Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (250 Words 15 Marks)

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees play a crucial role in overseeing the administration, fostering accountability. They facilitate in-depth scrutiny, ensuring transparency and parliamentary control. Examples, like the Public Accounts Committee, showcase their impact in holding the government accountable and enhancing the efficiency of public administration.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 2 Mains 2021

UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2021

Approach 

• Start with giving a brief intro of keywords “Parliamentary Standing Committee”. 
• Discuss that Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control. 
• Explain the working of Parliamentary Standing committees with suitable examples . 
• Conclusion accordingly.   

Answer

Introduction    

• Parliamentary Committees are Members of Parliament (MPs) who are either appointed or elected by the House, or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman. These committees function under the guidance and supervision of the Speaker/Chairman and are responsible for submitting their reports either to the House or directly to the Speaker/Chairman. The origins of Parliamentary Committees can be traced back to the British Parliament. They represent their authority from Article 105 and Article 118.Article 105 is concerned with the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs).  Article 118 confers upon the Parliament the authority to create rules that regulate its procedures and the conduct of its business.  

Body

Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control: Parliamentary Standing Committees play a significant role in keeping the administration on its toes and inspiring reverence for parliamentary control. Here are some key points to discuss in detail: 

1. Oversight and Accountability: Parliamentary Standing Committees serve as a crucial mechanism for oversight and accountability of the executive branch. By examining bills, proposed legislation, government policies, and matters of public importance, these committees ensure that the administration remains answerable to the Parliament and the people it represents. This scrutiny helps prevent misuse of power, promotes transparency, and encourages responsible decision-making. 
2. In-depth Examination: Standing Committees have the authority to summon witnesses, call for documents, conduct hearings, and seek expert opinions. By scrutinising the administration’s actions, policies, and implementation strategies, these committees shed light on potential shortcomings, identify areas of improvement, and hold the government accountable for its actions. 
3. Expert Insights: Parliamentary Standing Committees have the power to seek expert opinions and engage with stakeholders from various fields. This allows them to benefit from the specialised knowledge and expertise of professionals, academics, industry representatives, and civil society organisations. By incorporating diverse perspectives, these committees enhance their ability to make informed decisions and recommendations, thereby improving the quality of governance. 
4. Constructive-Recommendations: These reports provide detailed observations, recommendations, and suggestions for consideration by the Parliament and the government. The constructive nature of these recommendations inspires reverence for parliamentary control by highlighting areas where improvements can be made and suggesting measures to address challenges and shortcomings in administration. 
5. Non-partisan Nature: Parliamentary Standing Committees typically consist of members from different political parties, including both the ruling party and the opposition. This composition ensures a non-partisan approach to examining and scrutinising governmental actions. It promotes constructive dialogue, encourages consensus-building, and strengthens the culture of democratic accountability, irrespective of political affiliations. 

The working of Parliamentary Standing committees of india: Parliamentary Standing Committees in India play a crucial role in the legislative process and democratic governance. Let’s delve into their functioning with some suitable examples: 

1. Role and Composition: Parliamentary Standing Committees in India are constituted to examine and scrutinise various legislative matters, government policies, and administration. These committees consist of Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House), with the composition reflecting the proportional representation of political parties. For example, the Committee on Finance consists of MPs from different parties who review and analyse budgetary allocations, financial policies, and economic matters. 
2. Detailed Examination and Reports: The committees undertake in-depth examinations of bills, proposed legislation, and policy issues referred to them by the Parliament or the Speaker/Chairperson. They have the authority to summon officials, experts, and stakeholders to gather information, conduct hearings, and seek opinions. One such example is the Committee on Health and Family Welfare, which examines health-related policies, public health initiatives, and issues pertaining to healthcare infrastructure. 
3. Sector-specific Committees: These committees provide specialised attention and expertise to ensure comprehensive scrutiny and informed recommendations in specific sectors. For instance, the Committee focus on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports examines policies, legislation, and initiatives related to education, gender issues, child welfare, and sports development.  
4. Influence and Impact: The government takes these reports into consideration while formulating policies and making amendments to existing laws. For example, the Committee on Information Technology has a significant role in examining issues related to digital governance, data protection, and cybersecurity. Its recommendations contribute to shaping policies and legislation in the field of information technology and digital communication. 
5. Public Participation: They often invite stakeholders, experts, and civil society organisations to present their views and inputs. This ensures a wider range of perspectives and encourages public involvement in the decision-making process. For instance, the Committee on Rural Development actively engages with organisations working on rural development issues to seek their insights and suggestions for policy formulation. 

Conclusion   

• Hence, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees in India effectively keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control. Through their oversight, detailed examinations, regular interactions, and policy recommendations, these committees ensure accountability, transparency, and improved governance. The working of these committees demonstrates the vital role they play in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering effective administration in the country.

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