Parliamentary Committees
The Specialized Workhorses of the Legislature
PART I — STRUCTURE & SCOPE
THE ARCHITECTURE
Standing vs. Ad Hoc
- Parliament is too unwieldy to scrutinize every detail, so it delegates work to committees.
- **Standing Committees:** Permanent in nature, constituted every year or periodically. They work on a continuous basis (e.g., Financial Committees, DRSCs).
- **Ad Hoc Committees:** Temporary in nature. Created for a specific task (like inquiring into a scandal or a specific bill) and cease to exist once the task is complete.
THE LARGEST COMMITTEE
Estimates Committee
- **Strength:** Consists of **30 members**, all exclusively from the **Lok Sabha**. (Rajya Sabha has no representation).
- **Function:** Examines the estimates included in the budget. Suggests 'economies' in public expenditure and alternative policies to bring efficiency.
- Described as the **"Continuous Economy Committee."** A minister *cannot* be elected as its member.
PART II — THE FINANCIAL WATCHDOGS
THE POST-MORTEM
Public Accounts Committee
- **Oldest committee** (set up in 1921).
- **Strength:** 22 members (**15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha**).
- **Function:** Examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Ensures money was spent legally and efficiently.
- By convention (since 1967), the **Chairman is selected from the Opposition**.
INDUSTRY OVERSIGHT
Committee on Public Undertakings
- Created in 1964 on the recommendation of the **Krishna Menon Committee**.
- **Strength:** 22 members (**15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha**).
- **Function:** Examines the reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the CAG reports on PSUs. Checks if they are managed per sound business principles.
- The Chairman must be from the Lok Sabha.
INITIALIZE: WORLD N SUMMARY & ARCHIVE