Committees in Rajya Sabha - The Indian parliamentary system, under its bicameral structure, comprises the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). While much attention is given to the Lok Sabha due to its direct representation of the people, the Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in the legislative and administrative framework of India. To enhance its effectiveness, various committees are constituted within the Rajya Sabha. These committees serve as an essential mechanism for detailed examination of legislative proposals, oversight of government functioning, and addressing other issues requiring specialized attention.
Committees in the Rajya Sabha
Standing Committees
Standing Committees are permanent committees constituted to deal with specific subjects or administrative functions. They are reconstituted periodically, ensuring continuity and expertise in their areas of operation.
1. Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): These committees focus on scrutinizing the work of various ministries and departments of the government. They analyze budgetary allocations, legislative bills, and policy performance. For instance, the Finance Committee reviews economic proposals, while the Defense Committee examines defense policies.
2. Committee on Petitions: This committee handles petitions submitted by individuals or groups on matters within the purview of the Rajya Sabha. Its objective is to ensure that citizens' grievances are addressed effectively.
3. Committee on Subordinate Legislation: This committee scrutinizes rules and regulations framed under laws passed by Parliament to ensure they align with legislative intent.
4. Committee on Government Assurances: This committee monitors the implementation of assurances, promises, and undertakings made by ministers during sessions of the Rajya Sabha.
5. Committee on Papers Laid on the Table: It examines documents and reports tabled in the Rajya Sabha to ensure their authenticity and relevance.
Ad Hoc Committees
Ad hoc committees are temporary committees constituted for specific purposes. Once their task is completed, these committees are dissolved.
1. Select Committees on Bills: These are formed to examine and report on specific legislative bills. After conducting a detailed review, they recommend amendments or modifications to improve the bill's effectiveness.
2. Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs): Formed jointly with members from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, JPCs investigate significant issues such as financial fraud or policy failures.
3. Inquiry Committees: These committees are constituted to investigate specific allegations or events, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Specialized Committees Unique to the Rajya Sabha
Certain committees have special significance within the Rajya Sabha due to their unique roles:
1. Committee on Ethics: This committee ensures ethical conduct by members of the Rajya Sabha. It investigates complaints of misconduct and proposes guidelines for maintaining parliamentary decorum.
2. Committee on Privileges: This committee examines cases related to breaches of privilege by members or other authorities, ensuring the dignity of the Rajya Sabha is upheld.
3. Business Advisory Committee: Responsible for scheduling and prioritizing legislative business in the Rajya Sabha, this committee ensures smooth functioning of the House.
4. Rules Committee: This committee reviews and recommends changes to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha.
Role and Importance of Rajya Sabha Committees
The committees in the Rajya Sabha enhance parliamentary efficiency by conducting in-depth reviews and deliberations. They reduce the legislative burden on the full House, ensuring time-efficient decision-making. By providing a platform for detailed discussions and expert opinions, these committees improve the quality of legislative output. They also act as instruments of accountability by scrutinizing government policies, actions, and expenditures.
Table: Key Differences Between Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
| Aspect | Standing Committees | Ad Hoc Committees |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Permanent; reconstituted periodically | Temporary; dissolved after task completion |
| Scope | Broad; covers specific domains | Narrow; focuses on specific issues |
| Examples | DRSCs, Committee on Ethics | Select Committees, Inquiry Committees |
| Objective | Ongoing oversight and evaluation | Issue-specific recommendations |
The committees in the Rajya Sabha are indispensable to the effective functioning of India's parliamentary democracy. By streamlining the legislative process, ensuring detailed scrutiny, and providing a platform for expert deliberation, these committees uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and efficiency. Their contributions reinforce the Rajya Sabha's role as a vital pillar of the Indian legislative framework.
FAQs About Committees in Rajya Sabha
What is the primary purpose of committees in the Rajya Sabha?
Committees in the Rajya Sabha are established to enhance parliamentary efficiency by conducting detailed examinations of legislative proposals, monitoring government policies, and addressing specific issues requiring expertise.How are Standing Committees different from Ad Hoc Committees?
Standing Committees are permanent and deal with ongoing issues, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and focus on specific tasks or events.What is the role of the Committee on Ethics in the Rajya Sabha?
The Committee on Ethics ensures that members of the Rajya Sabha adhere to ethical standards and investigates complaints of misconduct to maintain parliamentary decorum.Can Rajya Sabha committees initiate legislative bills?
While committees cannot directly introduce bills, they play a significant role in examining and recommending changes to legislative proposals.How do Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) function?
JPCs include members from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and investigate significant issues like policy failures or financial frauds. They provide detailed reports with findings and recommendations.Explore related topics:
