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Introduction

The Parliamentary Committee system is an essential mechanism in the legislative functioning of Indian democracy. It comprises various committees that are broadly categorized as Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, each playing a pivotal role in the detailed investigation and analysis of legislative proposals, budgets, and other government activities.

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Structure of the Parliamentary Committee System

• Standing Committees: These are permanent committees, set up each year to work continuously on the range of matters allocated to them. For instance, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reviews the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
• Ad Hoc Committees: Formed to address specific issues, these committees exist for a limited period. A recent example is the Joint Parliamentary Committee formed to scrutinize the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
• Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): These committees are tasked with scrutinizing the demands for grants of various ministries. They play a critical role in examining bills and government policies related to respective ministries.
• Financial Committees: Such as Estimates Committee and PAC, they delve deep into financial matters presenting detailed reports and helping in the effective oversight of government expenditure.

The Role of Financial Committees in the Institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament

• Scrutiny of Government Expenditure: Committees such as labour laws and land acquisition publicly play a crucial role in scrutinizing government expenditures. Eg: the PAC’s report on the 2G spectrum allocation brought significant irregularities to light, ensuring accountability.
• Expert Consultations: The financial committees frequently consult experts to deepen their understanding of intricate matters. Eg: during the formulation of the GST Bill, various economists and industry experts were consulted to ensure a comprehensive and feasible tax system.
• Cross-Party Deliberations: These platforms allow for cross-party deliberations, promoting a cooperative approach. The consensus-building during the discussions on the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha standing committee, where members from different parties came together, is a testament to this.
• Accountability and Transparency: The various reports presented by committees have facilitated accountability and transparency in governmental actions. Eg: the detailed report by the PAC on the controversial Rafale deal showcased the commitment to maintaining transparency.
• Focused Discussions: Committees enable focused discussions providing an avenue for detailed exploration of issues. The in-depth deliberations on the intricacies of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016) in the Joint Parliamentary Committee are an example of this.
• Feedback and Recommendations: They often incorporate feedback from various stakeholders in their recommendations, such as the inputs from various industry stakeholders during the deliberations on the Companies Amendment Bill, 2020.
• Policy Analysis: Committees such as the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) have offered nuanced insights on economic matters. Notably, it recommended several measures during the economic slowdown, helping steer policy directions to revive growth.

Conclusion

The Parliamentary Committee system remains a cornerstone in enhancing the efficiency, accountability, and inclusivity of the legislative process. However, it is imperative to address the existing challenges to further institutionalize their role. Implementing the suggested way forward would ensure a more robust, transparent, and accountable system that upholds the democratic ethos of the Indian Parliament.

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