.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in parliamentary committees reflect a shift towards modernisation:

• Digital Transformation: There is an increasing use of technology in committee proceedings, facilitating remote participation and efficiency.
• Increased Transparency: Efforts have been made to make committee reports and proceedings more accessible to the public, enhancing accountability.