What is Parliamentary Standing Committees?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Scrutiny of Bills: Examine bills referred to them by the Presiding Officers and present reports to Parliament, often suggesting amendments.
- 2.
Budgetary Scrutiny: Examine the 'Demands for Grants' of respective ministries/departments and make recommendations before they are voted on by Parliament.
- 3.
Policy Oversight: Review annual reports, policy documents, and long-term policy statements of ministries, providing continuous oversight.
- 4.
Non-Binding Recommendations: Their recommendations are advisory in nature and not binding on the government, though they carry significant weight.
- 5.
Composition: Each DRSC consists of 31 members (21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha), nominated by the Speaker and Chairman respectively.
- 6.
Promote Accountability: Enhance parliamentary accountability of the executive by providing a forum for detailed scrutiny away from the floor of the House.
- 7.
Expertise and Deliberation: Allow for in-depth discussion and consultation with experts and stakeholders, bringing informed perspectives to legislative and policy matters.
- 8.
Continuity: Provide continuity in parliamentary work by examining issues even when Parliament is not in session.
Visual Insights
Parliamentary Standing Committees: Key Aspects
Overview of the composition, functions, and significance of Parliamentary Standing Committees.
Parliamentary Standing Committees
- ●Composition
- ●Functions
- ●Types
- ●Limitations
Evolution of Parliamentary Standing Committees in India
Timeline highlighting key milestones in the evolution of Parliamentary Standing Committees in India.
The system of Parliamentary Committees in India has evolved over time to enhance parliamentary oversight and improve the quality of legislation.
- 1935Government of India Act introduces elements of responsible government.
- 1947India gains independence; Constituent Assembly acts as first Parliament.
- 1993Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) introduced (17 initially).
- 2004Number of DRSCs increased to 24 to cover all ministries and departments.
- 2023Increased scrutiny of committee composition, debates on women and marginalized representation.
- 2024Committees examine impact of COVID-19 on various sectors.
- 2025Measures introduced to enhance transparency and accountability of committee proceedings.
- 2026Parliamentary Committee passes resolution on AI Impact Summit amid controversy.
Recent Developments
4 developmentsIncreasing reliance on committees for detailed legislative scrutiny, especially for complex bills.
Often in the news for their reports on various government policies, performance of ministries, and public issues.
Debates around the effectiveness of their recommendations and the government's response to them.
Role in scrutinizing the implementation of flagship schemes and policies.
This Concept in News
2 topicsParliamentary Panel Passes AI Summit Resolution Amid Protest Controversy
25 Feb 2026The news about the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology passing a resolution on the AI Impact Summit illuminates several aspects of the concept of Parliamentary Standing Committees. (1) It demonstrates that these committees can address not only legislative and policy matters but also specific events and incidents. (2) The news highlights the potential for political polarization within these committees, as evidenced by the dissenting votes and concerns raised by opposition members. (3) It reveals that the committees' actions and decisions can have political implications, influencing public perception and shaping the narrative around government initiatives. (4) The incident underscores the importance of maintaining impartiality and focusing on substantive issues within these committees to ensure their effectiveness and credibility. (5) Understanding the concept of Parliamentary Standing Committees is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides context for the committee's actions, its role in the parliamentary system, and the potential implications of its decisions.
Foreign Secretary Defends India-U.S. Trade Deal Amid Scrutiny
11 Feb 2026The news about the Foreign Secretary's briefing underscores the Parliamentary Standing Committee's role in overseeing international trade agreements. (1) This news highlights the committee's function of scrutinizing government actions and ensuring accountability in foreign policy. (2) The committee's questioning of the trade deal demonstrates how it applies its oversight function in practice, seeking to understand the implications for India's interests, including farmers. (3) The news reveals the ongoing debate about the balance between economic benefits and potential risks in trade agreements. (4) The implications of this news are that the government needs to be prepared to justify its trade policies to Parliament and address concerns raised by MPs. (5) Understanding the role of Parliamentary Standing Committees is crucial for analyzing news about government policies and international agreements, as it provides context for the scrutiny and debate surrounding these issues. Without this understanding, it's difficult to appreciate the checks and balances within the Indian political system.