Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Parliamentary control over expenditure is a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring accountability and responsible financial management. In India, Article 112 of the Constitution deals with the Annual Financial Statement (Budget). While budgetary approval is a primary form of control, the process of questioning by Parliamentarians represents a powerful, continuous, and dynamic technique for overseeing how public funds are utilized. This scrutiny extends beyond mere budgetary allocations to encompass the efficiency, effectiveness, and propriety of government spending, fostering transparency and preventing misuse of resources.
Parliamentary Control & The Role of Questions
Parliamentary control over expenditure isn't limited to approving the budget; it extends to monitoring its implementation. Questions raised by MPs serve as a vital instrument in this process. They allow Parliamentarians to seek information, clarify ambiguities, and hold the executive accountable for its financial decisions.
Types of Questions & Their Impact
- Starred Questions: These are questions listed for oral answer and are followed by supplementary questions. They attract significant attention and allow for detailed scrutiny.
- Unstarred Questions: These are questions answered in writing. While less dramatic than starred questions, they provide a valuable record of information sought and responses provided.
- Short Notice Questions: These are questions relating to a matter of urgent public importance and are admitted with special permission. They allow for immediate accountability.
The ‘Question Hour’ is specifically dedicated to oral questioning, and it is often considered the most important hour of parliamentary proceedings. Ministers are expected to provide comprehensive and truthful answers, and the opposition uses this opportunity to highlight government failures and demand explanations.
Mechanisms Beyond Direct Questions
Beyond direct questions, parliamentary committees play a crucial role in expenditure control. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), for example, examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and makes recommendations regarding financial irregularities. The Estimates Committee scrutinizes budget estimates before they are voted upon. These committees rely heavily on information obtained through questioning and evidence gathering.
Examples of Impactful Questioning
In 2010, questions raised in Parliament regarding the alleged irregularities in the 2G spectrum allocation led to a massive scandal and a Supreme Court intervention. Similarly, questioning surrounding the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010 revealed widespread corruption and mismanagement. These instances demonstrate how parliamentary questions can expose wrongdoing and trigger investigations.
Constitutional Provisions & Related Articles
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| 112 | Annual Financial Statement (Budget) |
| 113 | Demand for Grants |
| 148 | Parliament’s power to regulate procedure for financial business |
The effectiveness of questioning also depends on the quality of responses provided by the government. Delays, evasiveness, or misleading information can undermine parliamentary control. The presence of a strong opposition and an active media further enhance the impact of questioning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, questions represent a potent instrument of parliamentary control over expenditure. They facilitate transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management by enabling MPs to scrutinize government spending, expose irregularities, and demand explanations. While budgetary approval is essential, the continuous process of questioning ensures that the executive remains accountable for its financial decisions and that public funds are utilized effectively and efficiently. Strengthening parliamentary committees and ensuring timely and truthful responses to questions are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of this control mechanism.
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.