Parliamentary Committees - Overview, Structure, Properties & Uses

Parliamentary Committees

Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:46 PM IST

An integral component of Indian administration is the parliamentary committees. They aid the legislature in carrying out its mandate. They share the legislature's burden and are responsible for oversight, control, and vigilance. Additionally, India's parliamentary committees provide a deeper understanding of the topics under debate. Additionally, they offer in-depth examination and analysis. Parliamentary standing and ad hoc committees are the two categories of parliamentary committees. The Indian Constitution's Article 118 addresses any topic about these committees.

This Story also Contains

What are Parliamentary Committees?
Need for a Parliamentary Committee;
Evolution of Committees:
Types of Parliamentary Committees
What is the Role of Parliamentary Committees?
How has the Parliamentary Committees' Role Recently Declined?
Way Forward
Conclusion

Parliamentary Committees

What are Parliamentary Committees?

A Parliamentary Committee is made up of some MPs chosen by the Speaker/Chairman, appointed by the House, or elected by the House.
The Speaker or Chairperson presides over the committee's operations, and the committee reports to either the Speaker or the Chairperson.
The British Parliament is the original home of parliamentary committees.
They rely on Articles 105 and 118 for their authority.
MP privileges are covered under Article 105.
Article 118 grants the Parliament the power to enact laws governing its operations and economic dealings.

Need for a Parliamentary Committee;

To start legislative action, a bill is introduced in either house of parliament; however, because lawmaking is a complicated process, there is little time for in-depth debates in Parliament.
Furthermore, the division of politics and the disappearance of the middle ground have resulted in increasingly bitter and vacuous discussions in Parliament.
As a result of these problems, a significant portion of legislative work ultimately happens in the Parliamentary Committees.

Evolution of Committees:

The official committee structure was created in 1993, despite the fact that distinct committees had been formed ever since independence.
For instance, five of the several significant committees of the Constituent Assembly include
The Ad Hoc Committee on the Citizenship Clause was created to investigate the nature and scope of Indian citizenship.
The Northeast Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas Sub-Committee and the Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas (Other than Assam) Sub-Committee were two significant committees during independence.
The Expert Committee on Financial Provisions of the Union Constitution and the Advisory Committee on the Subject of Political Safeguards for Minorities were founded to offer recommendations on taxation and the removal of reservations for religious minorities, respectively.

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Types of Parliamentary Committees

The Indian Parliament comprises several kinds of committees. They can be distinguished based on their membership, contributions, and tenure duration. However, standing and ad hoc committees are the two main categories of parliamentary committees.

Standing Committees;

A standing committee in the Indian Parliament is made up of MPs, or members of parliament. It is a regular, permanent committee that is occasionally formed under parliamentary acts or the Rules of Procedure and Business Conduct. Open-ended standing committees were typically formed to handle specific procedural issues, such as appointing new members.

The Standing Committees operate constantly and are permanent, being created annually or regularly. It fits into the following six categories:

Financial Committees
Departmental Standing Committees
Committees to Enquire
Committees to Scrutinise and Control
Committees Relating to the Day-to-Day Business of the House
House-keeping committees or service committees

Ad Hoc Committees;

Often called a select committee, an ad hoc committee is a temporary group formed to do a specific task or deal with a problem. Simply put, ad hoc implies "as needed." Among the many services offered by ad hoc committees are the following: Fix problems.

Ad hoc Committees are established with a specific goal in mind, and they come to an end when their mandate is fulfilled and a report is submitted. They are further divided into investigation committees and advisory panels. The primary Ad Hoc Committees are the Select and Joint Committees on Bills.

What is the Role of Parliamentary Committees?

Provides Legislative Expertise: The majority of MPs lack expertise on the subjects under discussion. Committees within parliament are designed to assist members in obtaining knowledge and to provide them with time to consider matters in depth.
Acting as a Mini-Parliament; These committees operate as a mini parliament since members are chosen by a single transferable vote system in a percentage roughly equal to their power in the legislature.
The instrument for Detailed Scrutiny: Legislation that is sent to these committees is carefully examined, and public and other external stakeholders' input is solicited.
Provides a Check on the Government: Even while the committee's recommendations are not legally binding, they serve as a public record of the consultations that took place and put pressure on the government to reconsider its stance on problematic portions. Because committee meetings are private and hidden from the public eye, committee discussions tend to be more cooperative, and members of parliament are not under as much pressure to seem well to the media.

