Role of Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary Committees Backbone of Parliamentary Democracy: Parliamentary Committees are described by the Lok Sabha Speaker as the “backbone of parliamentary democracy.” These committees play a critical role in ensuring legislative scrutiny and government accountability.
They function in a non-partisan manner, bringing together members from ruling and opposition parties. This helps in consensus building on sensitive issues.
Committees also provide domain expertise. For example, the Committee on Health examined the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016, adding crucial insights before it reached the House.
Static GK fact: The first Parliamentary Committee in India was the Public Accounts Committee, established in 1921 under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
Ensuring Accountability and Development
Committees act as watchdogs of public finance. In 2024, the Public Accounts Committee flagged excess spending by four ministries, showing its importance in financial oversight.
They also highlight issues of long-term importance. The Committee on Rural Development flagged declining allocations to Panchayati Raj Institutions, emphasizing rural governance.
Strengthening laws is another vital role. The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was revised based on the suggestions of a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Static GK Tip: The Estimates Committee, with 30 members, is the largest Parliamentary Committee of India.
Challenges in Functioning
Despite their importance, committees face several challenges. One major issue is that referral of bills to committees is not mandatory. There has been a sharp decline in referral rates—71% in the 15th Lok Sabha, 28% in the 16th, and only 16% in the 17th Lok Sabha.
Attendance is another concern. Participation in committee meetings averages around 50%, compared to 84% during Parliament sessions.
Committees also lack adequate expert and research support. Many are thinly staffed, limiting their capacity to conduct in-depth analysis.
Static GK fact: In the UK Parliament, almost all bills are referred to committees for detailed examination.
Strengthening Committees
Strengthening Parliamentary Committees requires systemic reforms. Making referral of bills mandatory, as in the UK, would ensure detailed scrutiny.
Greater transparency in adopting or rejecting committee recommendations would improve credibility.
Finally, enhancing research and expert support is vital. Allowing committees to retain technical advisors can help in making evidence-based recommendations.
Static GK Tip: The Committee on Petitions in India allows citizens to directly place grievances before Parliament.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Parliamentary Committees Backbone of Parliamentary Democracy:
| Topic | Detail |
| National Conference | Inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker on SCs and STs welfare |
| Committees role | Ensure accountability, consensus building, legislative scrutiny |
| Example Bill | Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 examined by Health Committee |
| Financial oversight | PAC flagged excess spending by four ministries in 2024 |
| Law strengthening | Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 revised after JPC report |
| Declining referrals | 15th LS: 71%, 16th LS: 28%, 17th LS: 16% |
| Attendance rate | ~50% in committees vs 84% in Parliament sittings |
| Largest Committee | Estimates Committee with 30 members |
| First Committee | Public Accounts Committee set up in 1921 |
| Global practice | UK mandates referral of bills to committees |
