Parliamentary committees are essential bodies in the Indian political system, especially for aspirants preparing for the UPSC civil services exam. These committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation, overseeing government functioning, and ensuring accountability. In this guide, we will delve into the details of parliamentary committees, their types, functions, and significance for the UPSC exam.

Understanding Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees are panels of Members of Parliament (MPs) formed to deliberate on specific issues or bills. These committees act as mini-parliaments, allowing for detailed examination and expert input on matters that come before the House. The Indian Parliament, like many others around the world, relies heavily on these committees to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. These committees are crucial for detailed scrutiny of legislative proposals, budget reviews, and investigation of various issues. They provide a platform for cross-party dialogue and informed decision-making.

Why Parliamentary Committees Matter

• Detailed Scrutiny: Committees provide a forum for in-depth analysis of bills and policy matters, something that is often not possible on the floor of the House due to time constraints.
• Expert Input: They allow for the inclusion of expert opinions and public feedback, ensuring that legislation is well-informed and reflects diverse perspectives.
• Accountability: Committees hold the government accountable by scrutinizing its actions and demanding explanations.
• Efficiency: By delegating specific tasks to committees, the Parliament can manage its workload more efficiently.

Types of Parliamentary Committees

Understanding the different types of parliamentary committees is crucial for the UPSC exam. These committees can be broadly classified into two categories: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.

1. Standing Committees

Standing committees are permanent and regular committees constituted from time to time according to the rules of procedure and conduct of business in Parliament. Their primary role is to ensure executive accountability. These committees are permanent bodies, providing continuous oversight and expertise. These are further classified into:

• Financial Committees: These committees deal with financial matters, such as the budget and expenditures.
  • Estimates Committee: This committee reports on the 'estimates' of expenditure. It suggests economies in public expenditure. The Estimates Committee is one of the crucial financial committees in the Indian Parliament. Comprising members exclusively from the Lok Sabha, it plays a pivotal role in scrutinizing the budgetary estimates presented to the House. The primary function of the Estimates Committee is to report on what economies, improvements in organization, efficiency, or administrative reform may be effected consistent with the policy underlying the estimates. This involves a detailed examination of the budget estimates of various ministries and departments to identify areas where expenditure can be reduced or better managed without compromising the intended policy objectives. The committee also suggests alternative policies to bring about efficiency and economy in administration. This might include recommending the adoption of new technologies, streamlining processes, or restructuring departments to eliminate redundancies. Furthermore, the Estimates Committee analyzes whether the money provided in the estimates is well laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates. This ensures that the allocation of funds aligns with the stated policy goals and that resources are not being misdirected or wasted. By critically assessing the financial planning and resource allocation of the government, the Estimates Committee contributes significantly to ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient public administration. Its recommendations provide valuable insights for policymakers and help in promoting better governance and economic management.
  • Public Accounts Committee (PAC): The PAC examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) stands as a critical instrument in ensuring governmental accountability and fiscal prudence within the Indian parliamentary system. This committee, comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, is tasked with scrutinizing the audit reports submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The CAG's reports serve as the foundational documents for the PAC's investigations, highlighting instances of financial irregularities, inefficiencies, and non-compliance with established procedures in government spending. The primary role of the PAC is to examine these reports in detail, assessing whether public funds have been spent wisely, efficiently, and in accordance with the laws and regulations set by Parliament. This involves a thorough review of expenditure, identifying any deviations from budgetary allocations, instances of wasteful expenditure, or cases of corruption and misuse of funds. The committee also investigates cases of losses, extravagance, and inefficiencies in public expenditure, holding government departments and agencies accountable for their financial management practices. Furthermore, the PAC plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance by making its findings and recommendations public. These reports often lead to further investigations, corrective actions, and policy reforms aimed at improving financial management and preventing future irregularities. By providing an independent assessment of government finances, the PAC strengthens the integrity of the financial system and helps maintain public trust in governance.
  • Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): This committee examines the reports and accounts of public sector undertakings. The Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) is an essential parliamentary body in India that focuses on ensuring the accountability and efficiency of public sector undertakings (PSUs). This committee, comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, is tasked with examining the reports and accounts of PSUs, as well as the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on these undertakings. The primary function of COPU is to assess whether PSUs are managed efficiently and in accordance with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices. This involves a detailed review of the financial performance of PSUs, their operational efficiency, and their compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The committee scrutinizes various aspects of PSU operations, including their investment decisions, procurement processes, human resource management, and overall strategic planning. By examining the CAG's reports, COPU identifies instances of financial mismanagement, irregularities, and inefficiencies in PSU operations. It also investigates cases of losses, underperformance, and failure to achieve stated objectives, holding PSU management accountable for their actions. Furthermore, COPU plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and good governance in the public sector by making its findings and recommendations public. These reports often lead to policy reforms, corrective actions, and improvements in the management and oversight of PSUs, contributing to their enhanced efficiency and contribution to the Indian economy. Through its rigorous scrutiny and constructive recommendations, COPU strengthens the accountability and performance of PSUs, ensuring that they serve the public interest effectively.
• Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): These committees oversee the functioning of specific government departments. Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are a cornerstone of parliamentary oversight in India, playing a critical role in ensuring the accountability and effectiveness of government departments. These committees, each aligned with one or more government ministries or departments, are tasked with scrutinizing their policies, programs, and expenditures. The primary function of DRSCs is to enhance parliamentary oversight by providing a forum for detailed examination of departmental activities. This involves reviewing budget proposals, assessing policy initiatives, and monitoring the implementation of government programs. The committees examine how effectively departments are utilizing public funds, whether they are achieving their stated objectives, and whether their operations comply with relevant laws and regulations. DRSCs also play a crucial role in holding government departments accountable for their actions. They summon officials to provide explanations, request documents and data, and conduct hearings to gather information and assess performance. By scrutinizing departmental activities, DRSCs identify areas of concern, highlight inefficiencies, and recommend corrective actions. Furthermore, DRSCs provide a platform for public participation in the policy-making process. They invite experts, stakeholders, and members of the public to provide input and feedback on departmental policies and programs, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. This helps to improve the quality and relevance of government policies and make them more responsive to the needs of the people. Through their continuous monitoring and evaluation, DRSCs contribute to better governance, improved public services, and greater accountability in the Indian government.
• Other Standing Committees: These include committees like the Business Advisory Committee and the Committee on Petitions.

