Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Parliamentary Departmental Committees are a crucial component of the parliamentary procedure in India, designed to provide detailed scrutiny of government policies and expenditures. These committees, established under Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha, are composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) and play a vital role in ensuring accountability and transparency. The examination of ‘Demands for Grants’ – proposals outlining government spending – is a core function. While theoretically powerful tools for oversight, the actual effectiveness of these committees in analyzing demands for grants has been a subject of debate, particularly concerning their impact on budgetary allocations and policy formulation.
Understanding Parliamentary Departmental Committees
Departmental Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are permanent committees constituted by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in 1993. Prior to this, ad-hoc committees were formed for specific purposes. These committees cover various ministries and departments of the government. Their primary functions include:
- Examining budgetary proposals (Demands for Grants).
- Assessing the efficiency of administrative functions.
- Investigating specific issues related to the ministry.
- Suggesting improvements in policy and administration.
Role in Analyzing Demands for Grants
The process of analyzing Demands for Grants involves several stages:
- Receipt of Demands: Committees receive the Demands for Grants from the respective ministries.
- Evidence Gathering: They call for memoranda from the ministry, associated departments, and relevant stakeholders.
- Oral Evidence: MPs question the Minister and senior officials of the ministry. This is a crucial stage for detailed scrutiny.
- Site Visits: Committees often conduct site visits to assess the implementation of programs and projects.
- Report Preparation: Based on the evidence gathered, the committee prepares a report with observations and recommendations.
- Government Response: The government is expected to respond to the committee’s recommendations, though acceptance is not mandatory.
Evaluating Effectiveness: Strengths
Departmental Committees have demonstrated effectiveness in several areas:
- Detailed Scrutiny: They provide a level of detailed scrutiny that is often impossible within the limited time available in Parliament.
- Expert Input: The committees benefit from the expertise of MPs with specialized knowledge and the input of external experts.
- Accountability: The process of questioning ministers and officials promotes accountability.
- Policy Improvement: Recommendations made by committees have, in some instances, led to improvements in policy and administration. For example, the Standing Committee on Labour’s recommendations on the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme (2016) led to significant changes in the scheme’s operation.
- Increased Transparency: Committee proceedings and reports are public documents, enhancing transparency.
Evaluating Effectiveness: Weaknesses
Despite their potential, the effectiveness of these committees is hampered by several factors:
- Lack of Binding Powers: The government is not bound by the committee’s recommendations. Acceptance rates vary significantly.
- Party Politics: Committee deliberations can be influenced by party politics, leading to biased reports.
- Attendance Issues: Irregular attendance by MPs can undermine the quality of deliberations. According to PRS Legislative Research (as of 2022), average attendance in DRSCs is often below 50%.
- Limited Impact on Budget: The committees rarely succeed in significantly altering budgetary allocations.
- Overlapping Jurisdiction: Multiple committees may examine related issues, leading to duplication of effort.
- Lack of Research Support: Insufficient research support for MPs can limit their ability to conduct thorough analysis.
Comparative Analysis: Select Committees vs. DRSCs
| Feature | Select Committee | Departmental Related Standing Committee (DRSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Ad-hoc, formed for specific bills | Permanent, for specific ministries |
| Scope | Examines specific legislation | Examines Demands for Grants, policy, administration |
| Membership | Nominated for each bill | MPs from both Houses, proportional to party strength |
| Duration | Dissolves after submitting report | Continues for the duration of the Lok Sabha |
Conclusion
Parliamentary Departmental Committees, particularly the DRSCs, represent a valuable mechanism for enhancing parliamentary oversight and accountability. While they have demonstrated strengths in detailed scrutiny and policy improvement, their effectiveness is constrained by factors such as lack of binding powers, political interference, and attendance issues. Strengthening these committees requires measures to ensure greater government responsiveness to their recommendations, improve MP attendance, provide adequate research support, and foster a more non-partisan environment. Ultimately, maximizing their potential is crucial for strengthening India’s parliamentary democracy and ensuring responsible governance.
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.