‘Parliament through committees means parliament at work’ – Woodrow Wilson
About:
A parliamentary committee is a committee of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected or appointed by the members or nominated by the Speaker or Chairman. Two types:
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- Standing committees- permanent committees constituted to deal with specific areas of public policy or administration.
- Ad hoc committees– temporary committees constituted for a specific purpose and limited period of time.
Rationale:
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- Parliamentarians considered laymen.
- Law-making demands expertise.
- Parliamentarians have scarcity of time.
- Parliament not always in session.
Role:
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- Provide legislative expertise and detailed scrutiny to the bills
- Check on the power of the executive.
- Act as mini parliament for building consensus through closed-door meetings.
- Facilitate detailed discussion
- Strengthening of laws by suggesting amendments
Characteristics:
