Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Parliamentary committees form the backbone of legislative functioning in India, providing an essential mechanism for detailed scrutiny of bills, and government expenditure. Constituted under Articles 105 and 118 of the Constitution, these committees enable Parliament to exercise effective oversight and hold the executive accountable. Broadly, there are two types of Parliamentary Committees-Standing Committees (Permanent), and Ad Hoc Committees (temporary).

Body

Legislative Oversight and Accountability:

• Financial Oversight: Key committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Estimates Committee scrutinize government spending, ensuring transparency and fiscal discipline. The PAC, uniquely chaired by an opposition member, audits government accounts and exposes financial irregularities.
  • The PAC investigated the 2G spectrum allocation case around 2010–11, and highlighted serious procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and violations of norms in the allocation of 2G licenses.
• Legislative Expertise: Committees provide a forum for informed, technical examination of bills and policies. Bills referred to committees are studied thoroughly with inputs from external stakeholders and experts, ensuring comprehensive analysis.
  • A Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) was constituted to examine the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was later enacted in 2019.
• Acting as a Mini-Parliament: Committees mirror the party composition of Parliament via proportional representation, facilitating bipartisan deliberations. This reduces political polarization, allowing for consensus-building in a confidential, less media-driven environment.
  • By bridging the knowledge gap between Parliament and the executive, committees improve legislative quality and governance responsiveness.
• Accountability & Checks on Executive: Although committee recommendations are not binding, they create a public record and exert moral pressure on the government to reconsider controversial provisions or administrative lapses.
  • Confidentiality fosters frank discussions, promoting effective oversight away from partisan theatrics.

Conclusion

Parliamentary committees are indispensable to India’s democratic governance, addressing current challenges through institutional reforms and enhanced transparency can restore and amplify their vital role in strengthening parliamentary democracy.