Estimate Committee

Source:  FPJ

Context: Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees in Mumbai to commemorate 75 years of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee.

About Estimate Committee:

• What it is?
  • A key financial oversight committee of the Parliament of India that examines how government funds are allocated and spent, ensuring economy, efficiency, and accountability.
• Established in: 1950, post-Constitution, under the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha.
• Members: Consists of 30 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) but Ministers are excluded.
• Selection Process: Members are elected annually by Lok Sabha members, through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
  • The Chairperson is appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
• Term: One-year term and term are renewable in nature
• Key Functions
  • Review government estimates: Examines how money is allocated and suggests reforms for economy and efficiency.
  • Recommend policy improvements: Proposes alternative policies for better public administration and budget management.
  • Evaluate spending efficacy: Assesses whether public funds are being spent effectively as per approved policies.
  • Suggest improvements in presentation: Recommends ways to improve how budget estimates are presented in Parliament.
  • Exclusions: Does not review Public Undertakings—covered by a separate committee.
• Working Process:
  • Committee selects estimates from Ministries/Departments/statutory bodies for scrutiny.
  • Calls for information from government and non-official sources.
  • Conducts Study Visits (on-ground assessments) with prior approval.
  • Holds formal evidence sessions at Parliament.
  • Publishes Reports to Lok Sabha with findings and recommendations.
  • Government must respond within six months via Action Taken Reports (ATR).
• Achievements:
  • Since inception in 1950, the Committee has presented 1184 reports:
    • 656 Original Reports
    • 528 Action Taken Reports
  • Covered almost all major Ministries and Departments.
  • Contributed significantly to strengthening financial oversight and promoting fiscal accountability.