Parliamentary Committees

Q. 1. In what way does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the administration? (IAS Pre, 2001)

(a) Through Parliamentary Committees

(b) Through Advisory Committees of various ministries

(d) By compelling the executive to issue writs

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Parliament is a large and busy body. It cannot examine every legislative, financial, and administrative matter in detail in the full House. Therefore, it exercises detailed control over the executive mainly through Parliamentary Committees.

● A Parliamentary Committee is one which is appointed or elected by the House, or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman; works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman; presents its report to the House or to the presiding officer; and has a secretariat provided by the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

● Option (a) is correct because committees like the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings, Department-Related Standing Committees, Committee on Government Assurances, and Committee on Subordinate Legislation enable Parliament to scrutinize administration continuously and in detail.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 2. Which of the following is/are a Financial Committee of Parliament in India? (UPPCS Pre, 2025)

Public Accounts Committee
Estimates Committee
Committee on Public Undertakings

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) All 1, 2 and 3

(d) Only 1

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

● The three traditional Financial Committees of Parliament are the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee, and Committee on Public Undertakings.

● The Public Accounts Committee examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India laid before Parliament by the President under Article 151. It checks whether money granted by Parliament has been legally and properly spent. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● The Estimates Committee examines budget estimates after they have been voted and suggests economy, efficiency, administrative reform, and alternative policies consistent with the policy underlying the estimates. It is called a continuous economy committee. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The Committee on Public Undertakings examines reports and accounts of public undertakings and the CAG reports relating to public undertakings. It checks whether public undertakings are managed according to sound business principles and prudent commercial practices. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament is not a Financial Committee. It is a House-keeping/Service Committee constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954.

● Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. 3. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament? (IAS Pre, 2014)

(a) The Committee on Public Accounts

(b) The Committee on Estimates

(d) The Committee on Petitions

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

● The Estimates Committee is the largest among the committees given in the options because it consists of 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha.

● The Rajya Sabha has no representation in the Estimates Committee.

● The tenure of the members of the Estimates Committee is one year.

● Option (a) is incorrect because the Public Accounts Committee has 22 members: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha.

● Option (c) is incorrect because the Committee on Public Undertakings also has 22 members: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha.

● Option (d) is incorrect because the Committee on Petitions has 15 members in Lok Sabha and 10 members in Rajya Sabha.

● Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. 4. Consider the following statements: (IAS Pre, 2007)

The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The Committee on Public Accounts comprises Members of Lok Sabha, Members of Rajya Sabha and a few eminent persons of industry and trade.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● The Public Accounts Committee was first set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919. At present, it consists of 22 members: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha.

● The members are elected every year according to proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, so that different parties get representation.

● The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among the members of the committee. Since 1967, by convention, the Chairman is generally from the Opposition. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● The Public Accounts Committee does not include industrialists, experts, or eminent persons from trade. It consists only of members of Parliament. A Minister cannot be elected as its member. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

● The PAC examines the appropriation accounts, finance accounts, and CAG reports. Under Article 148, the Constitution provides for the CAG, and under Article 151, CAG reports relating to Union accounts are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before Parliament.

● The CAG is often described as the guide, friend and philosopher of the PAC.

● PAC does not vote grants, does not frame policy, does not pass executive orders, and does not intervene in day-to-day administration. Its recommendations are advisory, not binding.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 5. Consider the following statements: (IAS Pre, 2003)

While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings, members of Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from Lok Sabha.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs works under the overall direction of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates members of Parliament on Committees, Councils, Boards, and Commissions, etc. set up by the Government of India in various ministries.

Which of these statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

● The Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings have members from both Houses: 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha. The Estimates Committee, however, consists of 30 members drawn only from the Lok Sabha. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs coordinates parliamentary work of the government and works under the overall direction of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates MPs to various government committees, councils, boards, and commissions. This is separate from the constitution of Parliamentary Committees under the Rules of Procedure of the Houses. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● Parliamentary Committees are different from Consultative Committees. Consultative Committees are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and do not present reports to the House like Parliamentary Committees.

● Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. 6. Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct? (IAS Pre, 2024)

Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee.
Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.
This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

● The Ethics Committee enforces the code of conduct of members and examines cases of misconduct. The Ethics Committee was constituted in Rajya Sabha in 1997 and in Lok Sabha in 2000.

