Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister highlighted the role of OAMS in managing Government Assurances.

About Government Assurance

• “Government Assurances” refers to Promises, undertakings, or other commitments made by Ministers on the floor of the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). 
• Reasons for Giving Assurances:  Ministers provide assurances when information is unavailable at that moment to answer queries raised by MPs.
• Timeframe for Implementation:  Assurances must be fulfilled within 3 months from the date they are made.
  • If more time is needed the concerned Ministry can seek an extension from the Committee on Government Assurances (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha).
  • If fulfillment is not feasible:  Ministry can request deletion/dropping of an assurance with the Minister’s approval.
• Under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 → One of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs key responsibilities is the implementation of assurances made by Ministers in Parliament.
• Ministry performs this function through three key actions:
  • Culling out assurances from parliamentary debates.
  • Monitoring the status of their fulfillment.
  • Laying implementation reports before the Parliament.

About Online Assurances Monitoring System (OAMS)

• It is a digital platform for ensuring that assurances made by Ministers in Parliament are systematically tracked, monitored, and fulfilled. 
• It will enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the parliamentary process.
• Implemented by:  Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA)
• Key Features of OAMS
  • Centralized Recordkeeping: All assurances are stored in a single digital repository → Reduces the risk of losing track of commitments.
  • Automated Notifications:  Sends timely alerts to concerned Ministries/Departments for pending assurances ensures adherence to deadlines.
  • Real-Time Updates:  Ministries and departments can log progress updates directly into the system and  ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Integration with the Standing Committee on Government Assurances:  The Committee can monitor assurance progress in real-time and helps hold Ministries accountable for timely implementation.
  • Transparent Monitoring:  Members of Parliament (MPs) and stakeholders can view the status of assurances and make Ministers’ commitments publicly accountable.
• Categorization of Assurances
• • Pending: Assurances still in progress.
  • Implemented:  Assurances that have been fulfilled.
  • Dropped:  Assurances that are no longer actionable (with documented reasons).