How has the Parliamentary Committees' Role Recently Declined?

Just fourteen bills have been referred for further review thus far in the 17th Lok Sabha.
PRS figures show that in the 15th and 14th Lok Sabhas, 71% and 60%, respectively, of the Bills presented were referred to committees, compared to barely 25% in the 16th Lok Sabha.

Way Forward

Increase legislative committees' resources, authority, and capacity to hold the executive branch responsible.
Promote more engagement from experts, stakeholders, and civil society in committee meetings to guarantee a range of viewpoints and well-informed decisions.
Make sure that committee meetings are open and accountable by recording and live broadcasting them, as well as by making the recommendations and reports accessible to the general public.
Cultivate a bipartisan consensus-building culture within committees to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are reflected and to develop a more effective and efficient legislative process.

Conclusion

The conversations above teach us about India's legislative committees. The committees in parliament are an essential component of government. The effort put into influencing governmental policies. They serve as a conduit between the populace and the government. Furthermore, it establishes the executive's accountability to the legislative. The information above informs us that there are two different kinds of parliamentary committees: ad hoc committees and standing committees. Additionally, these committees are divided into other categories. Thus, be aware of these sections and the topics that the Standing and Ad Hoc Committees are covering. It aids in your comprehension of India's legislative committees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the Parliamentary committees?

Examining the makeup and nature of the Committees appointed by the Federal and State Governments, as well as recommending which positions should disqualify an individual from being elected to or serving as a member of either House of Parliament, are the Committee's primary responsibilities.

2. Which committee in the Indian Parliament is the biggest?

Although the Committee was first established in the 1920s during the British Empire, it was not until 1950 that the first Estimates Committee of Independent India was established. In the Indian Parliament, it is the largest committee.

3. The Government Assurances Committee: What is it?

The Committee on Government Assurances is established by Rule 212 A of the Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

4. What is the name of a Parliamentary Committee that holds regular meetings?

Standing committees; A committee made up of members of parliament is known as a standing committee.

5. What are the types of parliamentary committees?

Parliamentary standing and ad hoc committees are the two categories of parliamentary committees.

6. How do Parliamentary Committees handle conflicts of interest among members?

Committees typically have procedures for managing conflicts of interest. Members are usually required to declare any relevant interests at the beginning of an inquiry or when a potential conflict arises. In some cases, members may recuse themselves from certain discussions or decisions. Transparency about potential conflicts is crucial for maintaining the integrity of committee work.

7. What is the significance of Parliamentary Committees in addressing environmental and climate change issues?

Parliamentary Committees increasingly play a crucial role in addressing environmental and climate change issues. They may conduct inquiries into environmental policies, examine the government's progress on climate change commitments, and consider the environmental impacts of various sectors. These committees often bring together scientific expertise and policy considerations to inform environmental decision-making.

8. How do Parliamentary Committees address cross-cutting issues that span multiple policy areas?

Cross-cutting issues often require collaboration between different committees or the formation of joint committees. Some parliaments have established cross-cutting committees specifically to deal with issues like sustainable development or technology that span traditional departmental boundaries. This approach helps ensure a more holistic examination of complex, interconnected policy challenges.

9. How do Parliamentary Committees address issues of technological change and innovation?

As technology rapidly evolves, many Parliamentary Committees are increasingly focusing on issues related to technological change and innovation. This may involve examining the societal impacts of new technologies, considering regulatory frameworks for emerging industries, or exploring how technology can enhance democratic processes. Committees often seek input from tech experts and innovators to inform their work in this area.

10. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to international parliamentary diplomacy?

Parliamentary Committees often engage in international parliamentary diplomacy through various means. This can include participating in international parliamentary assemblies, conducting joint inquiries with committees from other countries, or engaging in dialogue with parliamentarians from other nations. Such activities contribute to international understanding and cooperation on global issues.

11. Can Parliamentary Committees make binding decisions?

No, Parliamentary Committees cannot make binding decisions. They can only make recommendations to Parliament or the government. The power to make laws and final decisions remains with the full Parliament or the executive branch. However, committee recommendations often carry significant weight and can influence policy decisions.

12. What is the significance of committee reports in the legislative process?

Committee reports are important documents that summarize the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of a Parliamentary Committee's inquiry or investigation. These reports can influence the development of legislation, shape policy debates, and provide valuable insights for both Parliament and the public. While not binding, committee reports often carry significant weight in parliamentary deliberations.

