Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the Parliamentary Committees. Discuss the role of Parliamentary Committees in the oversight of executive action. Highlight the issues associated with the working of such committees. Suggest reforms to strengthen Parliamentary Committees. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The smooth functioning of Parliament requires an effective mechanism to oversee executive action, which is best achieved through Parliamentary Committees. These committees act as mini-parliaments, enabling detailed scrutiny of policies, expenditure, and governance that may not be possible in full parliamentary debates.

Body

Role of Parliamentary Committees in Oversight of Executive Action:

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
  • Examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on government expenditure.
  • Ensures that funds allocated by Parliament are used efficiently and lawfully.
  • Example:
    • The PAC investigated the 2G Spectrum scam (2010), the Coal Allocation scam (2012), and the Commonwealth Games scam (2010), exposing financial mismanagement.
    • The PAC has also reviewed underutilization of budgetary allocations in key social sectors like health and education.
• Estimates Committee
  • Reviews government policies and expenditure to assess efficiency and economic effectiveness.
  • Unlike the PAC, it examines future budget estimates and policy formulation.
  • Example:
    • The Estimates Committee has examined budget allocations for rural employment schemes like MGNREGA, recommending better fund utilization.
• Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)
  • Reviews the performance of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to ensure they function efficiently and remain financially viable.
  • Examines issues of governance and management in state-owned enterprises.
  • Example:
    • COPU scrutinized the massive losses of BSNL and MTNL, urging structural reforms for their revival.
    • It also reviewed the financial health of Air India before its privatization in 2021.
• Department-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
  • There are 24 DRSCs, each responsible for evaluating bills, policies, and governance issues in specific sectors like Defence, Finance, and Agriculture.
  • Example:
    • The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence (2021) highlighted the need for higher budget allocation for modernizing armed forces.
    • The Standing Committee on Environment and Forests in 2022 reviewed the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), suggesting stricter emission control measures.

Challenges in the Effective Functioning of Parliamentary Committees:

• Lack of Binding Authority
  • Committee recommendations are not legally enforceable, making them advisory in nature.
  • Example:
    • The PAC’s findings on the 2G Scam (2010) and Coal Scam (2012) were critical, but delays in action diluted their impact.
• Political Influence and Partisanship
  • The ruling party often dominates committee decisions, affecting neutrality.
  • Example:
    • In 2020, a political deadlock in the Standing Committee on Information Technology delayed discussions on issues related to social media regulations and data privacy.
• Limited Transparency
  • Indian committee proceedings are not open to the public.
  • Example:
    • The Standing Committee on IT (2021) privately investigated the Pegasus spyware case, allegedly withholding testimonies and findings.
• Time Constraints and Limited Resources
  • MPs serve on multiple committees, leading to divided attention.
  • Lack of expert advisors and research support weakens recommendations.

Reforms to Strengthen Parliamentary Committees:

• Make Recommendations Binding
  • Establish a system where key committee recommendations require a formal government response.
  • Example:
    • In the UK, the government is required to respond to Public Accounts Committee reports within two months.
• Increase Transparency
  • Open committee meetings to the public and the media, except on sensitive issues.
  • Example:
    • In the United States, congressional committees hold public hearings on major policy issues like Facebook’s role in election interference.
• Provide Greater Research and Expert Support
  • Strengthen parliamentary research teams to aid committees with detailed analysis.
  • Example:
    • Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) provides non-partisan financial analysis, which India can emulate.
• Ensure Bipartisan Functioning
  • Increase cooperation between ruling and opposition parties in committee discussions.
  • Example:
    • In the UK, Select Committees are chaired by opposition members, ensuring neutrality.

Conclusion

Scholars rightly observed that these committees serve as Parliament’s "eyes and ears," ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. Strengthening committees through binding recommendations, increased public scrutiny, and better research support can significantly enhance their effectiveness.