About
Parliamentary Committees are small groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) constituted by the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or both Houses to examine specific subjects in detail and assist Parliament in performing its legislative, financial, and oversight functions.
They function as the "mini-Parliament" because they conduct detailed scrutiny that is often not possible during debates in the House due to time constraints.
A Parliamentary Committee is a committee of Members of Parliament constituted by the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, or appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, to perform specific functions entrusted by Parliament.
These committees:
- Function under the overall supervision and guidance of the respective Presiding Officer.
- Submit their findings, observations and recommendations to the concerned House or the Speaker/Chairman.
- Receive procedural, research and administrative assistance from the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
Such committees are mentioned in the Constitution of India in various contexts, yet there are no provisions regarding their constitution, tenure, or functions.
Their establishment is based on:
- Article 105 – Parliamentary privileges.
- Article 118 – Each House may make rules regulating its procedure.
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Directions of the Speaker and Chairman.
Need for Parliamentary Committees
- Parliament functions for a limited number of days each year, restricting detailed examination of all legislative and policy matters.
- Increasingly technical and specialized legislation requires expert-level scrutiny beyond debates in the House.
- Detailed examination of Demands for Grants and government expenditure is difficult during the Budget Session alone.
- Committees facilitate consensus-building through non-partisan and constructive deliberations.
- They provide opportunities for stakeholder consultations, thereby strengthening participatory democracy.
- By closely examining government actions, committees enhance transparency, accountability and legislative efficiency.
Classification of Parliamentary Committees
1. Standing Committees (Permanent Committees)
2. Ad Hoc Committees (Temporary Committees)
Types of Standing Committees
1. Financial Committees
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
- Estimates Committee
- Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)
2. Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
Examine:
- Demands for Grants
- Bills referred by Speaker/Chairman
- Annual Reports
- Long-term policy documents
3. House Committees
- Committee on Absence of Members
- Business Advisory Committee
- Rules Committee
- Committee on Private Members' Bills
- General Purposes Committee
- House Committee
4. Inquiry Committees
- Committee of Privileges
- Committee on Petitions
- Committee on Ethics
5. Scrutiny Committees
- Committee on Government Assurances
- Committee on Subordinate Legislation
- Committee on Papers Laid on the Table
6. Service Committees
- Library Committee
- Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs
- Committee on Empowerment of Women
- Committee on Welfare of OBCs
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
About
- The Public Accounts Committee examines the appropriation accounts, finance accounts, and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports to ensure that public money has been spent according to Parliament's approval.
- It is known as the "Guardian of Public Expenditure."
- The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Since 1967, the Chairperson of the PAC has conventionally been chosen from the Opposition.
Composition
| Composition | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | 22 (15 from Lok Sabha + 7 from Rajya Sabha) |
| Eligibility & Term | Ministers are not eligible to become members; the committee has a term of one year. |
Functions
- Examines CAG reports.
- Scrutinizes appropriation accounts.
- Examines finance accounts.
- Examines excess expenditure.
- Calls officials for evidence.
- Suggests improvements in financial administration.
Limitations
- Cannot question government policy.
- Cannot interfere in day-to-day administration.
- Recommendations are advisory.
- Examines expenditure after it has occurred.
Estimates Committee
About
- The Estimates Committee examines whether estimates included in the budget are properly prepared and suggests economies in public expenditure.
- It is known as the "Continuous Economy Committee."
- Chairperson is Appointed by the Speaker.
Composition
| Composition | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | 30, all drawn from the Lok Sabha; the Rajya Sabha has no representation. |
| Eligibility & Term | Ministers are not eligible to be members; the committee has a term of one year. |
Functions
- Suggests economies.
- Recommends efficiency measures.
- Suggests administrative reforms.
- Reviews budget estimates.
- Examines whether money is well utilized.
- Suggests alternative policies.
- Improves organizational efficiency.
Limitations
- Does not examine CAG reports.
- Does not examine expenditure already incurred.
