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Introduction

Parliamentary Committees are specialized sub-groups in the Indian Parliament, governed by Articles 105 (powers of MPs) and 118 (rules of procedure), tasked with detailed scrutiny of bills, policies, and government actions to enhance legislative efficiency and accountability.

Powers and Functions of Parliamentary Committees

  1. Reviewing Government Work: Examine policies and recommend improvements (e.g., Committee on Health and Family Welfare analyzing the Surrogacy Bill, 2016).
  2. Summoning Ministers & Officials: Call ministers and officials to testify (e.g., questioning finance ministers on budget proposals).
  3. Examination of Bills: Review and suggest amendments to bills (e.g., Committee on Food and Consumer Affairs’ inputs for the Consumer Protection Act, 2019).
  4. Making Recommendations: Provide suggestions to enhance legislation and policies (e.g., strengthening consumer protection laws).
  5. Expertise and Specialization: Comprise members with specific expertise (e.g., Committee on Foreign Affairs reviewing international treaties).
  6. Checks and Balances: Act as a check on executive power, ensuring government accountability.
  7. Budgetary Oversight: Scrutinize ministry budgets and expenditures (e.g., Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) reviewing budgets).
  8. Forum for Consensus: Facilitate cross-party discussions and consensus-building in closed-door meetings.

Challenges Pertaining to Parliamentary Committees

  1. Short Duration (1 Year): Annual tenure limits in-depth scrutiny (e.g., rushed reports due to time constraints).
  2. Non-Mandatory Bill Submission: Bills can bypass committees, missing detailed review (e.g., Farm Laws, 2020).
  3. Non-Mandatory Acceptance of Recommendations: Government not obliged to adopt suggestions (e.g., partial implementation of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 amendments).
  4. Politicization: Political influences affect decisions (e.g., party pressures shaping recommendations).
  5. Limited Participation: Low attendance hampers discussions (e.g., 49% attendance in DRSCs during 2009-14).
  6. Lack of Independent Research: Insufficient research staff limits analysis (e.g., National Commission report noting inadequate support).
  7. Pressure from Political Parties: Party leaders influence committee findings (e.g., alignment with party positions).
  8. Resource Constraints: Limited secretariat support delays meetings and functions.
  9. Weak Public Engagement: Minimal public input reduces transparency (e.g., limited civil society participation).
  10. Ineffective Budget Scrutiny: Lack of power to enforce budget-related recommendations (e.g., non-adoption of oversight suggestions).

Measures to Address Challenges

  1. Extend Tenure: Increase committee tenure for thorough scrutiny.
  2. Mandatory Bill Submission: Require all bills to be referred to committees.
  3. Implement Recommendations: Mandate government acceptance of committee suggestions.
  4. Increase Research Support: Provide dedicated research staff for comprehensive analysis.
  5. Enhance Public Engagement: Facilitate greater public participation in discussions.

Conclusion

As stated, “For India’s democracy to thrive, parliamentary committees must evolve, ensuring that the process of lawmaking is inclusive, rigorous, and truly reflective of public interests.” Strengthening committees is vital for effective governance and accountability.

Value Addition

  • Shastri Committee Report (1965): Recommended reforms to improve committee functioning, focusing on time and resource utilization.
  • 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2008): Emphasized strengthening committees for better oversight and accountability.
  • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002): Advocated for enhanced research capacity and committee independence.
  • UK’s Public Accounts Committee: Conducts public hearings to ensure financial transparency, a model for improving India’s committee system.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 20, 2025