● In the Lok Sabha, the Ethics Committee initially functioned as an ad-hoc committee. It became a permanent part of the House rules in 2015, when provisions relating to its constitution, functions, and complaints were incorporated in the Rules of Procedure. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● Under Lok Sabha rules, a complaint relating to unethical conduct may be made by any person or member, but if the complaint is made by a person who is not a member, it must be forwarded by a member. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that only a Lok Sabha member can make such a complaint. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

● The Ethics Committee cannot take up a matter that is sub-judice. The decision of the Committee on whether a matter is sub-judice is treated as final for the purpose of the rules. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● Ethics Committee deals with misconduct and code of conduct; Committee of Privileges deals with breach of privilege or contempt of the House.

● Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. 7. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (IAS Pre, 2018)

(a) Committee on Government Assurances

(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation

(d) Business Advisory Committee

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

● Option (b) is correct because the Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines whether delegated legislative powers given to the executive are being properly exercised. It scrutinizes rules, regulations, sub-rules, and bye-laws made under authority delegated by Parliament or conferred by the Constitution.

● The Committee on Subordinate Legislation has 15 members in each House and was constituted in 1953. Ministers cannot be members of this committee.

● Option (a) is incorrect because the Committee on Government Assurances examines assurances, promises, and undertakings given by Ministers on the floor of the House and checks whether they have been implemented.

● Option (c) is incorrect because the Rules Committee considers matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommends amendments to the rules of the House.

● Option (d) is incorrect because the Business Advisory Committee regulates the programme and timetable of the House and allocates time for legislative and other business.

● Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. 8. In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.? (IAS Pre, 2019)

Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
Parliamentary Department-Related Standing Committees
Finance Commission
Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
NITI Aayog

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 5

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Ad Hoc Committees are temporary committees set up for a specific purpose. Parliament may constitute an ad hoc committee or Joint Parliamentary Committee to examine specific issues, including matters involving regulators. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● Department-Related Standing Committees examine bills, demands for grants, annual reports, and long-term policy documents relating to the ministries under their jurisdiction. Since regulators function under particular sectors or ministries, DRSCs may review their functioning. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280. It recommends distribution of financial resources between the Union and States. It does not review independent sectoral regulators as a parliamentary oversight body. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

● The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission was an expert commission for financial sector law reforms. It was not a Parliamentary Committee and did not exercise parliamentary oversight over regulators. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

● NITI Aayog is an executive policy think tank and not a Parliamentary Committee. It does not perform parliamentary scrutiny of regulators. Hence, statement 5 is incorrect.

● Department-Related Standing Committees(DRSC): There are 24 DRSCs; 8 function under Rajya Sabha and 16 under Lok Sabha. Each has 31 members: 21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. Ministers are not eligible to be members.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 9. The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for Railway Zones is constituted by which of the following? (IAS Pre, 2005)

(a) President of India

(b) Ministry of Railways

(d) Ministry of Transport

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

● Option (c) is correct because Consultative Committees, including Informal Consultative Committees for Railway Zones, are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

● Consultative Committees consist of MPs from both Houses and are attached to ministries/departments. The concerned Minister/Minister of State acts as the Chairman.

● They are not Parliamentary Committees because they do not satisfy the four required conditions of appointment/direction/reporting/secretariat under the House system.

● Their membership is voluntary, generally with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 members. They are dissolved on dissolution of every Lok Sabha and reconstituted after a new Lok Sabha is constituted.

● Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. 10. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the code given below the lists: (UPPCS Mains, 2005)

List-I

A. Public Accounts Committee

B. Committee on Petitions

C. Joint Committee on Stock Market Scam

D. Departmental Committees

List-II

Ad hoc Committee
Standing Committee
Financial Committee
Functional Committee

Code:

(a) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

(b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

● The Public Accounts Committee is a Financial Committee because it examines CAG reports and parliamentary grants. Hence, A is matched with 3.

● The Committee on Petitions is treated here as a Functional Committee because it performs a specific function of examining petitions on bills and matters of public importance. In the standard classification, it falls under Committees to Inquire. Hence, B is matched with 4.

● A Joint Committee on Stock Market Scam is an Ad hoc Committee because it is constituted for a specific inquiry and ceases to exist after submitting its report. Hence, C is matched with 1.

