Parliamentary Committees: Role and Qualifications
Parliament's vast and diverse responsibilities often render it too cumbersome to scrutinize every legislative proposal and policy matter in depth. With functions that are intricate, multifaceted, and overwhelming in volume, the House lacks both the time and specialized expertise required for thorough examination. To address this, Parliament relies on a network of committees that provide critical support in fulfilling its duties.
Although the Constitution of India references these committees in various provisions, it stops short of detailing their composition, tenure, or functions. Such specifics are governed instead by the procedural rules of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A body qualifies as a parliamentary committee only if it meets four key criteria: it must be appointed or elected by the House itself, or nominated by the Speaker or Chairman; it operates under the direction of the Speaker or Chairman; it submits its reports to the House or to the Speaker or Chairman; and it is staffed by a secretariat drawn from the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha resources.
Notably, consultative committees—despite comprising Members of Parliament—do not qualify as parliamentary committees, as they fail to satisfy these conditions.
Standing and Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees form the backbone of legislative scrutiny and can be broadly classified into two main types: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees. Standing Committees are enduring institutions, reconstituted annually or at regular intervals, and they function continuously to examine ongoing issues such as financial estimates, public accounts, and departmental matters. By contrast, Ad Hoc Committees are short-lived, appointed for specific inquiries or bills, and they dissolve automatically upon fulfilling their mandate. This distinction ensures both sustained oversight and targeted efficiency in parliamentary proceedings.
Classification of Indian Parliamentary Standing Committees
Standing committees in the Indian Parliament are classified into six distinct categories, depending on the nature of functions they perform.
Parliamentary Financial Oversight Committees
In the Indian Parliament, financial oversight is a cornerstone of accountability, primarily handled by three pivotal standing committees: the Public Accounts Committee, the Estimates Committee, and the Committee on Public Undertakings. These bodies ensure rigorous scrutiny of government expenditure, promoting fiscal discipline and transparency.
The Public Accounts Committee, the oldest among them—dating back to 1858—examines the annual appropriation accounts of the Union government alongside the audit reports submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Comprising 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha), it verifies whether funds have been spent as authorized by Parliament, flagging irregularities and suggesting corrective measures.
Complementing this, the Estimates Committee, established in 1950, focuses on the pre-audit phase by reviewing the budget estimates laid before Parliament. With 30 members drawn exclusively from Lok Sabha, it probes the wisdom, economy, and efficiency of expenditures, recommending alternative policies or savings without encroaching on policy decisions.
Finally, the Committee on Public Undertakings, formed in 1964, oversees the performance and financial health of public sector enterprises. Also with 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha), it assesses their operations, autonomy, and productivity, ensuring these vital economic engines align with national objectives.
Together, these committees form a robust triad, safeguarding public money while upholding parliamentary supremacy in financial matters.
2. Departmental Standing Committees
India's Parliament features 24 Departmental Standing Committees, permanent bodies that provide meticulous oversight of government ministries and departments. Unlike ad hoc panels, these committees endure across sessions, scrutinizing annual demands for grants, policy implementation, and legislative proposals with a non-partisan lens. Comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—nominated by the Speaker and Chairman respectively—they ensure accountability, fostering deeper parliamentary engagement beyond the floor of the House. This structure, refined over decades, empowers legislators to delve into specialized domains, from finance to external affairs, making governance more transparent and responsive.
Committees for Inquiry
In the Indian Parliament, certain specialized committees play a crucial role in investigating matters of public grievance, parliamentary privilege, and ethical conduct. These Committees to Inquire ensure accountability and uphold the House's dignity, functioning primarily in the Lok Sabha with counterparts in the Rajya Sabha. They handle specific complaints through rigorous examination, recommending actions to the Speaker or the House as needed.
The Committee on Petitions, for instance, scrutinizes petitions submitted by citizens to the Lok Sabha, addressing issues like administrative lapses or policy concerns. Comprising 15 members nominated by the Speaker, it verifies the admissibility of petitions, conducts inquiries if warranted, and suggests remedies, thereby bridging the gap between the public and Parliament.
Closely related is the Committee of Privileges, a 15-member body tasked with probing alleged breaches of parliamentary privileges—whether by members or outsiders. It investigates contempt of the House, such as unauthorized disclosure of proceedings, and its findings carry significant weight, often leading to censure or other penalties to safeguard legislative autonomy.
