Q. Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

Model Answer: 

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees: Accountability and Effectiveness

Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs) play a crucial role in India’s parliamentary democracy by providing oversight and accountability of the executive branch. These permanent, multi-party committees shadow specific ministries and departments, enhancing legislative scrutiny and executive responsiveness.

DRSCs keep the administration on its toes through:

• Rigorous examination of departmental budgets and demand for grants
• Scrutiny of bills referred by Parliament
• Power to summon officials and ministers for questioning
• Regular reporting on ministry functioning

Examples of their impact include:
– Police reforms recommendations (Home Affairs Committee)
– Shaping GST legislation (Finance Committee)
– Data security report (IT Committee)

DRSCs inspire reverence for parliamentary control by:

• Providing a platform for expert and public opinions on policy matters
• Enhancing bipartisan cooperation on critical issues
• Promoting transparency in governance processes
• Offering in-depth examination of complex policy issues

The Health Committee’s recommendations on the National Medical Commission Bill demonstrate their ability to build consensus on contentious matters.

Evaluation of DRSC functioning:

Strengths:
• Comprehensive policy analysis
• Consensus-building on divisive issues
• Enhanced parliamentary oversight

Challenges:
• Limited acceptance of recommendations by the government
– Low implementation in annual budgets
• Time constraints and heavy workload
• Insufficient research and technical support
• Occasional politicization of proceedings

Despite these challenges, DRSCs have significantly contributed to policy-making and governance. The IT Committee’s report on citizens’ data security and privacy showcases their potential to address emerging issues.

To enhance their effectiveness, potential reforms include:
• Mandatory government responses to committee reports
• Increased research and technical support
• More time allocated for deliberations
• Improved public engagement mechanisms

Conclusion: DRSCs are vital for parliamentary control and executive accountability, but reforms are needed to strengthen their impact and efficiency.