Introduction:
Woodrow Wilson once aptly stated, “Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work.” This rings true for India as well, as parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the legislative process of a democratic nation.
Body:
Structure of the Parliamentary Committee system:
- Powers: Parliamentary committees draw their authority from Article 105 (on privileges of Parliament members) and Article 118 (on Parliament’s authority to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business)
- Membership: Members of parliamentary committees are drawn from the members of the Parliament only while allowing some expert advisors.
- Standing Committees: They are permanent committees that exist from one Lok Sabha (House of the People) to the next. They are responsible for examining bills, budgets, policies, and administrative matters.
- There are 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), each focusing on a specific ministry or department.
- Financial Committees: Financial Committees play a significant role in examining the budgetary proposals and financial matters of the government. There are three important financial committees:
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): It examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and reports on government financial irregularities.
- Estimates Committee (EC): This committee examines the estimates of expenditure presented in the budget.
- Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): COPU examines the performance of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and ensures accountability.
- Select Committees: They are temporary committees constituted for specific purposes, usually to examine a particular bill in detail. Once their purpose is fulfilled, they are disbanded.
- Joint Committees: They are composed of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). They are formed to address specific issues that require a joint examination. The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit is an example of such a committee.
- Ad Hoc Committees: Ad Hoc Committees are formed for a specific task or inquiry and cease to exist once the task is completed. They are admissible on a case-by-case basis.
Financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament:
- Role of PAC: The PAC is responsible for examining government expenditures and financial irregularities highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
- Its role in holding the executive accountable for financial decisions has been instrumental in institutionalizing the principles of transparency and good governance.
- Role of EC: By critically evaluating budget proposals, the EC contributes to the responsible allocation of public funds and ensures that government spending aligns with the nation’s priorities.
- Role of COPU: COPU’s work fosters accountability and transparency in the functioning of PSUs, which are significant contributors to the Indian economy. Its oversight is vital for ensuring that PSUs operate in the public interest.
- For instance, the Committee on Public Undertaking recommended that no road project should be initiated unless 80% of the land is already acquired by NHAI.
- Financial accountability: The financial committees, by examining government expenditures, bring financial accountability to the forefront. They ensure that taxpayer money is used efficiently and without corruption.
- The institutional role of opposition: The presence of opposition members in these committees ensures a balanced and thorough examination of financial matters, fostering democratic principles. The PAC is chaired by the leader of the opposition by convention.
Limitations:
| Limitation | Description | Example |
| Limited Oversight Scope | Financial committees mainly focus on budgetary matters, limiting their oversight in other areas. | The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) primarily examines government expenditures. |
| Lack of Enforceable Powers | These committees lack direct enforcement powers, relying on recommendations. | The PAC’s recommendations are not legally binding. |
| Resource Constraints | The Committee on Estimates many times face resource limitations. | |
| Delayed Reports | The delay in presenting the PAC report to Parliament can impact accountability. | |
| Political Influence | Partisan influences may affect the functioning of the committees. | |
| Limited Public Awareness | The public may have limited awareness of committee activities. | Many citizens may not be familiar with the workings of committees. |
Conclusion:
Parliamentary committees stand as pillars of effective governance within a parliamentary democracy. Additionally, the financial committees have significantly contributed to the institutionalization of the Indian Parliament, ensuring that it remains a vital institution in upholding democratic principles.