Rounding out this trio is the Ethics Committee, established more recently to tackle complaints of unethical behavior by MPs. With 15 members, it examines issues like corruption allegations, conflicts of interest, or misuse of position, drawing on a code of conduct to recommend sanctions. Together, these committees fortify Parliament's self-regulatory mechanisms, fostering transparency and integrity in India's democratic framework.
Parliamentary Committees for Scrutiny and Control
In the Indian Parliament, several specialized committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing executive actions, ensuring accountability, and upholding legislative oversight. These bodies examine government commitments, delegated legislation, and welfare measures, acting as vital checks on administrative power.
The Committee on Government Assurances monitors the fulfillment of promises and assurances made by ministers during parliamentary debates, pressing the government to deliver on its word. Complementing this, the Committee on Subordinate Legislation reviews rules, regulations, and notifications framed by the executive under acts passed by Parliament, safeguarding against overreach or inconsistency with parent laws.
Another key mechanism is the Committee on Papers Laid on the Table, which meticulously examines documents, reports, and notifications placed before the House, ensuring they receive due parliamentary attention rather than being overlooked. For social justice, the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes—with separate panels in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—oversees policies and programs aimed at uplifting these communities, reviewing implementation and recommending improvements.
Gender equity finds representation through the Committee on Empowerment of Women, which assesses government initiatives for women's advancement and flags gaps in policy execution. Finally, the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, comprising members from both Houses, investigates whether certain positions held by legislators disqualify them under Article 102 of the Constitution, preventing conflicts of interest and preserving parliamentary integrity.
Together, these committees strengthen democratic governance by bridging the gap between legislation and execution, making Parliament a proactive overseer rather than a passive deliberator.
Committees Overseeing the Day-to-Day Business of the House
In the Lok Sabha, a set of specialized committees ensures the seamless management of routine parliamentary proceedings, allowing the House to function efficiently amid its demanding schedule. These bodies address practical aspects of business allocation, procedural adherence, and member attendance, forming the backbone of daily operations.
Foremost is the Business Advisory Committee, which plays a pivotal role in recommending the time to be allotted for government business, private members' bills, and other agenda items, thereby preventing procedural bottlenecks. Complementing this is the Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions, tasked with prioritizing and scheduling discussions on legislation and motions introduced by non-government members, ensuring their voices are heard within the House's timetable.
The Rules Committee further streamlines affairs by periodically reviewing and proposing amendments to the rules of procedure and conduct, adapting them to evolving parliamentary needs. Rounding out this group is the Committee on Absence of Members from Sittings of the House, which examines requests for leave of absence, safeguarding quorum requirements and maintaining the continuity of sessions.
Together, these committees exemplify the Lok Sabha's commitment to orderly deliberation, blending tradition with pragmatic governance.
Housekeeping Committees Overview
- Housekeeping committees, also known as service committees, play a vital role in ensuring the smooth provision of facilities and services for members. These essential bodies include the General Purposes Committee, the House Committee, the Library Committee, and the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members.
Ad Hoc Committees in the Indian Parliament
Ad hoc committees are temporary parliamentary panels formed for specific, time-bound tasks and fall into two broad categories: Inquiry Committees and Advisory Committees. These bodies play a crucial role in addressing targeted issues, ensuring thorough scrutiny beyond the routine work of standing committees.
Inquiry Committees are set up periodically, either by the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha through a motion adopted by the House, or directly by the Speaker or Chairman. Their mandate is to investigate particular matters and submit detailed reports. Over the years, they have tackled diverse subjects, such as the conduct of members during the President's Address, the drafting of Five-Year Plans, railway conventions, and the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). Other prominent examples include the Joint Committee on the Bofors Contract, the Joint Committee on Fertilizer Pricing, the Joint Committee to Enquire into Irregularities in Securities and Banking Transactions, the Joint Committee on the Stock Market Scam, and the Joint Committee on Security in the Parliament Complex. More specialized probes have covered computer provisions for MPs and party offices, food management in Parliament House, the installation of portraits and statues of national leaders, maintenance of the Parliament House Complex's heritage character, violations of protocol by government officers, and the allocation and pricing of telecom licences and spectrum.
In contrast, Advisory Committees—primarily select committees of a single House or joint committees of both Houses—focus exclusively on legislative bills. Unlike inquiry committees, their procedures are strictly governed by the Rules of Procedure and the Speaker's or Chairman's directions. When a bill undergoes general discussion in a House, members may move a motion to refer it to a select or joint committee, which must be adopted for the process to proceed. If a joint committee is chosen, the originating House notifies the other, inviting nominations from its members.
