• A Parliamentary Committee is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman.
• The committee works under thedirection of the Speaker/chairman and it presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/chairman.
• Parliamentary Committees have their origins in the British Parliament.
• They draw their authority fromArticle 105 and Article 118.
  • Article 105 deals with the privileges of MPs.
  • Article 118 gives Parliament authority to make rules to regulate its procedure and conduct of business.

Significance of Parliamentary Committees

• Provides Legislative Expertise:
  • Most MPs are not subject matter experts on the topics being discussed — they are generalists who understand the pulse of the people but rely on advice from experts and stakeholders before making decisions.
• Parliamentary committees are meant to help MPs seek expertiseand give them time to think about issues in detail.
• Acting as a Mini-Parliament:
  • These committees act as a mini-parliament, as they have MPs representing different parties are elected into themthrough a system of the single transferable vote, in roughly the same proportion as their strength in Parliament.
• Instrument for Detailed Scrutiny:
  • When bills are referred to these committees,they are examined closely and inputs are sought from various external stakeholders, including the public.
• Provides a Check on the Government:
  • Although committee recommendations arenot binding on the government, their reports create a public record of the consultations that took place and put pressure on the government to reconsider its stand on debatable provisions.
  • By virtue of being closed-door and away from the public eye, discussions in committee meetings are also more collaborative, with MPs feeling less pressured to posture for media galleries.

Challenges faced by parliamentary committees

1. Poor referral rate: As per data from PRS in the 17th Lok Sabha, only 14 Bills have been referred for further examination so far. Similarly around 25% of the Bills introduced were referred to committees in the 16th Lok Sabha, as compared to 71% and 60% in the 15th and 14th Lok Sabha respectively.
2. Recommendatory nature: Parliamentary committees in India do not have adequate powers to enforce their recommendations. The committees can only make recommendations to the parliament, and it is up to the government to act upon them.
3. Shortage of time and resources to undertake comprehensive studies. As a result, committees may not be able to conduct an in-depth analysis of issues, and their recommendations may not be based on solid evidence.
4. Lack of expertise: Parliamentary committees in India are comprised of MPs who may not have the required expertise to examine technical and specialized issues.
5. Partisan allegations: The composition of parliamentary committees reflects the political representation of the parliament, which means that members may approach issues from a partisan perspective.

Tackling these challenges

1. Adopting USA Model: In the US, committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing bills post-introduction, allowing changes to be made before the modified bill goes for voting.
2. Establishing New Committees: Given the increasing complexity in matters of economy and technological advancement there is a need for setting up new parliamentary committees. For instance, a Standing Committee on National Economy can provide analysis of the national economy with resources for advisory expertise, data gathering, and research facilities. A Standing Committee on Legislation can oversee and coordinate legislative planning.
3. Compulsory Referral: The Parliament could consider compulsory referral, for the Bills that are tabled on the floor, to the appropriate committees. Arming them with more powers will help them ensure accountability from the executive instead of making them toothless tigers.
4. Pre-emptive scrutiny: Standing Constitution Committee to scrutinise Constitutional Amendment Bills before they are introduced in Parliament.
5. Greater Weightage to Public Account Committee: The recommendations of the PAC should be accorded greater weight and they must be treated as the “conscience-keepers of the nation in financial matters.”
6. Periodic Review: According to the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC), DRSCs (Department-Related Standing Committees) should be periodically reviewed so that the committees which have outlived their utility can be replaced with new ones.

Through their expertise and oversight, these committees help to strengthen the democratic spirit and promote transparency and accountability in the legislative process. Parliamentary committees continue to be empowered and supported so that they can carry out their responsibilities effectively and ensure that the laws passed to serve the best interests of the Indian democracy.