Why in the news?
The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies in Mumbai.
About the Estimates Committee:
- Overview: The Estimates Committee is one of the 3 major financial standing committees of Parliament, along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
- Objective: It examines the budgetary estimates of ministries and departments and works to enhance economy, efficiency, and accountability in public expenditure.
- Other name: Known as the “Continuous Economy Committee” because of its ongoing scrutiny of how public money is spent.
- Legal Basis: The committee functions under Rule 310 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
- History: It was set up in 1950, based on a suggestion by then Finance Minister John Mathai.
- Composition and Tenure:
-
- Lok Sabha Exclusive: The committee has 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha; there is NO representation from the Rajya Sabha.
- Election and Chairperson: Members are elected annually through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, and the Speaker appoints the Chairperson, typically from the ruling party.
- Ministers are NOT eligible: If a member becomes a minister, he/she automatically vacate the seat on the committee.
- Term Limit: Each member serves for a one-year term.
Key Functions and Powers:
- Scrutiny of Estimates: It reviews the budget estimates to suggest ways to reduce expenditure without affecting policy outcomes.
- Suggesting Reforms: It recommends alternative administrative practices to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
- Project Review: It undertakes study visits and reviews the implementation status of major public sector projects.
- Report Submission: The committee submits detailed reports and suggestions to the Lok Sabha, which may lead to policy or format changes.
- Follow-Up Mechanism: Ministries are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the committee’s recommendations.
- Jurisdictional Limits: The committee CANNOT examine PSUs, as this role belongs exclusively to the Committee on Public Undertakings.
| [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
Options: (a) The committee on Public Accounts. (b) The committee on Estimates* (c) The Committee on Public Undertakings (d) The committee on Petition |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
