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5.7 - WHAT DO THE COMMITTEES OF PARLIAMENT DO?

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Introduction to Parliamentary Committees

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we will explore the role of parliamentary committees. Can anyone tell me what they think a parliamentary committee is?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it’s a group of members from Parliament who work together on specific tasks.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They help manage the workload of Parliament by working on specific issues. Can anyone mention why these committees are crucial?

Student 2
Student 2

They probably help in making laws and keeping track of government spending.

Teacher
Teacher

Great point! Remember, committees reduce the burden on Parliament while providing a detailed examination of various matters.

Student 3
Student 3

How many types of committees are there?

Teacher
Teacher

We have standing committees and joint committees, among others. Let’s discuss each in detail.

Functions of Standing Committees

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Teacher
Teacher

Standing committees focus on various sectors such as finance and health. Can anyone share what these committees might do?

Student 4
Student 4

They probably oversee the budgets for different ministries.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! They also scrutinize expenditures and ensure that public funds are appropriately allocated. Why do you think this is important?

Student 1
Student 1

To prevent corruption and ensure transparency in how public money is used.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent answer! Transparency is vital for accountability.

Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs)

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss the Joint Parliamentary Committees. What do you think their purpose is?

Student 2
Student 2

Maybe to discuss specific bills or investigate certain issues?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They allow both Houses to work together on particular matters, which helps ensure a comprehensive examination. Why is this collaboration important?

Student 3
Student 3

It probably ensures that different viewpoints are considered.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Collaboration leads to better decision-making. Plus, the Parliament often accepts the recommendations of JPCs, which adds to their authority.

Impact of Committees on Legislation

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Teacher
Teacher

How do you think committees affect the overall legislative process?

Student 4
Student 4

They help streamline the process and make law-making more efficient.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! They conduct in-depth studies that inform discussions in Parliament. Can you think of other areas where committees might play a role?

Student 1
Student 1

Investigating corruption cases or looking into the effectiveness of government programs.

Teacher
Teacher

Great insight! Investigations ensure accountability within the government, making committees crucial for democratic health.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the legislative process, engaging in in-depth studies, overseeing governmental functions, and aiding in law-making.

Standard

This section discusses the essential functions of parliamentary committees, including standing committees and joint committees, emphasizing their role in law-making, scrutinizing expenditures, and investigating corruption. It highlights how these committees alleviate Parliament's workload while maintaining legislative efficiency.

Detailed

What Do the Committees of Parliament Do

Parliamentary committees are a significant aspect of the legislative process in India, fulfilling essential functions outside of formal parliamentary sessions. Since the Parliament convenes only during specific sessions, committees provide the necessary in-depth analysis required for effective governance. They undertake various functions, such as studying the budgetary demands of different ministries, scrutinizing expenditures, investigating allegations of corruption, and preparing recommendations for legislation.

In India, since 1983, a structured system of standing committees has emerged, consisting of more than twenty departmentally related committees that monitor the work and budget of various government departments. Additionally, Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) may be formed to discuss specific bills or investigate matters such as financial irregularities. This system not only reduces the burden on the Parliament but also ensures that the work undertaken by committees is generally approved by the Parliament with minimal objection.

In essence, while the Parliament retains ultimate authority over laws and budgets, the recommendations from these committees are usually respected, underscoring the importance of their role in enhancing legislative efficiency and responsibility.

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Audio Book

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Role of Committees in Parliament

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A significant feature of the legislative process is the appointment of committees for various legislative purposes. These committees play a vital role not merely in law making, but also in the day-to-day business of the House.

Detailed Explanation

Committees are essential components of the legislative process in Parliament. They are groups formed to address specific legislative issues or tasks, and they function continuously even when Parliament is not in session. Because Parliament meets only for limited periods, committees help manage the workload and ensure that in-depth analyses are conducted. Committees examine proposed laws, scrutinize budgets, and review the functioning of different ministries, thereby contributing significantly to efficient governance.

Examples & Analogies

Think of committees like special project teams in a company. Just as project teams work on different aspects of a project while the larger team is focused on overarching goals, parliamentary committees tackle specific tasks such as reviewing laws or budgets, allowing the wider parliamentary body to concentrate on larger issues.

Types of Committees in Parliament

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Since 1983, India has developed a system of parliamentary standing committees. There are over twenty such departmentally related committees. Standing Committees supervise the work of various departments, their budget, their expenditure, and bills that come up in the house relating to the department.

Detailed Explanation

Parliamentary committees can be broadly classified into standing committees and joint parliamentary committees. Standing committees are permanent and they focus on specific departments, monitoring how these departments function and how they utilize their budgets. They can investigate issues, hold discussions, and submit reports back to Parliament for consideration. Joint committees, on the other hand, may be formed specifically to consider a particular bill or to investigate financial irregularities.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a school where students are divided into clubs based on interests, such as the science club, art club, or sports club. Each club meets regularly to discuss activities and manage its budget. This is similar to how standing committees work – they are specialized groups that focus on specific areas within the broader operation of Parliament.

Impact of Committee Recommendations

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The committee system has reduced the burden on the Parliament. Many important bills have been referred to committees. The Parliament has merely approved the work done in the committees with few occasional alterations.

Detailed Explanation

The establishment of committees has greatly eased the legislative burden on Parliament. Instead of debating every bill in detail, many proposed laws are sent to committees for thorough examination. Committees use their expertise to refine these bills, and then Parliament usually approves their recommendations with minimal changes. This allows for a more efficient legislative process, as committees do much of the groundwork needed to prepare legislation.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you're preparing a big presentation at school. Instead of presenting on every slide, you might ask a few friends (like a committee) to review your work and suggest improvements. Their feedback makes it easier for you when you present, as you’ve already addressed potential issues and made your project stronger.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Parliamentary Committees: Essential groups that enhance oversight and legislative processes.

  • Standing Committees: Permanent groups that monitor specific departments.

  • Joint Parliamentary Committees: Groups formed for particular legislative purposes involving both houses.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An example of a standing committee is the Finance Committee, which reviews government spending and budget proposals.

  • A joint committee was formed to investigate the 2G spectrum case, showcasing the collaborative approach of both Houses.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Committees meet to tackle the task, keeping Parliament on track, that's their ask.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a group of specialized wizards in a parliament castle, focusing on different spells (policies) to ensure the kingdom's (people's) welfare efficiently.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym J.P.S. for Joint, Parliamentary, Standing to identify different committee types.

🎯 Super Acronyms

C.R.E.S.T. - Committees Review Expenditures, Scrutinize Taxes to recall committee functions.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Parliamentary Committee

    Definition:

    A group of members from Parliament assigned to investigate and report on specific issues.

  • Term: Standing Committee

    Definition:

    A permanent committee in Parliament responsible for ongoing oversight of specific government departments.

  • Term: Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

    Definition:

    A committee made up of members from both Houses of Parliament, formed to investigate specific matters or legislation.

  • Term: Legislation

    Definition:

    The process of making or enacting laws.

  • Term: Scrutinize

    Definition:

    To examine something closely and critically.