These committees meticulously examine the bill clause by clause, much like the Houses themselves. Members propose amendments, and the committee may summon evidence from experts, associations, or public bodies with a stake in the legislation. Once deliberations conclude, the committee presents its report to the referring House, complete with recommended changes. Dissenting members can attach minutes of dissent to highlight alternative views, fostering robust debate before the bill advances. This structured approach ensures bills emerge more refined, balancing legislative efficiency with comprehensive input.
Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) traces its origins to 1921, when it was first constituted under the Government of India Act, 1919. It has remained a vital instrument of parliamentary oversight ever since. Today, the committee comprises 22 members—15 elected from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. Parliament selects these members annually through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system, guaranteeing due representation to all parties. Members serve a one-year term, and no minister is eligible for election. The Speaker appoints the chairman from among the members; notably, until 1966–67, this role went to the ruling party, but since 1967, convention has ensured it is filled by an Opposition member.
At its core, the PAC scrutinizes the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which the President lays before Parliament. These reports cover three key areas: appropriation accounts, finance accounts, and public undertakings. Beyond mere legal or procedural checks for technical irregularities, the committee probes public expenditure for signs of waste, loss, corruption, extravagance, inefficiency, or nugatory spending. It evaluates spending through the lenses of economy, prudence, wisdom, and propriety.
In practice, this involves a thorough review of the Union government's appropriation and finance accounts, as well as any other accounts presented to the Lok Sabha. Appropriation accounts compare actual spending against Parliament's sanctions via the Appropriation Act, while finance accounts detail the government's annual receipts and disbursements. When examining these alongside the CAG's audit report, the PAC verifies that disbursed funds were legally available for their intended purpose, that expenditures adhered to governing authorities, and that every re-appropriation followed relevant rules.
The committee's mandate extends further: it audits state corporations, trading concerns, and manufacturing projects (excluding those assigned to the Committee on Public Undertakings), as well as accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies under CAG scrutiny. It also reviews CAG reports on revenue receipts, stores, and stocks, and investigates any excess spending beyond Lok Sabha grants in a given financial year. The CAG plays a pivotal supporting role as the committee's guide, friend, and philosopher.
Ashok Chanda, a former CAG of India, aptly captured the PAC's stature: "Over a period of years, the committee has entirely fulfilled the expectation that it should develop into a powerful force in the control of public expenditure. It may be claimed that the traditions established and conventions developed by the Public Accounts Committee conform to the highest traditions of a parliamentary democracy."
Yet, the PAC's effectiveness has inherent limits. It steers clear of broader policy questions, focusing instead on a post-mortem analysis of already-incurred expenditures. Day-to-day administration lies beyond its purview, and its recommendations, while influential, remain advisory rather than binding on ministries. Lacking powers to disallow expenditures, enforce orders, or act as an executive body, the committee relies on Parliament for final action on its findings.
Estimates Committee: Composition, Functions, Constraints
The Estimates Committee traces its roots to a standing financial committee established in 1921. In the post-independence period, it was formally constituted in 1950, following recommendations from John Mathai, the then Finance Minister. Initially comprising 25 members, its strength was increased to 30 in 1956. All members are drawn exclusively from the Lok Sabha, with no representation from the Rajya Sabha. Elected annually by the Lok Sabha from among its own members using proportional representation through a single transferable vote, the committee ensures fair representation for all parties. Members serve a one-year term, and no minister can be elected to it. The Speaker appoints the chairman from among the members, who is typically from the ruling party.
The committee's core mandate is to scrutinize the budget estimates and propose measures for economies in public spending, earning it the moniker of a "continuous economy committee." It delves into potential savings, organizational improvements, enhanced efficiency, and administrative reforms—all while respecting the underlying policy framework of the estimates. It also suggests alternative policies to boost administrative efficiency and economy, verifies whether funds are spent judiciously within policy limits, and recommends better formats for presenting estimates to Parliament.
Notably, the committee refrains from examining public undertakings assigned to the Committee on Public Undertakings. It conducts its review progressively throughout the financial year, reporting findings to the House as it proceeds, without the obligation to cover all estimates in a single year. Even if the committee has not reported, demands for grants can still be voted by Parliament.
