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.

• 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.