Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Parliamentary Committees are integral to the functioning of the Indian Parliament, aiding in detailed scrutiny of bills and policies. Among these, Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) and Parliamentary Forums are often confused. DRPSCs were constituted in 1993 as a significant reform aimed at providing expertise in specific subject areas. Parliamentary Forums, on the other hand, are ad-hoc bodies created for specific purposes, often dealing with broader policy issues. Understanding the distinction between these two mechanisms is crucial for comprehending the nuances of parliamentary procedure and accountability.
Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs)
DRPSCs are permanent, standing committees of Parliament. They were established following the recommendations of the Rules Committee in 1993. Each committee focuses on a specific ministry or department (e.g., DRPSC on Education, DRPSC on Defence).
- Formation: Constituted by the Speaker/Rajya Sabha Chairman.
- Function: Examine bills pertaining to their respective ministries, scrutinize budgetary proposals, assess the functioning of the ministry, and make recommendations.
- Power: Can call for witnesses, documents, and evidence. Have the power to conduct site visits.
- Reporting: Submit reports to the Speaker/Chairman, which are then presented to Parliament.
- Membership: 31 members in Lok Sabha and 10 in Rajya Sabha.
Parliamentary Forums
Parliamentary Forums are temporary bodies constituted by the Speaker/Chairman to discuss specific issues or topics. They are ad-hoc in nature and are dissolved once their purpose is served.
- Formation: Constituted by the Speaker/Chairman for a specific purpose.
- Function: Deliberate on policy matters, gather information, and formulate recommendations. Often used for pre-legislative consultation.
- Power: Limited power compared to DRPSCs. Primarily focused on discussion and consensus-building.
- Reporting: Submit reports to the Speaker/Chairman, which may or may not be formally presented to Parliament.
- Membership: Variable, depending on the topic and interest of Members of Parliament.
Comparative Analysis
The key differences between DRPSCs and Parliamentary Forums can be summarized in the following table:
| Feature | Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) | Parliamentary Forums |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Permanent, Standing | Temporary, Ad-hoc |
| Scope | Specific Ministry/Department | Broad Policy Issues |
| Constitutional Basis | Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Parliament | Discretion of Speaker/Chairman |
| Power | Significant – can summon witnesses, demand documents | Limited – primarily discussion-based |
| Reporting | Formal reports presented to Parliament | Reports submitted to Speaker/Chairman; presentation to Parliament not guaranteed |
| Membership | Fixed (31 Lok Sabha, 10 Rajya Sabha) | Variable |
For example, the DRPSC on Labour examines all bills related to labour laws and the functioning of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. In contrast, a Parliamentary Forum might be constituted to discuss the challenges of climate change or the future of education, bringing together MPs from various backgrounds and committees.
The DRPSCs are considered more powerful and influential due to their permanent nature and well-defined functions. They play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and improving the quality of legislation. Parliamentary Forums, while valuable for generating ideas and fostering dialogue, lack the same level of authority.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both DRPSCs and Parliamentary Forums contribute to the parliamentary process, they differ significantly in their structure, function, and power. DRPSCs provide continuous, in-depth scrutiny of specific departments, while Parliamentary Forums offer a flexible platform for discussing broader policy issues. Strengthening both mechanisms is vital for enhancing parliamentary oversight and ensuring effective governance. The continued relevance of these bodies lies in their ability to adapt to evolving legislative needs and promote informed decision-making.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.