Q.16 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. GS-II: POLITY (UPSC CSE 2021)

Answer:

INTRODUCTION:

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs) consist of 31 members: 10 nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and 21 nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Members hold offices for a term not exceeding one year. There are 24 DRSCs—8 under Rajya Sabha and 16 under Lok Sabha.

BODY:

Purpose and Functions:

• • Examine the activities undertaken by various ministries and departments of the Government of India.
  • Consider and report on the Demands for Grants of related ministries/departments.
  • Examine bills about the concerned ministries/departments referred to the committee.
  • Consider the annual reports of ministries/departments and report on them.

Significance and impact:

• • Time Management: Parliament has limited time during sessions to debate each Bill extensively. DRSCs alleviate this pressure by conducting detailed examinations outside the House, ensuring that crucial legislative work is not rushed.
  • Checks and Balances: DRSCs embody the fundamental checks and balances principle of democracy.
  • Detailed Scrutiny: DRPSCs conduct in-depth examinations of government policies, budgets, and legislation. Scrutiny keeps ministries and departments alert and responsive. The DRSC on Home Affairs reviewed the three criminal law reform bills, suggesting over 100 changes to enhance effectiveness and protect individual rights.
  • Policy Evaluation and Recommendations: These committees review existing policies and programs, providing valuable recommendations. The DRSC on Communications and Information Technology examined India’s 5G readiness, recommending measures to accelerate deployment and address spectrum allocation issues.
  • Budget Analysis: DRSCs play a crucial role in examining ministry budgets and demands for grants. The DRSC on Defense recently analyzed the defense budget, highlighting concerns about inadequate allocations and recommending increased spending on modernization.
  • Nonpartisan Collaboration: These committees often foster cooperation across party lines on important issues. The DRSC on External Affairs has consistently produced unanimous reports on India’s foreign policy challenges, demonstrating bipartisan consensus on key strategic issues.
  • Accountability Mechanism: DRSCs help hold executives accountable through regular reviews and reports. The DRSC on Health and Family Welfare’s scrutiny of the government’s COVID-19 response improved vaccine distribution and pricing transparency.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Committees engage with various stakeholders, bringing diverse perspectives into policymaking. The DRSC on Commerce consulted industry representatives and experts while examining e-commerce regulations, leading to more balanced policy recommendations.

Challenges:

• • The reports and recommendations of DRPSCs are advisory and not binding on the government.
  • The one-year term for committee members is often inadequate for developing expertise and conducting long-term oversight.
  • Members may not always prioritize committee meetings, leading to quorum issues and reduced effectiveness.

Way Forward:

• • Publish minutes of committee meetings to increase transparency.
  • Encourage more excellent attendance of MPs at committee meetings.
  • While keeping recommendations non-binding, create mechanisms to ensure they receive serious consideration from the government.
  • Change the rules governing DRSCs to extend their tenure to two This is being considered by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to give panels more time to work on selected subjects.
  • Provide mechanisms for committees to continue working on ongoing subjects even after their official term ends, until new committees are constituted.

CONCLUSION:

Their reports have led to many policy improvements and better governance practices. However, their effectiveness could be improved by addressing the challenges, extending member tenures, ensuring a timely constitution, and providing better resources.