- Cannot question policy decisions.
Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)
About: Examines the working of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Chairperson is Appointed by the Speaker.
Composition
| Composition | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | 22, comprising 15 members from the Lok Sabha and 7 members from the Rajya Sabha. |
| Eligibility & Term | Ministers are not eligible to be members; the committee has a term of one year. |
Functions
- Examines CAG reports relating to PSUs.
- Reviews efficiency.
- Examines autonomy.
- Reviews financial performance.
- Examines commercial practices.
Limitations
- Cannot interfere in commercial decisions.
- Does not examine statutory corporations not referred to it.
- Recommendations are advisory.
Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
About
Department-related Standing Committees were established in 1993 to strengthen legislative oversight over ministries.
At present, there are 24 DRSCs.
- 16 functions under the Lok Sabha.
- 8 functions under the Rajya Sabha.
Each committee is attached to one or more Ministries/Departments.
| Composition | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Members | 31, comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha. |
| Eligibility & Term | Ministers are not eligible to be members; the committee has a term of one year. |
Inquiry Committees of Parliament
| Committee | Composition | Chairperson | Major Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Committee on Petitions | Lok Sabha: 15 Members Rajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Examines petitions submitted by citizens on Bills, public grievances and matters of general public interest, and recommends appropriate action. |
| Committee of Privileges | Lok Sabha: 15 Members Rajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Investigates cases involving breach of parliamentary privileges or contempt of the House and submits recommendations. |
| Committee on Ethics | Lok Sabha: 15 Members Rajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Monitors the ethical conduct of Members of Parliament, examines complaints of unethical behaviour and recommends disciplinary measures where necessary. |
Committees on Scrutiny and Control
| Committee | Composition | Chairperson | Major Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Committee on Government Assurances | Lok Sabha: 15 MembersRajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Examines the implementation of assurances, promises and undertakings given by Ministers on the floor of the House. |
| Committee on Subordinate Legislation | Lok Sabha: 15 MembersRajya Sabha: 15 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Scrutinizes delegated legislation to ensure it conforms to the parent Act and does not exceed delegated powers. |
| Committee on Papers Laid on the Table | Lok Sabha: 15 MembersRajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Examines whether papers and statutory reports are laid before Parliament in accordance with legal and procedural requirements. |
| Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes | 30 Members (20 Lok Sabha + 10 Rajya Sabha) | Appointed by the Speaker | Reviews the implementation of constitutional safeguards and welfare measures for SCs and STs. |
| Committee on Empowerment of Women | 30 Members (20 Lok Sabha + 10 Rajya Sabha) | Appointed by the Speaker | Examines policies and programmes relating to the empowerment and welfare of women. |
| Joint Committee on Offices of Profit | 15 Members (10 Lok Sabha + 5 Rajya Sabha) | Appointed by the Speaker | Examines whether any office held by Members of Parliament should be treated as an office of profit that may attract disqualification under the Constitution. |
Committees Related to the Day-to-Day Business of the House
| Committee | Composition | Chairperson | Major Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Advisory Committee (BAC) | Lok Sabha: 15 Members Rajya Sabha: 10 Members | Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) (Ex-officio) | Recommends the allocation of time for Government and other business and prepares the programme of House proceedings. |
| Committee on Private Members' Bills and Resolutions (Lok Sabha only) | 15 Members (Lok Sabha only) | Appointed by the Speaker | Examines Private Members' Bills and Resolutions, classifies Bills, and recommends the time to be allotted for their discussion. |
| Rules Committee | Lok Sabha: 15 Members Rajya Sabha: 16 Members | Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) (Ex-officio) | Considers amendments to the Rules of Procedure and recommends changes for the efficient functioning of the House. |
| Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House (Lok Sabha only) | 15 Members (Lok Sabha only) | Appointed by the Speaker | Examines applications for leave of absence from House sittings and reports cases of prolonged absence without permission. |
House-Keeping Committees of Parliament
| Committee | Composition | Chairperson | Major Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Purposes Committee | Constituted by the Presiding Officer; includes the Deputy Presiding Officer, Panel of Chairpersons, Chairpersons of major Committees, leaders of parties/groups and other nominated members. | Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) (Ex-officio) | Advises the Presiding Officer on matters concerning the internal administration and general functioning of the House. |
| House Committee | Lok Sabha: 12 Members Rajya Sabha: 10 Members | Appointed by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) / Chairman (Rajya Sabha) | Looks after residential accommodation and other housing-related facilities for Members of Parliament. |
| Library Committee | 9 Members (6 Lok Sabha + 3 Rajya Sabha) | Appointed by the Speaker | Supervises the Parliament Library and advises on improving library, reference and information services for MPs. |
| Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament | 15 Members (10 Lok Sabha + 5 Rajya Sabha) | Appointed by the Speaker | Examines matters relating to the salaries, allowances, pension and other facilities provided to Members of Parliament. |
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)
About
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is an ad hoc (temporary) committee constituted by Parliament to examine a specific Bill, issue, policy, financial irregularity, scam, or matter of national importance. It consists of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, enabling a comprehensive parliamentary investigation.
