Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committee helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament.
Introduction
Parliamentary Committees act as 'mini-parliaments' for detailed scrutiny, expert input, and executive accountability. The system comprises Standing (permanent, like Financial Committees) and Ad hoc (temporary) committees, ensuring specialized oversight.
Key Financial Committees
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Scrutinizes appropriation accounts and CAG reports, ensuring financial propriety post-expenditure.
- Estimates Committee: Examines budget estimates, suggests economies, and alternative policies.
- Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU): Reviews efficiency and autonomy of Public Sector Undertakings.
Contribution to Institutionalisation of Indian Parliament
These financial committees significantly institutionalise Parliament. They provide robust mechanisms for financial oversight, promote transparency, and hold the executive accountable. Their continuous, non-partisan work strengthens parliamentary control over public finance, enhancing its authority and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Through specialized functions, parliamentary committees, especially financial ones, deepen democratic accountability and reinforce Parliament's role as a vigilant guardian of public interest.
123 words · target ~150
The directive 'explain' requires a clear, detailed, and comprehensive description of the topic, often including reasons and implications.
Suggested structure
Introduction: Definition and Purpose of Parliamentary Committees
Structure of the Parliamentary Committee System (Types and Functions)
Specifics of Financial Committees (PAC, Estimates, COPU)
Contribution of Financial Committees to Institutionalisation of Indian Parliament
Conclusion: Overall Significance and Impact
Key points
Parliamentary committees are mini-parliaments for detailed scrutiny, expertise, and oversight.
Structure includes Standing (permanent, e.g., Departmental Standing Committees, Financial Committees) and Ad hoc (temporary) committees.
Key Financial Committees: Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU), each with distinct mandates.
PAC scrutinizes appropriation accounts, CAG reports, ensuring financial propriety post-expenditure.
Estimates Committee examines budget estimates, suggests economies, and alternative policies.
COPU examines efficiency and autonomy of Public Sector Undertakings.
Common mistakes
Not clearly differentiating between the general structure of committees and the specific role of financial committees.
Failing to explicitly link the functions of financial committees to the concept of 'institutionalisation' of Parliament.
Providing only descriptive information without analytical depth on 'how far' they have helped.
Omitting specific examples of the three main financial committees and their unique contributions.
Difficulty: Medium — The question requires both descriptive knowledge of the committee structure and an analytical application of how financial committees contribute to the 'institutionalisation' of Parliament, which demands a deeper understanding beyond mere functions.