Why in NEWS

Lok Sabha Speaker, at the National Conference of Estimates Committees, emphasized that Parliamentary Committees are not adversarial but complementary to the government, urging serious implementation of their recommendations.

Key Concepts & Definitions

Term	Explanation
Parliamentary Committee	A body appointed by Parliament or its presiding officers to examine specific legislative, financial, or policy issues.
Standing Committee	Permanent committees reconstituted every year for regular and ongoing functions.
Ad hoc Committee	Temporary bodies created for specific tasks, dissolved after completion.
DRSC (Dept.-Related Standing Committee)	A standing committee that examines ministry-wise demands, bills, policies, etc.
Article 105 & 118	Constitutional provisions giving Parliament the authority to make rules and exercise privileges, including forming committees.

News in Detail

The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the crucial but under-recognized role of Parliamentary Committees. He urged ministries and officials to treat their recommendations with seriousness, suggesting that these bodies are not opposition tools but instruments of supportive scrutiny.

Types of Parliamentary Committees

Type	Subtypes & Examples
Standing	Financial Committees, DRSCs, Committee on Petitions, Subordinate Legislation
Ad hoc	Select Committee on GST, JPC on Bills, Railway Convention Committee

Why Parliamentary Committees Matter

Role	Description
Executive Oversight	Detailed examination of policies and decisions ensures checks on government action.
Informed Legislation	Expert and stakeholder consultations enhance quality of bills.
Bipartisan Collaboration	Party-wise representation ensures consensus beyond political bias.
Capacity Building	Helps MPs develop subject knowledge and legislative skills.
Focus & Depth	Handles complex issues which full House cannot due to time constraints.

Challenges in Current System

Challenge	Details
Non-binding nature	Recommendations are advisory, with no enforcement power.
Weak research support	Lack of experts, tech tools, and analytical staff.
Low MP attendance	Around 50% attendance compared to 84% in full sessions.
Infrequent sittings	Parliament meets ~67 days/year; limits committee reviews.
Political interference	Party influence affects neutrality and independence.
Overloaded DRSCs	Handle multiple ministries; lack specialization and continuity.

Steps to Revamp the Committee System

Recommendation	Purpose
Better research & tech tools	Enable evidence-based and high-quality analysis.
Mandate Action Taken Reports (ATRs)	Enforce response from ministries with accountability.
Mandatory referral of bills	Ensure all non-finance bills are sent to committees for scrutiny.
Focus DRSC mandates	Fewer ministries per committee to develop expertise.
Boost MP participation	Use incentives, penalties, and recognition to increase engagement.
Public engagement & digital tools	Use e-consultations and accessible reports to increase transparency.

In a Nutshell (Mnemonic: C.L.I.P.S.E.)

Letter	Memory Hook
C – Checks on Executive
L – Lawmaking Enhanced
I – Inclusive, Informed Deliberation
P – Participation by Experts & Public
S – Specialization Needed
E – Enforcement Weaknesses Exist

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution gives Parliament the power to regulate its business, including committees?
   • A. Article 75
   • B. Article 110
   • C. Article 118
   • D. Article 123
2. Consider the following statements:
   1. Recommendations of Parliamentary Committees are legally binding.
   2. Ad hoc committees are dissolved after they complete their assigned task.
      Which of the above is/are correct?
   • A. 1 only
   • B. 2 only
   • C. Both 1 and 2
   • D. Neither 1 nor 2
3. Which of the following is NOT a Standing Committee of Parliament?
   • A. Committee on Petitions
   • B. Railway Convention Committee
   • C. Committee on Government Assurances
   • D. Committee on Estimates

Mains Questions

1. (GS-2, 2020): “Parliamentary Committees form the backbone of legislative scrutiny in India.” Examine the role and limitations of these committees.
2. (GS-2): Despite their importance, Parliamentary Committees often struggle with relevance and impact. What steps can be taken to rejuvenate their functioning?

Answers – Prelims

Ques	Ans	Explanation
1	C	Article 118 allows Parliament to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct.
2	B	Recommendations are advisory; only statement 2 is correct.
3	B	Railway Convention Committee is ad hoc, not a standing committee.