Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (UPSC IAS Mains 2018 General Studies Paper – 2)
The functions of Parliament are varied, complex and voluminous. It has neither time nor expertise to control to make a detailed scrutiny of all legislative measures and other matters. Therefore, it is assisted by a number of committees in discharge of its duties. These committees fulfil several objectives:
- These help Parliament in managing its business in a better way. It is easier to examine a topic in depth by a committee of 30 than by an assembly of 700.
- These enable inputs from experts and also directly from people. For example, the Departmental Standing Committees often invite comments from the public and call people to testify.
- A related advantage in the Indian context is that the anti-defection law does not apply to committees — therefore, decisions are not usually made on party lines.
- These committees allow members to focus on some specific areas and build their expertise, which helps them scrutinise issues more thoroughly.
- These keep an unremitting vigil over Government expenditure and performance. For e.g. Public Accounts Committee.
Role of the Estimates Committee
Estimates Committee compromises of 30 members solely from Lok Sabha. Its main agenda is to examine the estimates included in the budget and suggest economies in public expenditure. It suggests alternative policies in order to bring about the efficiency and economy in administration. It brings to the notice of the Parliament, the ineffectiveness of the policy and need for changes in policy.
However, the effectiveness of the role of the committee is limited by the followings-
- It cannot question the policy laid down by the Parliament.
- It examines the budget estimates only alter they have been voted by the Parliament, and not before that.
- Its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the ministries.
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