The Parliamentary Committee system in India is a crucial mechanism that enhances legislative efficiency and accountability. It comprises various committees, including financial committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, which play a pivotal role in scrutinizing government expenditures and policy implementation.

Q.16 Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far has the financial committee helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The concept of parliamentary committees in India has roots before independence. The Public Accounts Committee, a crucial financial oversight body, was established in April 1950. 

Body

Structure of Parliamentary committee system 

The Indian Parliament's committee system consists of two main categories- 

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Standing Committees - These are permanent committees reconstituted annually. There are six main types of standing committees, each with a specific function. 

•  Financial Committees – 

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - Examines government spending and reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). 
• Estimates Committee- Scrutinizes government budgets and suggests improvements for efficiency.
• Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) - Oversees the performance of government-controlled businesses.

• Departmental Standing Committees - Each committee focuses on a specific government ministry or department, monitoring its activities and policies.
• Committees to Inquire- Investigate specific issues and report their findings to the House.
• Committees to Scrutinize and Control - Examine delegated legislation and autonomous bodies.
• Committees Relating to the Day-to-Day Business of the House -  Address procedural matters and ensure smooth functioning of the Parliament.
• House-Keeping Committees - manage administrative aspects like staff, security, and infrastructure

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Ad-hoc Committees - These are temporary committees formed for specific purposes. 

• Select Committees - Scrutinise draft legislation (bills) in detail and recommend changes before they are presented to the full House.
• Joint Committees - Similar to Select Committees, but include members from both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) to examine bills concerning both houses. 

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How far have the financial committee helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament - 

• Enhanced Scrutiny (Ex-Ante & Ex-Post) - Financial Committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) conduct ex-post audits (reviewing past spending) and Estimates Committee performs ex-ante scrutiny (examining proposed expenditure), strengthening parliamentary oversight.
• Promoting Financial Prudence- Committees like the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) ensure efficient utilisation of resources in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), fostering fiscal responsibility.
• Strengthening Accountability- By scrutinising government spending, committees hold the executive accountable for financial management, promoting a culture of answerability.
• Improved Budgetary Control - Recommendations from the Estimates Committee on optimising public spending empower Parliament to influence budgetary allocations and resource prioritisation.
• Legislative Expertise Development -Committee work exposes MPs to complexities of public finance, fostering informed decision-making on budgetary matters.
• Committee System Legitimization - Effective functioning of financial committees strengthens Parliament's role as a legitimate check on the executive's financial powers.
• Transparency & Disclosure- Committee reports often highlight instances of wasteful expenditure, pressuring the government for greater transparency in financial management.
• Policy Influence Recommendations by committees can influence government policy by identifying areas for fiscal reform and improved resource allocation.
• Public Interest Safeguarding: Scrutiny by committees safeguards public interest by ensuring funds are spent efficiently and achieve intended objectives.
• Institutional Checks & Balances: Financial committees contribute to a robust system of checks and balances within the Indian parliamentary democracy.

Conclusion

The parliamentary committee system acts as the eyes and ears of Parliament, ensuring the government is held accountable for its financial management and implementation of policies. 

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