Q.15 Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Departmentally related parliamentary standing committees (DRPSCs) play a crucial role in ensuring administrative accountability and transparency. These committees, established under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, provide a platform for detailed scrutiny of government policies and actions, thereby enhancing parliamentary control over the executive.

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Importance of DRPSCs:

• Expert Oversight: DRPSCs consist of members from both houses of Parliament, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives. They scrutinise bills, budgets, and policies, ensuring that administrative actions align with legislative intent.
• Enhanced Accountability: By calling for reports, summoning officials, and conducting detailed examinations, these committees hold the administration accountable for its actions.

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Examples of DRPSCs in Action:

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): The PAC's examination of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports has led to significant revelations, such as the 2G spectrum allocation case, highlighting administrative lapses and corruption.
• Committee on Estimates: This committee's review of the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) led to recommendations for better fund utilisation and transparency.

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Challenges in Functioning:

• Lack of Technical Expertise: Members may lack the specialised knowledge required to scrutinise complex technical issues, leading to superficial examinations.
• Political Differences: Partisan politics can hinder objective analysis and consensus-building within committees.

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Reasons Behind Challenges:

• Lack of Time: Members often juggle multiple responsibilities, limiting the time available for in-depth analysis.
• Political Differences: Divergent political ideologies can lead to conflicts, affecting the committee's effectiveness.

Conclusion

DRPSCs are vital for ensuring administrative accountability and transparency. However, challenges such as lack of technical expertise and political differences can impede their effectiveness. To address these issues, it is essential to provide specialised training for committee members and foster a non-partisan approach to deliberations. Additionally, increasing the time allocated for committee work can enhance the depth and quality of scrutiny.

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