Page 41 - Parliament of India

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
In India, as elsewhere, the work done by the Parliament is not only varied in
nature- but considerable in volume. The time at its disposal is limited. It cannot,
therefore, give close consideration to all the legislative and other matters that
come up before it. A good deal of its business is, therefore, transacted in the
Committees.
The Lok Sabha has a closely-knit structure of Committees. Their appoint­
ment, term of office, functions and main lines of procedure for conducting their
business, arc regulated under the provisions of the Rules and the Directions by
the Speaker issued under those Rules.
Broadly, these Committees are of two kinds—standing committees and
ad hoc committees. The former are elected or appointed every year or periodic­
ally and their work goes on more or less on a continuous basis. The latter are
appointed ad hoc as need arises, and they cease to exist, as and when they finish
the task assigned to them and have submitted their report.
Standing Committees : Among the standing committees, the three financial
Committees—Committees on Estimates, Public Accounts and Public Under­
takings'—constitute a distinct class and between them keep an unremitting vigil
over governmental spending and performance. The control exercised by these
Committees is of a continuous and thorough nature, employing every means of
gathering information e.g. through questionnaires, memoranda from representative
non-official organisations and knowledgeable individuals, on-the-spot studies of
organisations and oral examination of non-official and official witnesses. Together
they investigate a fairly large area of the multifarious activities of the Central
Government.
The Committees have adequate procedures to ensure that their recommenda­
tions are given due consideration by the Government. The progress in the
implementation of the recommendations as well as any unresolved differences
between the Committees and the Government are set out in 'Action Taken
Reports' which are presented to the House from time to time.

Other standing committees, divided in terms of their functions, arc :
(i) Committees to inquire :
(a) the Committee on Petitions examines petitions on Bills and on matters
of general public interest and also entertains representations on
matters concerning Central subjects; and
(b) the Committee of Privileges examines any question of privilege
referred to it by the House or the Speaker.
(ii) Committees to scrutinise :
(a) the Committee on Government Assurances keeps track of all the
assurances and undertakings given by the Government in the House
and pursues them till they are implemented; and

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