Points to Remember:
- Role of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs)
- Mechanisms of oversight and control
- Effectiveness in holding the administration accountable
- Limitations and challenges faced by DRPSCs
- Suggestions for improvement
Introduction:
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are crucial instruments of parliamentary control in a democratic system. They act as a bridge between the legislature and the executive, scrutinizing the government’s actions and policies. Their primary function is to oversee the functioning of various government departments and ministries. While their existence is enshrined in the Constitution’s principles of checks and balances, their effectiveness in keeping the administration “on its toes” and inspiring “reverence for parliamentary control” is a subject of ongoing debate. This evaluation will analyze the working of DRPSCs, considering both their successes and shortcomings, using relevant examples from India’s parliamentary experience.
Body:
1. Mechanisms of Oversight and Control:
DRPSCs employ several mechanisms to scrutinize government activities. These include:
- Examination of Budgetary Demands: Committees meticulously examine the budgetary allocations of ministries, questioning the rationale behind proposed expenditures and suggesting modifications.
- Scrutiny of Annual Reports: They analyze the annual reports submitted by ministries, assessing their performance against targets and identifying areas needing improvement.
- Calling for Information and Witnesses: Committees have the power to summon government officials and experts to testify, demanding information and clarifications on specific issues.
- Site Visits and Inspections: To gain firsthand knowledge, committees often undertake site visits to projects and installations under the purview of the relevant ministry.
- Submission of Reports: After thorough examination, committees submit reports to Parliament, containing their findings, observations, and recommendations. These reports can highlight instances of inefficiency, corruption, or policy failures.
2. Examples of Effective Oversight:
Several instances demonstrate the effectiveness of DRPSCs:
- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC): A powerful committee that scrutinizes the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), often uncovering instances of financial irregularities and mismanagement. The PAC’s reports have led to significant policy changes and even criminal investigations.
- Committee on Estimates: This committee examines the estimates of expenditure presented to Parliament, identifying potential savings and suggesting more efficient resource allocation. Their reports have contributed to improved budgetary planning and execution.
- Specific instances: DRPSCs have played a crucial role in investigating issues like the 2G spectrum allocation scam, the coal block allocation scam, and the implementation of various government schemes. Their reports have often led to reforms and accountability measures.
3. Limitations and Challenges:
Despite their potential, DRPSCs face several limitations:
- Limited Enforcement Power: The recommendations of DRPSCs are not binding on the government. The government may choose to accept or reject them, leading to a lack of accountability in some cases.
- Lack of Resources and Expertise: Some committees may lack adequate resources, staff, and expertise to effectively scrutinize complex technical issues.
- Political Influence: The composition of committees and the political affiliations of members can influence their functioning and objectivity. Partisan politics can sometimes overshadow the pursuit of effective oversight.
- Time Constraints: The limited time available to committees can hinder their ability to conduct thorough investigations and analyze complex issues.
- Implementation Gap: Even when DRPSCs make valuable recommendations, their implementation often faces bureaucratic hurdles and delays.
Conclusion:
DRPSCs play a vital role in parliamentary control, acting as a crucial check on the executive. While they have demonstrated effectiveness in scrutinizing government activities and holding the administration accountable in several instances, their impact is limited by factors like limited enforcement power, resource constraints, and political influence. To enhance their effectiveness, several measures are needed:
- Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms: Mechanisms to ensure the implementation of committee recommendations should be strengthened.
- Enhanced Resources and Expertise: Committees should be provided with adequate resources, including expert staff, to effectively analyze complex issues.
- Promoting Non-Partisan Approach: Efforts should be made to ensure the committees function in a non-partisan manner, prioritizing national interest over political considerations.
- Improving Transparency and Public Access: The proceedings and reports of DRPSCs should be made more accessible to the public to enhance transparency and accountability.
By addressing these challenges, India can further strengthen the role of DRPSCs in ensuring good governance, promoting accountability, and upholding the principles of parliamentary democracy. This will contribute to a more robust and responsive democratic system, fostering holistic development and upholding constitutional values.