Despite its vital role, the committee's effectiveness faces several constraints. It reviews budget estimates only after Parliament has approved them, precluding pre-voting scrutiny. It cannot challenge policies set by Parliament, and its recommendations remain advisory, lacking binding force on ministries. Each year, it examines only select ministries and departments on a rotational basis, gradually covering all over time. Unlike the Public Accounts Committee, it does not benefit from the Comptroller and Auditor General's expert assistance. Finally, its work often resembles a postmortem analysis conducted after expenditures have occurred.
Committee on Public Undertakings
Established in 1964 following the recommendations of the Krishna Menon Committee, the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) plays a vital role in parliamentary oversight of state-owned enterprises. Initially comprising 15 members—10 from the Lok Sabha and 5 from the Rajya Sabha—its strength was expanded in 1974 to 22 members (15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha). Members are elected annually by Parliament from among its own ranks, using the principle of proportional representation through a single transferable vote. This ensures fair representation for all parties. Their term lasts one year, and no minister can serve on the committee. The Speaker appoints the chairman exclusively from Lok Sabha members, barring Rajya Sabha members from this position.
The committee's core functions focus on scrutinizing the performance and accountability of public undertakings. It examines their annual reports and accounts, along with the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on these entities. In the broader context of promoting autonomy and efficiency, it assesses whether these undertakings are managed according to sound business principles and prudent commercial practices. Additionally, the Speaker may assign it specific functions originally belonging to the Public Accounts Committee or Estimates Committee related to public undertakings.
However, COPU's mandate has clear boundaries. It refrains from probing matters of major government policy, which are distinct from the commercial or business operations of public undertakings. It also avoids day-to-day administration and issues governed by special statutes that establish machinery for a particular undertaking.
Despite its importance, the committee's effectiveness faces several constraints. It can examine only about ten to twelve public undertakings per year. Its reviews are inherently retrospective, akin to a post-mortem analysis. Lacking technical experts among its members, it shies away from delving into specialized technical details. Moreover, its recommendations, while influential, remain advisory and non-binding on the concerned ministries.
Departmental Standing Committees: Enhancing Parliamentary Oversight
In 1993, the Lok Sabha's Rules Committee recommended the establishment of 17 Departmentally-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny. This initiative expanded in 2004 with seven additional committees, bringing the total to 24. These committees now oversee all ministries and departments of the Central Government, playing a pivotal role in fostering executive accountability—especially financial accountability—to Parliament. By delving into budgetary details, they enable more informed and effective debates on the Union's finances.
Each DRSC comprises 31 members: 21 nominated by the Lok Sabha Speaker from among its members and 10 nominated by the Rajya Sabha Chairman from its own. Ministers are ineligible for nomination, and if a member becomes a minister after appointment, they must vacate the position. The committees' one-year term begins from the date of constitution, with 16 functioning under the Lok Sabha and 8 under the Rajya Sabha.
The committees perform four core functions: examining demands for grants before Lok Sabha discussion and voting (without proposing cut motions); scrutinizing bills referred to them; reviewing ministries' annual reports; and assessing long-term national policy documents presented to Parliament. Their recommendations, however, remain advisory and non-binding.
To ensure focused deliberation, specific procedures govern their work. For demands for grants, after the Houses conclude general budget discussions and adjourn for a fixed period, committees analyze the relevant allocations, submit reports within that timeframe (without extensions or separate ministry-wise reports beyond the norm), and enable the Lok Sabha to vote informed by these insights. For bills, they evaluate general principles and clauses of measures introduced in either House and referred to them, delivering time-bound reports.
Certain limitations maintain their strategic focus: committees avoid day-to-day administrative matters or issues already handled by other parliamentary panels. This structure underscores their role as high-level watchdogs rather than operational micromanagers.
The DRSC system offers significant advantages. Free from party affiliations, their proceedings promote objective analysis with flexible procedures that contrast with the Lok Sabha's rigidity. This setup delivers detailed, continuous, and comprehensive oversight of the executive, promoting economy and efficiency in public spending as ministries prepare more rigorously. It empowers all parliamentarians—especially from opposition parties and the Rajya Sabha—to engage deeply with governance, while allowing committees to seek expert and public input by summoning specialists to testify and inform their reports. In essence, DRSCs have transformed parliamentary control into a more robust, inclusive mechanism.
Committee on Petitions: Role and Composition
The Committee on Petitions serves as a key mechanism in the Indian Parliament for channeling public grievances into legislative scrutiny. It meticulously examines petitions related to bills as well as matters of broad public importance, while also receiving and considering representations from individuals and associations on issues falling under the Union government's domain. Each House maintains its own version of the committee: the Lok Sabha's comprises 15 members, and the Rajya Sabha's consists of 10.