2. Ad Hoc Committees

Ad hoc committees are temporary committees appointed for a specific purpose. Once their task is completed, these committees cease to exist. These committees are temporary, formed to address specific issues or inquiries. They are primarily of two types:

• Select Committees: Formed to consider specific bills.
• Joint Committees: Include members from both Houses of Parliament, also formed to consider specific bills or issues.

Key Functions of Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary committees perform several crucial functions that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the parliamentary system.

1. Legislative Scrutiny

One of the primary functions of parliamentary committees is to scrutinize legislative proposals. This involves a detailed examination of bills, clause by clause, to identify any potential issues or shortcomings. Committees can suggest amendments to bills, ensuring that the final legislation is well-drafted and addresses the intended objectives. This scrutiny enhances the quality of legislation and ensures that it aligns with constitutional principles and public interests.

2. Financial Oversight

Financial committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, play a vital role in overseeing government finances. These committees examine budget proposals, audit reports, and expenditure patterns to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively. They hold the government accountable for its financial management and recommend measures to improve fiscal discipline. Through their oversight, these committees contribute to transparency and accountability in government spending.

3. Inquiry and Investigation

Parliamentary committees can conduct inquiries and investigations into various issues of public importance. This may involve examining allegations of corruption, investigating policy failures, or assessing the impact of government programs. These inquiries provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving governance and addressing public concerns. The findings of these committees can lead to policy reforms, corrective actions, and greater accountability.

4. Policy Formulation

Committees contribute to policy formulation by providing expert input and diverse perspectives on various issues. They consult with stakeholders, gather evidence, and analyze data to develop informed recommendations for policy changes. This participatory approach ensures that policies are well-informed, responsive to public needs, and aligned with national objectives. By involving a wide range of voices, committees enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of government policies.

Significance for UPSC Exam

Understanding parliamentary committees is vital for the UPSC exam for several reasons:

• Polity and Governance: The topic falls directly under the Polity and Governance section of the UPSC syllabus.
• Current Affairs: Committees are often in the news due to their inquiries and reports on current issues.
• Analytical Skills: Studying committees enhances analytical skills, which are crucial for answering Mains questions.

How to Prepare for UPSC

To prepare for the UPSC civil services exam, particularly on the topic of parliamentary committees, consider the following strategies:

1. Comprehensive Study

Begin by thoroughly studying the basics of parliamentary committees from standard textbooks like M. Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity”. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, functions, and types of parliamentary committees in India. Pay close attention to the constitutional provisions and rules of procedure governing these committees.

2. Stay Updated

Keep abreast of current affairs related to parliamentary committees. Follow news reports and government publications to understand the recent activities and reports of these committees. This will help you provide relevant and up-to-date examples in your answers. Websites like PRS Legislative Research (prsindia.org) are excellent resources for tracking committee activities and reports.

3. Analyze Reports

Read the reports of important parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee, the Estimates Committee, and the Departmentally Related Standing Committees. Analyzing these reports will give you insights into the issues being examined and the recommendations being made. Focus on understanding the key findings and recommendations of these reports, as they often form the basis for UPSC questions.

4. Practice Questions

Solve previous years' UPSC question papers to understand the types of questions asked on parliamentary committees. Practice writing answers to both objective and subjective questions to improve your understanding and writing skills. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and refine your preparation strategy. Pay attention to the word limit and time constraints while practicing your answers.

5. Mock Tests

Take mock tests that simulate the actual UPSC exam environment. This will help you assess your preparation level and identify areas where you need to improve. Evaluate your performance in these tests and analyze your mistakes to learn from them. Focus on improving your speed, accuracy, and time management skills.

Sample Questions for Practice

To help you prepare for the UPSC exam, here are some sample questions related to parliamentary committees:

1. What are the different types of parliamentary committees in India? Discuss their roles and significance.
2. Evaluate the role of the Public Accounts Committee in ensuring financial accountability of the government.
3. How do the Departmentally Related Standing Committees contribute to effective parliamentary oversight?
4. Discuss the limitations and challenges faced by parliamentary committees in India.
5. Analyze the significance of ad hoc committees in addressing specific issues before the Parliament.

Conclusion

Parliamentary committees are indispensable to the functioning of the Indian Parliament. They provide a mechanism for detailed scrutiny, expert input, and accountability, ensuring that legislation and government actions are well-informed and aligned with public interests. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these committees is crucial for scoring well in the exam. By following the preparation strategies outlined in this guide, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of parliamentary committees and enhance your chances of success in the UPSC civil services exam. Good luck!