Brief Overview
In a move that underscores the essence of parliamentary oversight, key financial committees, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU), and Committee on Estimates, have been constituted. These committees, with a tenure of one year, comprise members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. They are entrusted with the critical responsibility of scrutinizing the government’s accounts and the performance of public undertakings. The PAC, helmed by Congress leader K C Venugopal, assumes a pivotal role in upholding financial probity. Alongside, BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal and Baijayant Panda will lead the Committee on Estimates and the Committee on Public Undertakings, respectively.
Empowering Parliamentary Oversight
The recent constitution of key financial committees marks a significant stride in bolstering the mechanisms of parliamentary oversight. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Congress leader K C Venugopal, takes center stage in this framework, entrusted with the crucial task of ensuring financial accountability. Concurrently, the Committee on Estimates, chaired by BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal, will meticulously scrutinize expenditure proposals, while the Committee on Public Undertakings, under the leadership of Baijayant Panda, will evaluate the performance and accountability of public sector enterprises. These committees, composed of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, will operate for a tenure of one year, diligently fulfilling their mandates.
PAC: The Bastion of Financial Probity
The Public Accounts Committee, traditionally chaired by a member of the opposition, stands as a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy. Its primary function is to examine the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) pertaining to government expenditure. The committee’s purview extends to ensuring that public funds are utilized judiciously, adhering to the principles of financial propriety and transparency. With K C Venugopal, a seasoned parliamentarian, at its helm, the PAC is poised to discharge its duties with utmost diligence and objectivity.
The PAC’s significance lies in its ability to hold the executive accountable for its financial decisions. It meticulously examines the CAG’s audit reports, which often highlight instances of financial irregularities, wasteful expenditure, and non-compliance with established norms. The committee’s findings and recommendations carry substantial weight, influencing policy decisions and promoting corrective measures.
Committee on Estimates: Scrutinizing Expenditure Efficiency
The Committee on Estimates assumes a crucial role in the parliamentary oversight framework by examining the estimates of expenditure presented to the Parliament. It undertakes a comprehensive analysis of budgetary allocations, assessing their justification, efficiency, and alignment with national priorities. The committee’s recommendations play a pivotal role in shaping the government’s expenditure policies, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and promoting fiscal discipline.
The Committee on Estimates operates through a series of sub-committees, each focusing on specific sectors or ministries. These sub-committees conduct detailed examinations of expenditure proposals, seeking clarifications from government officials and experts. The committee’s final report, presented to the Parliament, offers valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government expenditure.
Committee on Public Undertakings: Upholding Public Sector Accountability
The Committee on Public Undertakings exercises oversight over the vast network of public sector enterprises in India. It evaluates their performance, financial health, and adherence to prescribed norms and regulations. The committee’s scrutiny encompasses a wide range of issues, including efficiency, productivity, transparency, and corporate governance.
The Committee on Public Undertakings plays a crucial role in ensuring that public sector enterprises function in the best interests of the nation. It holds them accountable for their performance, promoting efficiency, profitability, and social responsibility. The committee’s recommendations often lead to corrective measures, policy reforms, and improvements in the management of public sector enterprises.
Department-Related Standing Committees: Specialized Oversight
In addition to the financial committees, a network of department-related standing committees has been constituted. These committees are entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the functioning of various Union ministries and departments. They provide a platform for in-depth examination of policies, programs, and expenditure within their respective domains. The committees’ work involves scrutinizing budgetary allocations, evaluating the implementation of schemes, and assessing the impact of policies on the ground.
The department-related standing committees play a vital role in ensuring that the executive remains accountable to the Parliament. They bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, offering valuable insights and recommendations for course correction. The committees’ work contributes to enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of government departments.
Committees on Welfare: Safeguarding Social Justice
The constitution of committees dedicated to the welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) reflects the Parliament’s unwavering commitment to social justice. These committees are mandated to safeguard the rights and interests of marginalized communities, ensuring their inclusive development and empowerment. They examine policies and programs aimed at their upliftment, address grievances, and recommend measures for their socio-economic advancement.
The committees on welfare play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and equitable society. They act as a voice for marginalized communities, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed. The committees’ work contributes to creating a level playing field, empowering disadvantaged groups to participate fully in the nation’s progress.
A Year of Vigilance and Accountability
The constitution of these parliamentary committees heralds a year of heightened vigilance and accountability. These committees, armed with the mandate of parliamentary oversight, are poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and probity in the functioning of the government and public institutions. Their work will be closely watched as they fulfill their crucial responsibilities in upholding the principles of good governance and promoting the welfare of the nation.
Key Learning Points
- Key Developments: The constitution of key parliamentary committees, including the PAC, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Public Undertakings, marks a significant step in strengthening parliamentary oversight.
- Expert Opinions: The appointments of seasoned parliamentarians like K C Venugopal, Sanjay Jaiswal, and Baijayant Panda to lead these committees underscore the importance of their roles.
- Timeline of Events: The committees have been constituted for a tenure of one year, during which they will exercise their mandate of scrutiny and accountability.
- Impact and Reactions: The constitution of these committees is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government and public institutions.
- Future Outlook: The committees’ work will be closely watched as they fulfill their crucial responsibilities in upholding the principles of good governance.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
