Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business
Q3. Why are parliamentary committees regarded as ‘mini-parliaments’? Assess whether extending their tenure can enhance their effectiveness in reflecting the representative character of the legislature. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Government is mulling extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees to two years, after some lawmakers complained that the current one-year term was too short to make any meaningful contribution.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the basis for calling committees ‘mini-parliaments’, critically assessing the impact of longer tenure on their representative role, and suggesting reforms for strengthening their functioning.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Note the role of committees as extensions of Parliament that deepen scrutiny and ensure executive accountability.
Body:
- Mini-parliament nature: Show how committees mirror the composition of the House, deliberate across party lines, scrutinise bills, and ensure financial oversight.
- Longer tenure impact: Argue for continuity, expertise, and follow-up benefits, while also noting risks like stagnation, limited powers, and political constraints.
- Way forward: Suggest reforms like statutory backing, expert involvement, stronger reporting mechanisms, and transparency.
Conclusion:
End with a futuristic note that tenure reform must be coupled with systemic strengthening to make committees true guardians of parliamentary democracy.
