Parliamentary Committees in India: Structure, Functions, and Importance

Introduction

The modern Legislature these days is over-burdened with the heavy volume of work with limited time at its disposal. It thus becomes impossible that every matter should be thoroughly and systematically scrutinized and considered on the floor of the House. It thus becomes impossible that every matter should be thoroughly and systematically scrutinized and considered on the floor of the House. In such a scenario, Parliamentary Committees play a vital role in the Parliamentary System. They are a vibrant link between the Parliament, the Executive, and the general public.

Parliamentary Committees in the Indian Legislature

• Constitution of India: Mention of these committees at different places, but without making any specific provisions regarding their composition, tenure, functions, etc. They are dealt by the Rules of two Houses.
• Importance of Committee: This has become all the more necessary as a Committee provides the expertise on a matter which is referred to it. 
• Constructive Atmosphere: In a Committee, the matter is deliberated at length, views are expressed freely, and the matter is considered in depth, in a business-like manner and in a calmer atmosphere. 
• Public Engagement: In the majority of committees, the public is involved either directly or indirectly through the submission of memoranda with suggestions, on-site studies, and oral testimonies. These contributions assist committees in reaching conclusions.

Criteria for Parliamentary Committee

• Appointed or elected by the house or nominated by speaker or chairman.
• Works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman.
• Presents its report to the house or to the speaker/chairman.
• Has a secretariat provided by Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha.

Consultative Committees, which also consist of members of Parliament, are not parliamentary committees as they do not fulfill the above four conditions.

Classification

Parliamentary committees are of two kinds:-

• Standing Committees: Permanent (constituted every year or periodically) , work on a continuous basis.
• Ad Hoc Committees: Temporary and cease to exist on completion of the task assigned to them.  These are of two types: Inquiry Committees and Advisory Committees.

Important Parliamentary Committees

Key Committees in the Indian Parliament: Roles, Composition, and Functions

Overview of Cabinet Committees in the Indian Government: Functions, Composition, and Significance

• Extra constitutional in emergence.
• The executive in India works under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961.
• These Rules emerge from Article 77(3) of the Constitution, which states: “The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministries of the said business.”
• Set up by the Prime Minister (PM); aims to reduce the workload of a cabinet; varies membership from 3-8; includes minister in charge; includes senior ministers; and takes decisions which are reviewed by a cabinet.
• Two types: Standing committee or  Permanent committee and Ad Hoc committee or temporary, for a special purpose.
• They are mostly headed by the Prime Minister. Sometimes other senior Cabinet ministers also act as their Chairman. But, in case the Prime Minister is a member of a committee, he/she invariably presides over it.

Important Cabinet Committees 

• Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs: Called the Super Cabinet, deals with all policy matters pertaining to foreign and domestic affairs.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs: directs and coordinates governmental activities on the economic sphere.
• Appointment Committee of Cabinet: Decides all higher-level appointments in the central secretariat, public enterprises banks and financial institutions.
• Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs: Looks after progress of government business in the Parliament
• Cabinet committee on investment and growth.
• Cabinet committee on employment and skill development.
• Cabinet Committee on Security.
• Cabinet Committee on Accommodation.

Conclusion

Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by thoroughly examining matters referred to them, deliberating on various viewpoints, and engaging the public to ensure informed decision-making. Their diverse functions contribute to the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of parliamentary proceedings, ultimately strengthening democratic governance.