Parliamentary Committee of Privileges
The Committee of Privileges, a vital parliamentary body in India, operates with a semi-judicial character. Tasked with investigating alleged breaches of the privileges enjoyed by either House or its members, it meticulously examines complaints and proposes suitable remedial actions to uphold the dignity and authority of Parliament. Each House maintains its own committee: the Lok Sabha's comprises 15 members, while the Rajya Sabha's has 10.
Parliamentary Ethics Committee in India
The Ethics Committee serves as a cornerstone of parliamentary accountability in India, safeguarding the integrity of legislative proceedings. Established in the Rajya Sabha in 1997 and later in the Lok Sabha in 2000, it enforces the prescribed code of conduct for Members of Parliament. The committee scrutinizes complaints of misconduct, investigates them thoroughly, and proposes appropriate remedial measures. Through these functions, it plays an essential role in upholding discipline and decorum within the Houses of Parliament.
Committee on Government Assurances
The Committee on Government Assurances serves as a vital mechanism for parliamentary oversight, meticulously examining the assurances, promises, and undertakings that ministers give on the floor of the House. It then reports on how faithfully these commitments have been implemented, ensuring accountability in governance. First constituted in 1953, the committee includes 15 members in the Lok Sabha and 10 members in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee on Subordinate Legislation
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation serves as a vital parliamentary watchdog, scrutinizing whether the executive properly exercises the authority delegated by Parliament—or directly conferred by the Constitution—to frame regulations, rules, sub-rules, and bye-laws. This oversight ensures that such delegated legislation, often necessary for implementing broader laws, remains within legal bounds and aligns with legislative intent.
Comprising 15 members in each House of Parliament, the committee was established in 1953 to strengthen democratic accountability in an era of expanding executive rulemaking. Through meticulous examination and reporting to the respective Houses, it upholds the principle that rulemaking powers must never overstep their constitutional moorings.
Committee on Papers Laid on the Table
The Committee on Papers Laid on the Table, set up in 1975, plays a vital role in upholding parliamentary oversight by scrutinizing documents tabled by ministers. The Lok Sabha version consists of 15 members, while its Rajya Sabha counterpart has 10, allowing both Houses to maintain rigorous checks on executive actions.
This committee carefully examines all such papers to ensure they comply with the Constitution, relevant statutes, or associated rules. Notably, it steers clear of statutory notifications and orders, which instead come under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, thereby streamlining specialized review processes in Parliament.
Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs
The Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) serves as a vital parliamentary mechanism to protect and promote the interests of these communities. Comprising 30 members—20 elected from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha—it ensures dedicated oversight at the highest legislative level.
The committee's core responsibilities are twofold. It meticulously reviews the reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, providing parliamentary scrutiny to their findings. Additionally, it examines a broad spectrum of welfare-related issues, such as the implementation of constitutional and statutory safeguards, the efficacy of ongoing welfare programs, and other measures aimed at uplifting SCs and STs.
Committee on Empowerment of Women
The Committee on Empowerment of Women, formed in 1997, is a key parliamentary body with 30 members—20 drawn from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. It meticulously reviews reports submitted by the National Commission for Women while scrutinizing the Union Government's efforts to uphold women's status, dignity, and equality across diverse fields.
Joint Committee on Offices of Profit
The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of parliamentary membership by scrutinizing potential conflicts of interest. It carefully examines the composition and nature of various committees, boards, and other bodies established by the Central government, state governments, and union territories. Based on this review, the committee advises Parliament on whether individuals holding such positions should face disqualification from contesting elections as members of Parliament. Comprising 15 members—10 elected from the Lok Sabha and 5 from the Rajya Sabha—the committee ensures balanced representation from both houses while safeguarding the principle that lawmakers remain independent from executive influence.
Business Advisory Committee
The Business Advisory Committee serves as the guardian of the parliamentary calendar in both houses of India's Parliament, meticulously regulating the House's programme and timetable. By allocating specific time slots, it ensures the smooth transaction of legislative business and other matters tabled by the government, preventing procedural bottlenecks and fostering orderly deliberations.
In the Lok Sabha, this committee includes 15 members, with the Speaker presiding as its Chairman. The Rajya Sabha counterpart, slightly leaner, comprises 11 members and is headed by the Chairman in an ex-officio capacity.
Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions
In the Lok Sabha, the Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions serves a vital function by classifying bills and resolutions introduced by private members—non-ministers—and allocating dedicated time for their discussion. This specialized standing committee ensures that such legislative proposals receive fair consideration amid the House's busy schedule.
