In the Indian Parliament, standing committees play a vital role in ensuring effective governance and oversight. There are six types of standing committees, including financial, departmental, and housekeeping committees, which help in scrutinizing government actions and facilitating legislative work. These committees are typically made up of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, allowing for a collaborative approach to address various issues. By functioning independently, these committees enhance the accountability and transparency of the parliamentary system.
Overview of Standing Committees in the Indian Parliament
In the Indian Parliament, six types of standing committees are explicitly defined.
- These include financial committees, departmental standing committees, committees to inquire, committees to scrutinize and control, house-keeping, and service committees.
- Generally the Minister is not part of these committees. They are mentioned below:
1. Financial Committees
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Estimates Committee | 30 | Lok Sabha | Members of Lok Sabha elect through the proportional representation method by the Single Transferable Vote system every year. | The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from among the members of Lok Sabha only. |
| Public Accounts Committee | 22
(15 LS +7 RS) |
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | Members elected through the proportional representation method by the Single Transferable Vote system by each house every year. | The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from among the members of Lok Sabha only. |
| Committee on PSU | 22
(15 LS +7 RS) |
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | Members are elected through the proportional representation method by the Single Transferable Vote system by each house every year. | The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker from among the members of Lok Sabha only. |
2. Departmental Standing Committees
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Departmental Standing Committees
(24) |
31
(21 LS +10 RS) |
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | Members of Lok Sabha are Nominated by the Speaker whereas members of Rajya Sabha are nominated by the Chairman. | – |
3. Day-to-day Business of House
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Business advisory committee | 15 LS
11 RS |
Separate for both houses | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | The Chairman or the Speaker is an ex-officio Chairman. |
| Private members committee | 15 | Lok Sabha only. | The members are nominated by the Speaker. | The Deputy Speaker is the chairperson. |
| Committee on the absence of a member | 15 | Lok Sabha only. | The members are nominated by the Speaker. | – |
| Rules Committee | 15 LS
16 RS |
Separate for both houses. | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | The Speaker or the Chairman is the ex-officio Chairman. |
4. Committees to Scrutinize and Control
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Committee on Government Assurance | 15 LS
10 RS |
Separate for both houses. | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Committee on paper laid on the table | 15 LS
10 RS |
Separate for both houses | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Committee on subordinate legislation | 15 LS
15 RS |
Separate for both houses. | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Committee on Welfare of SC and ST | 30 (20 LS +10 RS) | Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Committee on empowerment of women | 30 (20 LS +10 RS) | Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker from amongst its Members. |
| A joint committee on offices of profit | 15 (10 LS +5 RS) | Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | – | – |
5. Committees To Inquire
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Committee on petitions | 15 LS
10 RS |
Separate for both houses | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Committee of Privileges | 15 LS
10 RS |
Separate for both houses | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
| Ethics committee | No fixed strength (currently 15 in LS and 13 in RS) | Separate for both houses. | The members are nominated by the Speaker or the Chairman. | – |
6. Housekeeping Committees And Service Committees
| Name of Committee | Strength | House | Membership | Chairman |
| Library committee | 9 (6 LS +3 RS) | Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | – | The Chairperson of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker from amongst members of the Committee; provided that the Deputy Speaker, in case is a member of the Committee, shall be appointed as Chairman of the Committee. |
| General purpose committee | Not fixed | Separate for both houses | The General Purposes Committee consists of the Chairman or Speaker, the Deputy Chairman or Deputy Speaker, members of the panel of Vice-Chairmen, Chairmen of all parliamentary standing committees of Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha, leaders of recognised parties and groups in Rajya Sabha or lok Sabha and such other members as may be nominated by the Chairman or Speaker. | Speaker and Chairman are the ex-officio Chairman. |
| The joint committee on salaries and allowances of members | 15 (10 LS +5 RS) | Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | – | – |
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Conclusion
In conclusion, standing committees are essential for the functioning of the Indian Parliament, as they provide a platform for in-depth examination of policies and legislation.
- They enable parliamentarians to work together, fostering a collaborative environment that ultimately leads to better governance.
- Despite facing challenges, the continued strengthening of these committees can enhance their effectiveness and contribute significantly to India’s democratic process.
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