Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (UPSC 2018)
Parliamentary committees are useful because they make legislative scrutiny deeper, expert and less partisan. In a House crowded by time limits and disruptions, they function as a “mini-Parliament” and examine subjects in detail, call officials, seek records and improve accountability.
- Better scrutiny: Bills, budgets and policies are studied clause by clause.
- Expert input: MPs can hear specialists and officials on complex issues.
- Cross-party consensus: In-camera meetings reduce political noise.
- Executive control: They strengthen Parliament’s oversight of government spending.
Role of the Estimates Committee: It examines budget estimates to suggest economies, efficiency and administrative सुधार, without questioning the basic policy approved by Parliament. It also recommends changes in the format of estimates to improve transparency and fiscal discipline.
Thus, committees bridge the gap between formal voting in the House and meaningful scrutiny. The Estimates Committee is vital for value for money in public expenditure, though its recommendations remain advisory and retrospective.
