Why this matters now
Committees are tested for their classification, the key financial committees and their composition, and their role in accountability — a high-yield prelims and GS-2 topic given declining parliamentary scrutiny.
Types of committees
Committees are broadly Standing (permanent, e.g. financial committees, DRSCs) or Ad hoc (temporary, e.g. select/joint committees on bills, inquiry committees). They derive authority from Article 105 and Article 118.
The three financial committees
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC) — examines CAG audit reports; chaired by convention by an Opposition member; no minister can be a member;
- Estimates Committee — examines budget estimates and suggests economies (Lok Sabha only);
- Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) — examines PSU performance.
DRSCs and significance
The 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) (since 1993) examine ministry budgets, bills and policies. Committees enable expert, less-partisan, detailed scrutiny away from the glare of the House, strengthening executive accountability. Concerns: declining referral of bills to committees and low attendance.
UPSC angle
Know Standing vs Ad hoc, the three financial committees (PAC chaired by Opposition/no ministers, Estimates LS-only, COPU), the 24 DRSCs (since 1993), and the accountability role. Articles 105/118.
Frequently asked questions
What are parliamentary committees?
Smaller groups of MPs that do detailed scrutiny of legislation, budgets and administration on behalf of the full House — hence “mini-Parliaments”.
What are the three financial committees?
The Public Accounts Committee, the Estimates Committee and the Committee on Public Undertakings.
Who chairs the Public Accounts Committee?
By convention, a member of the Opposition; no minister can be a member of the PAC.
What are DRSCs?
The 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (since 1993) that examine the budgets, bills and policies of specific ministries.