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Parliamentary Committees in India: A Pillar of Legislative Effectiveness

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Parliamentary Committees in India play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of legislative processes and ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of government policies. This blog explores the establishment, functioning, types, and significance of these committees, with a focus on the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee.

Lok Sabha Ethics Committee:

  • Established in 2000 and made permanent in 2015, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee comprises 15 members appointed by the Speaker.
  • It investigates complaints against Members of Parliament (MPs) for alleged misconduct, with individuals filing complaints through another Lok Sabha MP.

Parliamentary Committees in India: An Overview:

  • Parliamentary Committees have their roots in the British Parliament and derive authority from Article 105 and Article 118 of the Constitution.
  • They present reports to the House or the Speaker, adding significant value to bills referred to them and contributing to informed decision-making.

Types of Parliamentary Committees:

  1. Financial Committees: Include the Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings, focused on financial oversight.
  2. Departmentally Related Standing Committees: Seventeen committees since 1993, examining budgetary proposals and crucial government policies.
  3. Other Parliamentary Standing Committees: Covering various aspects, including business advisory and privileges.
  4. Ad Hoc Committees: Appointed for specific purposes and dissolved upon task completion.

Significance:

  1. Enhancing Effectiveness: Committees allow in-depth examination, enabling MPs to devote more time to each item and scrutinize matters in detail.
  2. Value Addition to Bills: Bills referred to committees are returned to the House with significant enhancements, providing a platform for consensus building.
  3. Public Petitions and Oversight: Committees examine public petitions, assess rule conformity, and manage the administration of Parliament.

Conclusion: Parliamentary Committees stand as pillars of legislative efficiency, ensuring thorough scrutiny, informed decision-making, and public oversight. The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee's ongoing probe highlights the commitment to maintaining ethical standards within the Indian parliamentary system.