Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are a crucial component of the Indian parliamentary system, established in 1993 following recommendations from the Rules Committee. These committees provide a platform for detailed examination of bills, policies, and the functioning of various ministries. They represent a significant shift from the earlier system of Joint Committees, offering more specialized and continuous scrutiny. The core function of DRPSCs is to enhance parliamentary oversight and accountability, ensuring that the executive remains responsive to the legislature. The question at hand probes whether these committees effectively fulfill this role, acting as a check on administrative power and fostering respect for parliamentary authority.
Keeping the Administration on its Toes
DRPSCs demonstrably keep the administration on its toes through several mechanisms:
- Detailed Scrutiny of Legislation: DRPSCs meticulously examine bills clause by clause, inviting expert opinions and stakeholders. This process often leads to amendments and improvements in legislation. For example, the Standing Committee on Information Technology’s report on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, highlighted several concerns regarding data privacy and suggested significant revisions.
- Examination of Demands for Grants: They scrutinize the budgetary proposals of ministries, questioning officials on expenditure plans and performance. This compels ministries to justify their spending and improve efficiency. The committee reports often point out instances of wasteful expenditure or underutilization of funds.
- Review of Government Policies and Programmes: DRPSCs regularly review the implementation of government policies and programmes, assessing their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution System, for instance, has frequently reviewed the functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and suggested measures to address leakages and improve food security.
- Calling for Evidence and Witnesses: Committees have the power to summon officials, experts, and citizens to provide evidence and testimony. This ensures transparency and accountability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several DRPSCs summoned health officials to assess the government’s response and preparedness.
Inspiring Reverence for Parliamentary Control?
Whether DRPSCs inspire ‘reverence’ for parliamentary control is a more nuanced question. While they undoubtedly enhance oversight, their impact on fostering respect for parliamentary authority is debatable.
- Limited Binding Power: The recommendations of DRPSCs are not binding on the government. While governments often accept a significant portion of these recommendations, they are free to reject them. This diminishes the perceived authority of the committees.
- Executive Influence: Concerns exist regarding the influence of the executive branch on committee proceedings. The selection of committee members can sometimes be influenced by party considerations, potentially compromising the independence of the committee.
- Lack of Public Awareness: The proceedings of DRPSCs often receive limited media coverage and public attention. This reduces their ability to shape public opinion and reinforce the importance of parliamentary oversight.
- Attendance Issues: Irregular attendance of Members of Parliament (MPs) at committee meetings is a persistent problem, hindering effective deliberation and scrutiny. According to PRS Legislative Research data (as of 2022), average attendance rates in DRPSCs vary significantly, with some committees experiencing consistently low attendance.
Comparative Analysis: DRPSCs vs. Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs)
| Feature | Department-Related Standing Committees (DRPSCs) | Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Permanent, formed in 1993 | Ad-hoc, formed for specific bills or issues |
| Scope | Continuous scrutiny of ministry’s functioning | Specific bill or issue-based inquiry |
| Membership | MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, related to the ministry | MPs from both Houses, proportional representation |
| Impact | Continuous oversight, detailed scrutiny | High-profile, often politically charged |
Despite these limitations, DRPSCs play a vital role in strengthening parliamentary democracy. Their detailed scrutiny of legislation and policies contributes to better governance and accountability. However, enhancing their effectiveness requires addressing issues related to binding power, executive influence, public awareness, and MP attendance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committees do effectively keep the administration on its toes through detailed scrutiny and questioning. However, their ability to inspire ‘reverence’ for parliamentary control is limited by their non-binding recommendations, potential for executive influence, and lack of widespread public awareness. Strengthening these committees through measures like greater financial autonomy, increased public access to proceedings, and incentivizing MP participation would significantly enhance their effectiveness and reinforce the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
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.