Parliamentary Committees, Types, Function, Importance

Parliamentary committees have played an important role in supporting Parliament to manage its workload effectively. They carefully review government policies, budgets, and laws, providing recommendations and ensuring accountability, efficiency, and better governance.

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What is a Parliamentary Committee?

Types of Parliamentary Committees

Standing Committees

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Ad hoc Committees

Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs)

List of Parliamentary Committees

1. Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)
2. Estimates Committee
3. Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
4. Departmentally Related Standing Committees (24 Committees)
5. Business Advisory Committee
6. Committee of Privileges
7. Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House
8. Committee on Empowerment of Women
9. Committee on Government Assurances
10. Committee on Papers Laid on the Table
11. Committee on Petitions
12. Committee on Private Members' Bills and Resolutions
13. Committee on Subordinate Legislation
14. General Purposes Committee
15. House Committee
16. Joint Committee on Offices of Profit
17. Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament
18. Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
19. Committee on Ethics
20. Committee on Security in Parliament House Complex

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Functions of Parliamentary Committees

Role of Parliamentary Committees in India

• Bridge Expertise Gaps: Committees bring together members with specialized knowledge and experience, allowing them to examine complex issues in detail.
• Reduce Parliament’s Burden: With numerous bills, policies, and issues to discuss, committees lighten the load of Parliament by handling specific tasks.
• Promote Consensus: Committees provide a platform for members of different political parties to discuss issues in a collaborative setting.
• Examine in Detail: Committees scrutinize bills, policies, and government actions ensuring that the proposed laws and policies are well-checked before they reach the full House.
• Monitor Government Actions: Parliamentary Committees also monitor the implementation of laws and government policies, holding the government accountable for its actions.

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Importance of Parliamentary Committees

• Enhance Accountability: Committees hold the executive accountable, ensuring transparency and that the government is answerable to Parliament. For example, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 2G spectrum case.
• Time Efficiency: By delegating detailed work to committees, Parliament saves time for more crucial debates and discussions.
• Better Legislation : Committees can examine issues in detail, ensuring that laws are thoroughly examined, resulting in more practical and effective legislation.
• Improved Governance: Committees act as a check on the government, ensuring that it follows through on its promises and policies.
• Public Involvement and Transparency: Many committees also engage with the public and experts to gather diverse viewpoints. For example, the Committee on Education held consultations with teachers' associations and education experts before recommending changes to national education policies.