Select Committee Of Parliament

• 12 Aug 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the formation of a Select Committee for the Delhi Services Bill, has sparked controversy after several Members of Parliament (MPs) claimed that their names were included without their consent.

• However, the Delhi Services Bill has been passed by both the houses of Parliament.

What is a Select Committee?

• About:
  • Select Committees are a category of ad hoc or temporary committees established with the specific purpose of examining and scrutinizing particular Bills.
    • Its membership is limited to MPs from one House.
    • These committees are dissolved once their designated task has been fulfilled.
  • Although temporary, the procedures and rules governing Select Committees are well-defined within the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament.

Note: Committees constituted for a specific purpose, with MPs from both Houses are called Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC).

• Formation of Select Committees:
  • The formation of a Select Committee can be initiated through a motion proposed by the Minister in-charge of the Bill or any member of the Parliament.
  • This proposal is then presented to the House for adoption. If adopted, the Committee is formed to consider and report on the referred Bill.
• Selecting Members for a Select Committee:
  • The members of a Select Committee are specifically named in the motion that calls for the Bill to be referred to the Committee.
    • These members are appointed by the House, and their consent is a crucial aspect of the process.
  • While Rajya Sabha rules mandate that no member can be appointed to a Select Committee if they are not willing to serve on it, the rules do not explicitly require the collection of signatures for proposed members.
• Quorum:
  • The composition of a Select Committee varies depending on its purpose. It operates with a quorum of one-third of the total number of members.
    • If there's a tie in votes, the chairman (or presiding person) has a casting vote.
• Function:
  • The primary duty of a Select Committee is to meticulously review the Bill, examining its clauses to ensure they accurately reflect the intended purpose and objectives of the measure.
  • The Committee can gather information through memoranda from experts, oral evidence, and government officials.
  • After evaluating the evidence, the Committee formulates its conclusions, which may involve amending clauses to align them with the Bill's intent.
    • It can also form sub-committees to address specific aspects of the Bill.
  • The committee's report, including any dissenting opinions, is presented to the House.
    • The reports of the Select Committee are recommendatory in nature. The government can choose to accept or reject the committee's recommendations.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (2018)

(a) Committee on Government Assurances
(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
(c) Rules Committee
(d) Business Advisory Committee

Ans: (b)