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.

Introduction

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs) are specialized committees of the Indian Parliament, established in 1993, to ensure detailed scrutiny of policies, bills, and budgets. They act as a bridge between the legislature and executive, fostering accountability and transparency. As per Article 75 of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Parliament, and DRSCs play a pivotal role in enforcing this responsibility.

Value Addition Block — Key Features of DRSCs

Role of DRSCs in Keeping the Administration Accountable

• Detailed Scrutiny of Bills and Policies

  • DRSCs examine bills referred to them in detail, which is often not possible in the Parliament due to time constraints.
  • Example: The Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, was significantly improved after recommendations by the DRSC on Food, Consumer Affairs, and Public Distribution.

• Budgetary Oversight

  • Committees analyze the budgetary allocations and performance of ministries, ensuring efficient use of public funds.
  • Example: The DRSC on Defence highlighted the underutilization of funds in capital expenditure, prompting corrective measures.

• Non-partisan Functioning

  • DRSCs work in a consensus-driven manner, reducing political bias and enabling constructive criticism.
  • Example: The DRSC on Health and Family Welfare provided unanimous recommendations on improving COVID-19 management in 2020.

• Expert Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Committees consult experts, stakeholders, and civil society, ensuring informed decision-making.
  • Example: The DRSC on IT engaged with tech experts to address concerns over the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.

• Monitoring Implementation of Policies

  • DRSCs review the implementation of government schemes and policies, ensuring accountability.
  • Example: The DRSC on Rural Development flagged delays in MGNREGA wage payments, leading to expedited action.

Challenges in the Functioning of DRSCs

• Non-binding Nature of Recommendations

  • The government is not obligated to accept DRSC recommendations, reducing their impact.
  • Example: The DRSC on Labour suggested reforms in the Code on Wages, but many were not incorporated.

• Limited Time and Resources

  • Committees often face time constraints and lack adequate research support.
  • Example: The DRSC on Finance had limited time to scrutinize the Union Budget 2023-24 comprehensively.

• Low Public Awareness

  • The work of DRSCs is not widely publicized, reducing public pressure on the government to act on their recommendations.

• Partisan Influence

  • Despite being consensus-driven, political considerations sometimes dilute the effectiveness of DRSCs.

• Non-referral of Bills

  • Many bills are passed without being referred to DRSCs, undermining their role.
  • Example: The Farm Laws, 2020, were not referred to any DRSC, leading to widespread criticism.

Way Forward

• Mandatory Referral of Bills

  • All major bills should be referred to DRSCs for detailed scrutiny.

• Strengthening Research Support

  • Committees should be provided with dedicated research staff and resources.

• Publicizing Committee Reports

  • Wider dissemination of DRSC reports can enhance public awareness and pressure on the government.

• Capacity Building for Members

  • Regular training programs for committee members can improve their effectiveness.

• Making Recommendations Binding

  • While maintaining the separation of powers, a mechanism to ensure greater compliance with DRSC recommendations can be explored.

Conclusion

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees are indispensable pillars of parliamentary democracy, ensuring executive accountability and fostering deliberative governance. While they have significantly enhanced the quality of legislative oversight, addressing their challenges can further empower them to keep the administration on its toes and inspire greater reverence for parliamentary control. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar aptly said, "The Parliament must be a deliberative body par excellence," and DRSCs are vital to achieving this vision.