Comprising 15 members, with the Deputy Speaker as its chairman, the committee operates exclusively in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha, by contrast, lacks a dedicated equivalent; instead, its Business Advisory Committee handles these responsibilities, maintaining parity in parliamentary procedure across the two Houses.
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee serves as a vital mechanism for refining parliamentary procedures in India. It meticulously reviews matters concerning the conduct of business and procedural norms within the House, proposing essential amendments or additions to the rules as needed to ensure smooth functioning.
In the Lok Sabha, the committee comprises 15 members, with the Speaker acting as its ex-officio Chairman. The Rajya Sabha variant, slightly larger, includes 16 members under the ex-officio Chairmanship of the Vice-President, who also serves as the Rajya Sabha Chairman. This structure underscores the committee's role in adapting rules to evolving legislative demands.
Committee on Absence of Members
The Committee on Absence of Members serves as a vital mechanism in the Lok Sabha to ensure disciplined attendance during House proceedings. This specialized panel, consisting of 15 members, meticulously reviews all applications from Lok Sabha members requesting leave of absence from sittings. It also investigates instances where members have been absent for 60 days or longer without obtaining permission, helping maintain the House's operational efficiency.
Notably, the Rajya Sabha does not have a counterpart committee; instead, it handles all such attendance-related matters directly through deliberations in the House itself.
General Purposes Committee
The General Purposes Committee serves as a versatile advisory body in both Houses of Parliament, tackling matters related to the House's internal affairs that fall outside the purview of any other parliamentary committee. This ensures smooth functioning by addressing miscellaneous procedural and administrative issues without overlap.
In each House, the committee is chaired ex-officio by the presiding officer—the Speaker in the Lok Sabha or the Chairman (Vice-President of India) in the Rajya Sabha. Its diverse membership includes the Deputy Speaker (or Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha), members of the panel of chairpersons (or panel of vice-chairpersons in the Rajya Sabha), chairpersons of all departmental standing committees, leaders of recognised parties and groups, and additional members nominated by the presiding officer. This broad representation fosters inclusive deliberation on the House's day-to-day operations.
House Committee
The House Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of Members of Parliament by overseeing their residential accommodations and related amenities in Delhi. This encompasses housing arrangements in official residences and hostels, along with essential services such as catering, medical aid, and other daily conveniences. Each House of Parliament maintains its own dedicated House Committee: the Lok Sabha's consists of 12 members, while the Rajya Sabha has a parallel body tailored to its needs.
Library Committee of Parliament
The Library Committee of Parliament serves as a dedicated overseer of the parliamentary library, addressing all matters concerning its operations and ensuring that members can fully leverage its resources. By facilitating optimal use of the library's vast collections and services, the committee supports lawmakers in their research and legislative duties. It comprises nine members, with six nominated from the Lok Sabha and three from the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the bicameral structure of India's Parliament.
Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members
Established under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members serves as a vital mechanism for parliamentary financial oversight. Comprising 15 members—10 elected from the Lok Sabha and 5 from the Rajya Sabha—the committee meticulously frames and recommends rules to regulate the payment of salaries, allowances, and pensions for Members of Parliament, ensuring transparency and fairness in these entitlements.
Consultative Committees of Parliament
Consultative committees serve as vital forums attached to various ministries and departments of the Central Government. Comprising members from both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—these committees are chaired by the Minister or Minister of State responsible for the respective ministry. Their primary role is to facilitate informal discussions between ministers and parliamentarians on government policies, programs, and their implementation, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas outside the formal rigors of legislative proceedings.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs plays a central role in their establishment, formulating guidelines on composition, functions, and procedures. It also coordinates meetings, which can occur both during parliamentary sessions and inter-session periods, ensuring continuous dialogue. Membership is voluntary, determined by individual members and their party leaders, with each committee limited to a maximum of 30 members and a minimum of 10. These committees are typically reconstituted after each general election, following the formation of a new Lok Sabha; they stand dissolved with the end of every Lok Sabha term, maintaining their relevance to the current parliamentary composition.
In addition to these ministry-specific bodies, separate Informal Consultative Committees exist for all Railway Zones. These comprise Members of Parliament whose constituencies fall within a particular zone, nominated to address regional railway concerns. Unlike their ministry counterparts, meetings of these railway committees are held exclusively during parliamentary session periods, aligning them closely with the legislative calendar.