The Formation and Significance of Six New Parliamentary Committees for 2024-25

Introduction

The parliamentary committees form one of the most essential structural supporting a framework of Indian legislature, since they evidently act as efficient tools in question for scrutinising and examining the activities of government. On August 17, 2024, the Lok Sabha Speaker disclosed the creation of six new Parliamentary Committees during the 2024-25 session: PAC is crucial amongst these. These committees which are headed by experienced Members of Parliament (MPs) is charged with the responsibility of scrutinizing different aspects of governance that involves the expenditure of government, the social welfare of the vulnerable persons within the society among others. It moves on to discuss what these newly established committees are supposed to do, and what their roles are, before analysing key appointment for the forthcoming parliamentary session.

Understanding Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary Committees are the essential part of the legislative process taking place in the Indian Parliament. Unlike the entire parliament that is responsible for arguing and passing bills, committees deal with elaborate studies of matters of concern. They operate in the background, reviewing legislation, finances, and other official documents, as well, to guarantee that the actions of the government are as totally open and clear as possible. Technically they are oversight committees that monitor the operations of government and parade them before the people as their representatives.

There cannot be overemphasis on the importance of Parliamentary Committees. Since they let for detail examination and discussion that cannot be done in general or parliamentary sessions. The committees are comprised of members of different political parties, which gives a possibility to make decisions collectively. The bipartisan characteristic of committees is important in that they ensure that the government is kept accountable in a way that is non-partisan; this makes the passage of quality legislation and governance better.

The Six New Parliamentary Committees for 2024-25

The six committees to be formed during the first session of the Indian Parliament of the year 2024-25 includes. These committees include category ‘A’ committees and each one of them has a special responsibility in light of the fact that different areas of operation demand a unique approach to governance.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

A brief on the PAC The Public Accounts Committee is amongst the most crucial committees of the Parliament in terms of financial efficacies. Its primary function is to scrutinise the accounts revealing the application of the funds provided by the Parliament for governmental spending. It also examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). This committee has been assigned to be chaired by the senior Congress MP KC Venugopal. As the head of the PAC, he will be responsible for enhancing the accountability over the utilisation of public assets and also to report any form of malpractice.

Committee on Public Undertakings

It deals with the responsibility to consider the report and balance sheet of public sector undertakings (PSUs). It evaluates the operations of these enterprises and their contribution on the economy and the society. The work of this committee is paramount to the effective running and healthy contribution of these PSUs to the development of the nation. Sometime ago, Baijayant Panda, a BJP MP, was named the Chairperson of this committee. It is going to be on this aspect that his leadership really comes to the fore in forcing reforms and positive changes in the public sector.

Committee on Estimates

The Committee on Estimates scrutinizes the estimates of expenditure for each administrative department to see that money is placed to the correct account and expending in an acceptable way. The committee also makes recommendations with regard to the effectiveness of operations of the government, and the management of administrative reforms. It has also recruited BJP MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal as the Chairperson. Being an influential committee principally accredited with the examination of fiscal prudence, it shall be charged with the responsibility of determining govenment’s expenditure program.

Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

This committee is particularly to protect the interest of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). It analyses the measures and activities of extension of several schemes and policies intended for uplifting the socio-economic status of these populations. The task of solving the problems that the SCs and STs communities face and ensure that the intended government schemes are benefitting these sections will be under the able leadership of BJP MP Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste who has been nominated as Chairperson of the Committee.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes.
Through the Committee on Welfare of OBCs, the welfare measures implemented for the Other Backward Classes is often times reviewed. While writing it takes into account the reports of the National Commission for Backward Classes and the impact assessments of various administrative policies. The current Chairperson of the Committee is BJP MP Ganesh Singh from Satna, Madhya Pradesh. His leadership will be helpful in the fight to see that the needs of the other backward classes are well met within the readily available facilities, as well as the formulation of healthy government policies.

Joint Committee of Members of Parliament of Office of Profit

This committee considers matters concerning holders of an office of profit within the Parliament and other elective posts. The Committee seeks to prevent Members of Parliament from occupying an office that is liable to involve him in the performance of duties that may be inconsistent with the executives or create conflicts of interest. Thus, the work of the committee is critically important to the protection of the delegative process of legislation and the principles of democracy itself.

Significance of These Appointments

The specific MPs that are appointed to chair these committees are carefully selected in what seems to be a reflection of the government’s priorities in those fields. For instance, PAC membership has a new face in KC Venugopal where financial accountability seems to have gained new grounds, similarly, BP’s chairmanship of the committee on public undertakings convey a new direction in the performance of PSUs. Likewise, Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste and Ganesh Singh were made member of the committees related to the welfare of downtrodden section which shows that the government is genuine towards the social justice and upliftment of weaker section of the society.

These posts are not all symbolic; they involve a lot of work, too. The chairpersons are required to assist the committees to discharge their responsibilities as required in the protection of the government from reverting to the people.

Function and Importance of the Committees

Each of these committees has a distinct role, but they all share a common goal: to increase the calibre of governance in India. Through observation of government expenditure, assessment of the government sectors and prioritization of vulnerable groups of the population these committees promote greater transparency, increase the accountability and effectiveness of the government.

The function of these committees is not limited to the Parliament only, therefore. Their work sets the pace for the formulation of public policies, charters and frameworks, which in so many ways, defines governments’ focus and the lives of citizens. For example, the examination of the spending by the government by Public Accounts Committee may facilitate better supply of the resources and accountability of the funds The welfare committees can help to oversee the reach of the government schemes and their effectiveness for users.

Challenges and Future Outlook

However, these type of committees encounter several difficulties. A major difficulty can be the scant time allowed for committee meetings because of MPs’ other obligations. Also, staff quality and support supplied to these committees is another factor in their efficiency of the task assigned. Maintaining their efficiency will of course be decisive for these committees.

In the future, these committees will be useful in the formulation of legislative programs for 2024-25. The task of these committees will be crucial while India seeks to tackle various issues that remain rather challenging, including the economic recovery, social justice, or governance improvements.

Conclusion

The six new Parliamentary Committees for 2024-25 are expected to, therefore, be instrumental in the course of legislation in Indian Parliament. Leveraged by the experience of majority of MPs in the new dispensation, these committees will help in effectively overseeing the performance of the government in delivery of its obligations in a more efficient and people centered manner. Both PMC and Planning Commission have important and significant assignments in which they’re involved and therefore the work they do will have a national influence in the cause of advancing transparency within the Indian society.

FAQS

Q1: What are Parliamentary Committees, and why are they important?
Ans: Parliamentary Committees are specialized bodies within the Parliament that focus on detailed scrutiny of legislation, government policies, and expenditures. They play a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance by examining issues in depth, which is often not possible during general parliamentary sessions.

Q2: What is the role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?
Ans: The PAC examines government expenditures, particularly the appropriation accounts of various ministries, and scrutinizes the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). It ensures that public funds are used efficiently and identifies any financial irregularities.

Q3: How do these committees impact governance?
Ans: These committees enhance governance by ensuring detailed scrutiny of government actions, proposing reforms, and holding the government accountable. Their work influences public policy, helps improve administrative efficiency, and ensures that welfare programs reach intended beneficiaries.