13. How do Parliamentary Committees balance partisan interests with their scrutiny role?

While committee members are appointed by political parties, many committees strive to work in a non-partisan manner. This is achieved through consensus-building, focusing on evidence-based inquiry, and maintaining a professional approach to scrutiny. The committee structure often encourages MPs to put aside party differences and work collaboratively towards common goals.

14. What is the significance of cross-party consensus in Parliamentary Committee work?

Cross-party consensus in committee work is valuable as it can lead to more widely accepted recommendations and increase the likelihood of policy changes being implemented. When committees reach unanimous or cross-party agreement on issues, their reports tend to carry more weight with both the government and the public.

15. What is the relationship between Parliamentary Committees and government departments?

Parliamentary Committees often have a scrutiny role over specific government departments or policy areas. They can call ministers and senior civil servants to give evidence, examine departmental spending and performance, and investigate specific policy issues. This relationship is crucial for maintaining democratic oversight of the executive branch.

16. What is the significance of Parliamentary Committees in representing diverse societal interests?

Parliamentary Committees provide a forum for diverse societal interests to be heard and considered in the policy-making process. Through public consultations, evidence sessions, and site visits, committees can gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including minority groups, ensuring that diverse perspectives are reflected in their deliberations and recommendations.

17. What is the significance of Parliamentary Committees in constitutional reform processes?

In many jurisdictions, Parliamentary Committees play a key role in constitutional reform processes. They may conduct in-depth studies of proposed constitutional changes, gather expert and public input, and make recommendations to Parliament. This process helps ensure that constitutional reforms are thoroughly examined and debated before implementation.

18. How do Parliamentary Committees address long-term policy challenges?

Parliamentary Committees are well-positioned to address long-term policy challenges that may extend beyond electoral cycles. Through in-depth inquiries and ongoing scrutiny, committees can maintain focus on important issues over time, track progress, and provide continuity in policy development across different governments.

19. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in overseeing intelligence and security services?

Specialized Parliamentary Committees often have the responsibility of overseeing intelligence and security services. These committees typically operate with a high degree of confidentiality and have clearance to access classified information. Their role is crucial in ensuring democratic accountability in sensitive areas of national security while maintaining necessary secrecy.

20. What is the significance of Parliamentary Committees in addressing regional and devolved issues?

In countries with devolved or federal systems, Parliamentary Committees often play a role in examining issues related to regional governance and intergovernmental relations. They may investigate the effectiveness of devolution arrangements, consider the balance of powers between national and regional governments, and make recommendations for improving regional policy-making and implementation.

21. What is the difference between Standing Committees and Select Committees?

Standing Committees are permanent committees that deal with ongoing parliamentary business, such as examining bills. Select Committees are typically formed for a specific purpose or to investigate a particular issue, and they are usually temporary. Standing Committees are reconstituted each parliamentary session, while Select Committees dissolve once their task is complete.

22. How are members of Parliamentary Committees chosen?

Members of Parliamentary Committees are usually appointed by their political parties, with the composition of each committee roughly reflecting the overall party balance in Parliament. The selection process may consider factors such as MPs' expertise, interests, and experience. In some cases, committee chairs may be elected by the committee members or appointed by party leaders.

23. How do Parliamentary Committees interact with international organizations and other countries' parliaments?

Parliamentary Committees often engage in international cooperation, which can involve joint inquiries with committees from other countries, participation in international parliamentary assemblies, or examination of international treaties and agreements. This international dimension allows for sharing of best practices and consideration of global issues.

24. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in budget scrutiny?

Many Parliamentary Committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing government budgets and spending. This may involve examining departmental spending plans, investigating value for money in government programs, and reviewing the overall fiscal strategy. This financial scrutiny is a key aspect of parliamentary oversight of the executive.

25. What is the role of the committee chair in Parliamentary Committees?

The committee chair plays a crucial role in managing the committee's work. Responsibilities typically include setting the agenda, moderating discussions, ensuring fair and balanced proceedings, liaising with other committees and government departments, and representing the committee in public and media engagements. The chair's role is often seen as requiring impartiality and strong leadership skills.

26. How do Parliamentary Committees handle sensitive or classified information?

When dealing with sensitive or classified information, Parliamentary Committees may hold closed sessions or receive private briefings. Committee members are often bound by confidentiality rules. In some cases, redacted versions of sensitive evidence may be published. Balancing the need for transparency with national security concerns is an ongoing challenge for many committees.

