STANDING VS ADHOC COMMITTEES

In the Indian parliamentary system, committees are essential for the efficient functioning of the legislature. These committees can be broadly categorized into two types: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees. Each type serves distinct purposes and operates under specific rules and regulations.

Standing Committees:

1. Permanent Nature:
   • Standing Committees are permanent committees that are constituted for a specific purpose and continue to exist throughout the term of the Parliament.
2. Continuity:
   • They ensure continuity and long-term oversight on specific areas of governance, allowing for a sustained examination of issues.
3. Ongoing Functions:
   • Standing Committees are assigned specific functions, such as examining bills, scrutinizing budget proposals, and overseeing the performance of various ministries and departments.
4. Examples:
   • Some examples of Standing Committees in India include the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Committee on Estimates, and the Committee on Public Undertakings.
5. Composition:
   • Members are nominated or elected at the beginning of each session, and the committees consist of members from both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
6. Roles:
   • Standing Committees play a crucial role in examining legislation, reviewing government policies, and ensuring oversight on various aspects of governance.

Ad Hoc Committees:

1. Temporary Nature:
   • Ad Hoc Committees are temporary committees formed for a specific purpose and are disbanded once their assigned task is completed.
2. Task-Specific:
   • They are constituted to address specific issues, conduct inquiries, or perform tasks that require immediate attention.
3. Time-Limited:
   • These committees have a fixed tenure, and they cease to exist once their report or recommendations are submitted to the Parliament.
4. Examples:
   • Examples of Ad Hoc Committees include Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) formed to inquire into specific matters, like the JPC on the 2G spectrum allocation.
5. Composition:
   • Members are nominated or appointed based on the specific requirements of the committee’s task. Ad Hoc Committees may include members from one or both Houses of Parliament.
6. Roles:
   • Ad Hoc Committees are usually formed for a particular investigation, inquiry, or examination. Once their task is complete, they submit a report to the Parliament, and the committee is dissolved.

Key Differences:

1. Duration:
   • Standing Committees are permanent and operate throughout the term of Parliament, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and exist for a specific task or investigation.
2. Purpose:
   • Standing Committees have ongoing functions related to oversight, examination, and review, whereas Ad Hoc Committees are formed for specific and immediate tasks.
3. Continuity vs Specificity:
   • Standing Committees provide continuity in oversight, while Ad Hoc Committees offer specificity in addressing urgent or focused issues.
4. Composition:
   • Standing Committees typically have members from both Houses and are formed at the beginning of each session. Ad Hoc Committees may have members as per the specific requirements of the task.
5. Examples:
   • Examples of Standing Committees include PAC and Committee on Estimates, while Ad Hoc Committees include JPCs formed for specific inquiries.

In summary, Standing Committees are permanent bodies that provide continuous oversight, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary bodies formed to address specific issues or tasks with a fixed tenure. Both types of committees contribute to the functioning and efficiency of the Indian parliamentary system.