Unlocking the Role of Key Parliamentary Committees in India

Parliamentary committees in India stand as the unsung heroes of the legislative process, contributing significantly to the scrutiny of the executive, policy examination, and governance-related issues. This article delves into the intricacies of some of the vital parliamentary committees, shedding light on their functions, roles, and the impact they wield within the Indian parliamentary framework.

Why Parliamentary Committees Matter: Before we dive into the details, let's understand why these committees are indispensable. Serving as watchdogs over the executive, parliamentary committees ensure transparency, accountability, and the smooth functioning of the Indian Parliament. Their role becomes even more crucial considering the vast volume of legislative work and the limited time available.

Exploring Key Parliamentary Committees:

1. Committee on Estimates:

   • Comprising 30 members elected annually by Lok Sabha, the Committee on Estimates focuses on organizational improvements, administrative efficiency, and policy reform suggestions.

2. Committee on Public Undertakings:

   • With 15 members elected by Lok Sabha and 7 members from Rajya Sabha, this committee scrutinizes public undertakings, ensuring sound business principles, efficiency, and autonomy.

3. Committee on Public Accounts:

   • Consisting of 15 members from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha, this committee verifies the proper utilization of funds granted by Parliament, emphasizing execution over policy.

4. Business Advisory Committee (Lok Sabha):

   • Comprising 15 members, including the Speaker, this committee recommends the allocation of time for discussions on government legislative and other business, fostering a collective view.

5. Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions (Lok Sabha):

   • With 15 members, this committee, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, allocates time to private members' bills, examines constitutional amendments, and classifies bills based on urgency and importance.

6. Rules Committee (Lok Sabha):

   • With 15 members, including the Speaker, the Rules Committee reviews parliamentary procedures, recommending amendments or additions to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

7. Committee of Privileges (Lok Sabha):

   • Consisting of 15 members, this committee examines breaches of parliamentary privilege, determining whether such breaches have occurred and making appropriate recommendations.

8. Committee on Papers Laid on the Table (Lok Sabha):

   • Comprising 15 members, this committee examines papers laid on the table by ministers, ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions and timely submissions.

9. Committee on Petitions (Lok Sabha):

   • With 15 members, this committee considers and reports on petitions presented to the House, offering a platform for addressing concerns from individuals and associations.

10. Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Lok Sabha):

    • Comprising 15 members, this committee scrutinizes the exercise of delegated legislative powers by the executive, ensuring adherence to the constitution.

11. Committee on Government Assurances (Lok Sabha):

    • With 15 members, this committee evaluates assurances given by ministers, ensuring their implementation within a reasonable timeframe and reporting to Lok Sabha.

12. Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House (Lok Sabha):

    • Consisting of 15 members, this committee reviews applications for leave of absence and examines cases where members are absent without permission for 60 days or more.

13. Joint Committee on Offices of Profit:

    • With 15 members (10 from Lok Sabha, 5 from Rajya Sabha), this committee examines offices that may disqualify individuals from being chosen as members of Parliament under Article 102 of the Constitution.

14. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Joint):

    • Comprising 20 members from Lok Sabha and 10 members from Rajya Sabha, this committee focuses on matters related to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

15. Railway Convention Committee (Ad-hoc):

    • An ad-hoc committee with 18 members, including the Ministers of Finance and Railways, reviews the rate of dividend payable by the Railways to General Revenues and related financial matters.

16. Committee on Empowerment of Women:

    • With 30 members (20 from Lok Sabha, 10 from Rajya Sabha), this committee reviews and monitors measures taken by the Union Government to enhance women's equality, status, and dignity.

Conclusion: These important parliamentary committees act as the backbone of India's legislative process, providing a robust system for oversight, scrutiny, and policy examination. As we navigate the complexities of governance, these committees stand as beacons of transparency, ensuring that the pillars of democracy remain steadfast and accountable.