27. How do Parliamentary Committees interact with the public?

Parliamentary Committees often engage with the public through various means. They may hold public hearings, invite written submissions from individuals and organizations, conduct site visits, and in some cases, use social media to gather public input. This engagement helps committees understand public perspectives and ensures that a wide range of voices are heard in the policy-making process.

28. What powers do Parliamentary Committees have to compel witnesses to appear?

In many parliamentary systems, committees have the power to summon witnesses and request documents. This is often referred to as the power to "send for persons, papers, and records." While the exact powers vary between jurisdictions, non-compliance with a committee summons can sometimes result in penalties for contempt of Parliament.

29. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to policy development?

Parliamentary Committees play a significant role in policy development by conducting in-depth inquiries into specific policy areas. They gather evidence from experts, stakeholders, and the public, analyze complex issues, and make recommendations for policy changes. This work can inform government decision-making and contribute to the development of new legislation or policy initiatives.

30. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to public understanding of complex issues?

Parliamentary Committees often tackle complex policy issues and produce detailed reports that can help educate the public. By holding public hearings, publishing evidence, and producing accessible summaries of their findings, committees play an important role in informing public debate and increasing understanding of complex political, social, and economic issues.

31. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to the scrutiny of delegated legislation?

Many Parliamentary Committees have a specific role in scrutinizing delegated legislation (also known as secondary legislation or statutory instruments). This involves examining regulations made under the authority of primary legislation to ensure they are within the powers granted by Parliament and meet intended policy objectives. This scrutiny is crucial for maintaining parliamentary oversight of executive rule-making.

32. What are Parliamentary Committees and why are they important?

Parliamentary Committees are specialized groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) that examine specific issues in detail. They are important because they allow for more in-depth scrutiny of legislation, government policies, and public expenditure than is possible in the main chambers of Parliament. Committees provide a forum for detailed examination of complex issues, expert testimony, and cross-party collaboration.

33. What is the role of expert witnesses in Parliamentary Committees?

Expert witnesses play a crucial role in providing specialized knowledge and insights to Parliamentary Committees. They are invited to give evidence on specific topics, helping committee members understand complex issues and gather information from various perspectives. This expert testimony informs the committee's deliberations and recommendations.

34. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to government accountability?

Parliamentary Committees enhance government accountability by scrutinizing government policies, expenditure, and administration. They can summon ministers and civil servants to give evidence, examine official documents, and investigate specific issues or concerns. This oversight function helps ensure that the government's actions are transparent and subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

35. How do Parliamentary Committees differ from the main chambers of Parliament?

Parliamentary Committees operate in a more informal and collaborative manner compared to the main chambers. They allow for detailed questioning, in-depth analysis, and often work away from the public spotlight. This enables MPs to work across party lines and engage in more substantive policy discussions than is typically possible in the more adversarial setting of the main chambers.

36. What is the purpose of pre-legislative scrutiny by Parliamentary Committees?

Pre-legislative scrutiny involves Parliamentary Committees examining draft bills before they are formally introduced in Parliament. This process allows for early input from stakeholders, helps identify potential issues or unintended consequences, and can improve the quality of legislation. It also provides an opportunity for cross-party consensus building on proposed laws.

37. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in post-legislative scrutiny?

Post-legislative scrutiny involves committees examining the implementation and effects of laws after they have been enacted. This process helps assess whether legislation is working as intended, identify any unintended consequences, and inform future policy-making. It's an important part of the legislative cycle that enhances accountability and policy effectiveness.

38. How do Parliamentary Committees balance the need for thorough inquiry with time constraints?

Balancing thoroughness with time efficiency is an ongoing challenge for committees. Strategies may include setting clear terms of reference, prioritizing key issues, using sub-committees or rapporteurs for specific aspects of an inquiry, and employing efficient evidence-gathering techniques. Effective time management is crucial to ensure committees can respond to urgent issues while also conducting in-depth investigations.

39. What is the significance of minority or dissenting reports in Parliamentary Committees?

Minority or dissenting reports allow committee members who disagree with the majority view to present alternative perspectives or recommendations. These reports ensure that diverse viewpoints are recorded and can inform parliamentary debates. They also provide transparency about the range of opinions within a committee on complex or contentious issues.

40. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to legislative amendment processes?

