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.
How to approach: Structure the body into Tangible Achievements/Significance vs. Persistent Gaps/Challenges, followed by a forward-looking conclusion.
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Introduction
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs) are permanent committees of Parliament tasked with examining government policies, bills, and expenditure of various ministries. Introduced in 1993, these committees enhance legislative oversight and ensure that the administration remains accountable to Parliament, thereby strengthening parliamentary control over the executive.
Body
Role of DRSCs in Ensuring Accountability
- In-Depth Policy and Legislative Scrutiny: DRSCs conduct a detailed review of bills and policies, ensuring that legislation is well-researched before enactment.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Defence (2018-19) recommended increasing budgetary allocation for defense modernization after reviewing inadequate funding.
- Examination of Budgetary Allocations: They examine demand for grants and suggest rationalization of government spending, improving fiscal accountability.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Finance (2020-21) highlighted concerns regarding non-performing assets (NPAs) in public sector banks, urging better financial management.
- Policy Corrections and Administrative Reforms: DRSCs recommend policy changes to correct inefficiencies in administration.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare (2021) criticized the government’s COVID-19 response, leading to improvements in oxygen supply management.
- Ensuring Transparency and Public Accountability: DRSCs hold ministries accountable by seeking expert opinions, gathering stakeholder inputs, and conducting field visits.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Environment and Forests highlighted flaws in environmental impact assessments, ensuring greater transparency in environmental clearances.
Evaluation of DRSCs: Strengths and Challenges
Strengths of DRSCs
- Bipartisan and Non-Partisan Approach: Unlike the heated debates in Parliament, DRSCs provide a neutral and constructive platform for deliberation.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Information Technology examined issues related to data privacy and the Personal Data Protection Bill, ensuring a balanced approach.
- Detailed Legislative Review: Committees conduct extensive analysis, which Parliament often lacks the time for in full sessions.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Labour (2019-20) raised concerns about the impact of labor codes on informal workers, leading to amendments.
- Ministers Not Members: Ministers are not part of DRSCs, ensuring objective scrutiny without political interference.
- Continuity and Institutional Knowledge: Unlike ad hoc committees, DRSCs are permanent and accumulate institutional expertise over time.
Challenges Faced by DRSCs
- Lack of Binding Recommendations: DRSC reports are not legally binding, and governments often ignore critical recommendations.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Railways recommended modernization of railway safety infrastructure, but implementation has been slow.
- Low Attendance and Political Apathy: Many MPs fail to attend DRSC meetings regularly, reducing their effectiveness.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Agriculture has faced attendance issues, delaying discussions on critical agrarian policies.
- Limited Time for Budget Review: DRSCs get only four weeks to examine demand for grants, leading to superficial scrutiny.
- Example: The Standing Committee on Rural Development flagged inadequate funding for MGNREGA, but its concerns were overlooked due to time constraints.
- Lack of Public Awareness and Media Coverage: DRSCs work behind closed doors, limiting public scrutiny and media attention.
Conclusion
Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees play a crucial role in ensuring executive accountability by conducting in-depth policy reviews, budget analysis, and legislative scrutiny. However, their effectiveness is often diluted by non-binding recommendations, political disinterest, and time constraints. Strengthening their authority, ensuring compulsory follow-up on recommendations, and increasing public awareness can further enhance their role in reinforcing parliamentary democracy.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2021 (Question 9) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR → Indian Constitution & Polity |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Evaluate / Assess: Weigh the effectiveness, significance, and net impact of a phenomenon or policy measure. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 (Polity & Constitution)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper II question on Polity & Constitution?
This 2021 GS Paper II question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Evaluate / Assess" directive. Structure the body into Tangible Achievements/Significance vs. Persistent Gaps/Challenges, followed by a forward-looking conclusion. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR under the syllabus module "Indian Constitution & Polity". You can explore all repeated questions from Polity & Constitution in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Polity & Constitution PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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