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.

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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.