Parliamentary Committees often play a key role in the amendment of legislation. During the committee stage of a bill, members can propose and debate amendments in detail. Committees may also recommend amendments based on their inquiries or pre-legislative scrutiny. This process helps refine and improve legislation before it becomes law.

41. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in scrutinizing government appointments?

In many parliamentary systems, committees are involved in scrutinizing key government appointments. This may involve holding confirmation hearings for nominees to important public offices, examining their qualifications and suitability for the role. This process enhances transparency and accountability in public appointments.

42. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in treaty ratification processes?

In many countries, Parliamentary Committees play a crucial role in examining international treaties before ratification. This may involve scrutinizing the terms of the treaty, its potential impacts, and the government's negotiation process. Committee recommendations can influence whether a treaty is ratified and how it is implemented domestically.

43. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to evidence-based policy-making?

Parliamentary Committees contribute to evidence-based policy-making by gathering and analyzing a wide range of evidence from experts, stakeholders, and the public. They can commission research, evaluate existing policies, and make recommendations based on rigorous analysis. This evidence-based approach helps inform policy decisions and improve the quality of legislation.

44. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in emergency situations or crises?

During emergencies or crises, Parliamentary Committees can play a crucial role in providing rapid scrutiny of government actions, gathering information, and making recommendations for response strategies. They may hold emergency hearings, conduct swift inquiries, and provide a forum for expert input on urgent issues, helping to inform the overall parliamentary and governmental response.

45. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to the evaluation of government programs and policies?

Committees often conduct inquiries to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and value for money of government programs and policies. This may involve analyzing performance data, hearing from program beneficiaries and administrators, and comparing outcomes with stated objectives. Such evaluations can lead to recommendations for improving policy implementation or resource allocation.

46. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in promoting transparency and open government?

Parliamentary Committees play a significant role in promoting transparency and open government. They do this by holding public hearings, publishing evidence and reports, and making recommendations for improving government openness. Committees may also investigate issues related to freedom of information, data protection, and public access to government decision-making processes.

47. How do Parliamentary Committees address issues of equality and diversity?

Many Parliamentary Committees consider issues of equality and diversity either as a primary focus or as part of broader inquiries. This may involve examining the impact of policies on different demographic groups, investigating discrimination issues, or making recommendations for promoting equality. Committees often strive to hear from diverse voices in their evidence-gathering processes.

48. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to the scrutiny of public appointments?

In many parliamentary systems, committees are involved in scrutinizing key public appointments. This may involve holding pre-appointment hearings for nominees to important public offices, examining their qualifications and suitability for the role. While committees usually cannot veto appointments, their recommendations can significantly influence the appointment process and enhance its transparency.

49. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in examining government's long-term strategic planning?

Parliamentary Committees often examine the government's long-term strategic planning across various policy areas. This may involve scrutinizing long-term economic forecasts, infrastructure plans, or strategies for addressing demographic changes. By focusing on long-term issues, committees can help ensure that policy-making considers future challenges and opportunities beyond immediate political cycles.

50. How do Parliamentary Committees address issues of data privacy and digital rights?

As digital technologies become increasingly pervasive, many Parliamentary Committees are focusing on issues of data privacy and digital rights. This may involve examining proposed data protection legislation, investigating the use of personal data by government and private entities, and considering the balance between privacy rights and other interests such as national security or technological innovation.

51. What is the significance of Parliamentary Committees in scrutinizing international development and aid programs?

Parliamentary Committees often play a key role in scrutinizing international development and aid programs. This may involve examining the effectiveness of aid spending, investigating the impact of development projects, and considering the alignment of aid programs with broader foreign policy objectives. Such scrutiny helps ensure accountability in the use of public funds for international development.

52. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to the examination of trade agreements and economic partnerships?

Parliamentary Committees are often involved in examining proposed trade agreements and economic partnerships. This may include analyzing the potential economic impacts, considering the implications for different sectors of the economy, and examining the negotiation process. Committees may also scrutinize the implementation of existing trade agreements and their effects on the national economy.

53. What is the role of Parliamentary Committees in addressing issues of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure?

As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly critical issue, many Parliamentary Committees are focusing on this area. They may examine national cybersecurity strategies, investigate major cyber incidents, and consider the resilience of critical digital infrastructure. Committees often bring together technical experts, policy makers, and industry representatives to inform their work on these complex issues.

54. How do Parliamentary Committees contribute to the scrutiny of tax policies and revenue collection?

Parliamentary Committees often play a crucial role in scrutinizing tax policies and revenue collection processes