Question

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?

Answer 1

The Parliamentary Committee system in India is a vital part of the legislative process, designed to facilitate detailed scrutiny of legislation, financial matters, and other government functions. These committees allow for more in-depth analysis and discussion than is possible in the larger and often more politicized environment of the full Parliament. Here's an overview of the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system and the role of financial committees in institutionalizing the Indian Parliament.

Structure of the Parliamentary Committee System

Parliamentary Committees in India are broadly classified into two categories: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.

1. Standing Committees

Standing Committees are permanent and reconstituted periodically, usually every year. They play a continuous role in the functioning of the Parliament. Some of the key Standing Committees include:

• Financial Committees:

  • Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines public expenditure and ensures it is not excessive or wasteful. It scrutinizes the accounts of the government as audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
  • Estimates Committee: Examines the budget estimates submitted by the government, suggesting economies and alternative policies to improve efficiency.
  • Committee on Public Undertakings: Examines the reports and accounts of public sector undertakings and assesses their performance and efficiency.

• Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs):

  • There are currently 24 DRSCs, each corresponding to specific ministries and departments. They examine bills, budgets, and policies related to their assigned ministries.

• Committees on Government Assurances, Subordinate Legislation, Petitions, etc.:

  • These committees deal with various aspects of parliamentary work, such as ensuring the government fulfills its assurances and scrutinizing delegated legislation.

2. Ad Hoc Committees

Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and constituted for a specific purpose, and they cease to exist after they complete the assigned task. They include:

• Select Committees: Formed to examine specific bills in detail before they are passed.
• Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs): Constituted for special purposes, such as investigating specific issues or events.
• Inquiry Committees: Set up to investigate specific allegations or events.

Role of Financial Committees in Institutionalizing the Indian Parliament

The financial committees, particularly the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings, have played a crucial role in enhancing the institutional framework and accountability of the Indian Parliament. Here is how they have contributed:

1. Ensuring Financial Accountability

• Oversight of Government Expenditure:

  • The financial committees scrutinize government spending, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for their intended purposes. This oversight helps prevent wasteful expenditure and corruption.
  • The Public Accounts Committee, in particular, examines the audit reports of the CAG, ensuring that irregularities in public spending are addressed.

• Evaluating Performance:

  • By assessing the performance of various government programs and public undertakings, these committees help ensure that public resources are used effectively to achieve policy goals.

2. Enhancing Legislative Oversight

• Detailed Examination:

  • Financial committees provide a forum for detailed examination of budgetary allocations, policies, and performance of the government, which might not be feasible in full parliamentary sessions.
  • This detailed scrutiny helps Parliamentarians make informed decisions and hold the government accountable.

• Bipartisan Approach:

  • The committees are non-partisan and include members from various political parties, promoting a more objective and consensus-driven approach to financial oversight.

3. Strengthening Democratic Governance

• Transparency and Accountability:

  • By examining government accounts and performance, financial committees enhance transparency and accountability in governance, fostering public trust in the parliamentary system.

• Empowering Parliamentarians:

  • The work of financial committees empowers Parliamentarians by providing them with the information and analysis necessary to question and challenge government policies and actions.

4. Influencing Policy Formulation

• Recommendations and Reports:

  • Financial committees often make recommendations for improving financial management and policy formulation. While their recommendations are not binding, they carry significant weight and influence government decisions.

• Feedback Mechanism:

  • These committees serve as a feedback mechanism, conveying the concerns and expectations of the legislature to the executive, thus facilitating more responsive governance.

Conclusion

The Parliamentary Committee system, and especially the financial committees, play an indispensable role in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. By ensuring financial accountability, enhancing legislative oversight, and promoting transparency and efficiency, these committees have significantly contributed to the institutionalization of the Parliament. They provide a structured framework for detailed analysis and discussion, allowing for more effective governance and decision-making. While challenges remain in terms of implementation and follow-up on committee recommendations, their role in strengthening India’s democratic processes and institutions is undeniable.