Three important financial committees in the Indian Parliament: the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Committee on Estimates, and the Committee on Public Undertakings. Each of these committees has distinct roles, compositions, and functions.
1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
Composition:
- Chairperson:
- Traditionally, the chairperson of the PAC is from the opposition party.
- Members:
- The committee consists of members from both Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States) in proportion to their representation in the Parliament.
- Members are elected by the respective Houses.
Functions:
- Examine Public Expenditure:
- The primary function of the PAC is to examine the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament.
- Audit Reports:
- It examines the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) after they are laid in the Parliament.
- Scrutinize Government Accounts:
- The committee scrutinizes the appropriation accounts of the government and reports of statutory auditors.
- Report Findings:
- PAC presents its reports to the Parliament, highlighting irregularities, financial mismanagement, or inefficiencies.
2. Committee on Estimates:
Composition:
- Chairperson:
- The chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Members:
- The committee consists of members from Lok Sabha.
Functions:
- Scrutinize Budget Estimates:
- Examines the budget estimates of various ministries and departments.
- Economic Policies:
- Studies whether the policies and programs of the government are in line with the estimates presented.
- Examine Supplementary Demands:
- Examines the supplementary demands for grants.
- Recommendations:
- Recommends necessary economies or improvements in the administrative and financial functioning of the ministries.
3. Committee on Public Undertakings:
Composition:
- Chairperson:
- The chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Members:
- The committee consists of members from Lok Sabha.
Functions:
- Examine Working of Public Undertakings:
- Examines the reports and accounts of public undertakings.
- Performance Evaluation:
- Evaluates the performance of public undertakings and whether they are being managed efficiently.
- Report to Parliament:
- Submits reports to the Parliament on the results of the examinations and actions to be taken.
- Ensure Accountability:
- Ensures that public undertakings are accountable to the Parliament and fulfill their objectives efficiently.
Key Points:
- Joint Committee:
- All three committees are joint committees with members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Reports to Parliament:
- Each committee presents its reports to the Parliament, and these reports often lead to discussions and actions.
- Role in Accountability:
- These committees play a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the government’s financial management and undertakings.
- Non-Executive Role:
- Members of these committees do not participate in the executive functions of the government; their role is to scrutinize and provide recommendations.
- Independence:
- These committees operate independently, and their members often have financial and auditing backgrounds to enhance their effectiveness.
In summary, the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee on Estimates, and the Committee on Public Undertakings play pivotal roles in examining financial matters, scrutinizing government accounts, and ensuring the accountability and efficiency of public undertakings in the Indian parliamentary system.