Unlike Standing Committees, a JPC is constituted only when the need arises and ceases to exist after submitting its report.
Constitutional Status
- The Constitution does not specifically mention the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
- It is constituted under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- It is an ad hoc parliamentary committee.
How is a JPC Constituted?
A JPC is constituted through the following process:
- A motion is moved in either House of Parliament.
- The motion must be approved by both Houses.
- The composition of the committee is specified in the motion.
- Members are nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairperson, who is generally from the Lok Sabha.
Note: It is not a judicial body. It cannot punish individuals. Its recommendations are not legally binding on the Government.
Major Joint Parliamentary Committees in India
| Year | Issue | Chairperson | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Bofors Gun Deal | B. Shankaranand | Investigated allegations in the Bofors defence procurement. |
| 1992 | Securities Scam (Harshad Mehta Scam) | Ram Niwas Mirdha | Recommended reforms in the banking and securities markets. |
| 2001 | Stock Market Scam (Ketan Parekh Scam) | Prakash Mani Tripathi | Suggested stronger regulation of stock exchanges and financial institutions. |
| 2003 | Pesticide Residues in Soft Drinks | Sharad Pawar | Recommended stricter food safety standards and testing mechanisms. |
| 2011 | 2G Spectrum Allocation | P. C. Chacko | Examined allocation of telecom spectrum and recommended policy improvements. |
| 2021 | Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 | P. P. Chaudhary | Submitted a comprehensive report recommending several changes; the Bill was later withdrawn and replaced by new legislation. |
FAQs
Q1. What are Parliamentary Committees?
Parliamentary Committees are small groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) constituted by the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or both Houses to examine legislative, financial, administrative, and policy matters in detail and assist Parliament in performing its functions.
2. Why are Parliamentary Committees called the "Mini Parliament"?
They are called the Mini Parliament because they conduct detailed scrutiny of Bills, budgets, policies, and government functioning that is not possible during regular parliamentary debates due to time constraints.
Q3. Are Parliamentary Committees constitutional bodies?
No. Parliamentary Committees are not constitutional bodies. They are constituted under Article 118 of the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of both Houses of Parliament.
Q4. What are the two broad categories of Parliamentary Committees?
Parliamentary Committees are classified into:
- Standing Committees (Permanent)
- Ad Hoc Committees (Temporary)
Q5. Is the report of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) legally binding on the Government?
Answer: No. The recommendations of a JPC are advisory in nature and are not legally binding. However, they carry significant persuasive value and often influence government policy, administrative reforms and future legislation.
Q6. What is the difference between a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and a Joint Committee on a Bill?
Answer: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is constituted to investigate a specific issue, scam or matter of national importance, whereas a Joint Committee on a Bill is constituted solely to examine the provisions of a particular Bill and recommend amendments before its consideration by Parliament.
