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Question – The Parliamentary Standing Committees are often described as “Mini Parliament”. Discuss their significance and challenges.
- January 14, 2023
- Posted by: Pallavi Singh
- Category: Blog
![parliament](https://aakarias.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/parliament.png)
Answer –
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Parliamentary Committee is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman. These committee works under the direction of the Speaker/chairman and it presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/chairman
These committees are essentially miniature Parliaments in themselves, usually comprising members across party lines from both the Houses. Broadly, they are classified into two categories — standing committees and ad hoc committees
Ad hoc committees are appointed for a specific purpose — like the examination of a bill or inquiry into, say, the 2G scam — and exist only until this purpose is fulfilled.
On the other hand, standing committees are more permanent in nature, and are constituted from time to time in pursuance of the provisions of an Act of Parliament or Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. The standing committees are further divided into financial committees (Public Accounts Committee, Estimate Committee etc. and departmentally – related standing committees (DRSCs).
A large part of the discussion on the bills takes place in the Committees. The recommendation of the committee is then sent to the House. That is why committees are referred to as “miniature legislatures”.
The parliament is too unwieldy a body to deliberate effectively that come up before it.
The functions of the parliament are varied, complex and voluminous. Moreover, it has neither the adequate time nor necessary expertise to make a detailed scrutiny of all the legislative measures and other matters. Therefore, it is assisted by a number of committees in the discharge of its duties.
These committees play a vital role not merely in law-making, but also in the day-to-day business of the House.
Parliamentary committees also perform functions such as:
1)studying the demands for grants made by various ministries,
2)looking into expenditure incurred by various departments,
3)investigating cases of corruption etc.
Issues with Parliamentary Committees –
1)Need Strengthening in Several Areas: All Bills are not referred to Committees. They are thinly staffed. Some Committees may not seek evidence from experts on important Bills.
2)Limited Support: Currently, the technical support available to Parliamentary Committees is limited to a secretariat that helps with matters such as scheduling meetings and note taking.
3)Participation of Members: Parliamentary Committees hold several meetings to conduct an in-depth analysis of various issues through extensive deliberations among Members. The success of the Committee system depends on the participation of Members in these meetings which is generally low.
Way Ahead –
1)Scrutiny of All Bills:
Referring all Bills to a Committee would ensure that all laws go through a minimum level of Parliamentary scrutiny.
2)Funding:
Funds should be secured to assist these Committees in conducting inquiries, holding public hearings, and collecting data.
3)Expert Support & Specialist Advisors:
Engaging with experts and stakeholders enables Committee members to better understand the details of complicated issues, and the potential impact of a policy or legislation.
Committees in other countries such as the UK, USA, and Canada can retain specialist advisors (such as lawyers, economists, and statisticians) to assist in specific inquiries.
4)Public Opinions:
Committees can also invite comments from the wider public which can help Committees consider the wider implications of a Bill or policy.