● Departmental Committees, that is, Department-Related Standing Committees, are Standing Committees because they are constituted periodically and work continuously. Hence, D is matched with 2.

● Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. 11. The Joint Parliamentary Committee set up for probing the 2G spectrum issue consists of: (UPPCS Mains, 2010)

(a) 15 members from each of the two Houses

(b) 20 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha

(d) 16 members from Lok Sabha and 14 members from Rajya Sabha

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

● The Joint Parliamentary Committee set up to examine the 2G spectrum issue consisted of 30 members: 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.

● A Joint Parliamentary Committee may be an ad hoc inquiry committee, while a Joint Committee on Offices of Profit is a standing joint committee.

● Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. 12. Which of the following conditions are necessary for a committee to be called a Parliamentary Committee?

It is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman.
It works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman.
It presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/Chairman.
It has a secretariat provided by Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

● A Parliamentary Committee must be linked to the House institutionally. It is not enough that MPs are its members.

● If a committee is appointed or elected by the House, or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman, it satisfies the first condition of parliamentary character. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● If it works under the direction of the Speaker or Chairman, it satisfies the second condition. This distinguishes it from ministerial or executive committees. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● If it presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/Chairman, it becomes part of parliamentary accountability. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● If it has secretarial support from the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat, it satisfies the institutional requirement of a Parliamentary Committee. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

● Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. 13. With reference to Select Committees and Joint Committees on Bills, consider the following statements:

They are ad hoc advisory committees.
They examine a Bill clause by clause.
They cannot take evidence from experts or public bodies.
Members who disagree with the majority report may append minutes of dissent.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Select Committees and Joint Committees on Bills are ad hoc advisory committees because they are created for consideration of particular Bills and cease to exist after submitting their report. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● They examine the Bill clause by clause, just as the Houses do during the consideration stage. Members may move amendments to clauses before the committee. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● They may take evidence from associations, public bodies, and experts interested in the Bill. Therefore, saying that they cannot take evidence is wrong. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

● Members who disagree with the majority report may append minutes of dissent to the report. This is important for legislative transparency and minority opinion. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 14. With reference to committees dealing with welfare and representation, consider the following statements:

The Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs considers reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
The Committee on Empowerment of Women considers reports of the National Commission for Women.
The National Commission for Women is a constitutional body.
The separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is connected with the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● The Committee on Welfare of SCs and STs has 30 members: 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. It examines matters relating to constitutional and statutory safeguards for SCs and STs and considers reports of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● The Committee on Empowerment of Women was constituted in 1997 and has 30 members: 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. It considers reports of the National Commission for Women and examines measures to secure equality, dignity, and status for women. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The National Commission for Women is not a constitutional body. It is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

● The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 separated the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes from the earlier combined SC/ST commission. The NCSC is now under Article 338, and the NCST is under Article 338A. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

● Amendment trap: The 65th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1990 gave constitutional status to the National Commission for SCs and STs, while the 89th Amendment separated NCST.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 15. With reference to Committees relating to the day-to-day business of the House, consider the following statements:

The Business Advisory Committee allocates time for legislative and other business.
The Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions exists in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House is a special committee of Lok Sabha.
The Rules Committee recommends amendments or additions to the rules of the House.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● The Business Advisory Committee regulates the programme and timetable of the House and allocates time for government and other business. In Lok Sabha, the Speaker is its Chairman; in Rajya Sabha, the Chairman is its ex-officio Chairman. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● The Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions is a special committee of the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha does not have such a separate committee; its Business Advisory Committee performs similar functions. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

● The Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House exists in Lok Sabha and examines cases of absence for 60 days or more without permission. Rajya Sabha does not have a separate such committee; the House itself deals with such matters. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● The Rules Committee considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and recommends amendments or additions to the rules of the House. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 16. With reference to the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, consider the following statements:

It examines whether offices under governments should disqualify persons from being elected as Members of Parliament.
It is connected with Article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution.
It consists only of Lok Sabha members.
It is different from the Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit examines the composition and character of committees and other bodies appointed by the Central, State, and Union Territory governments and recommends whether holding such offices should disqualify a person from being elected as an MP. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● It is connected with Article 102(1)(a), which provides for disqualification of a person for being chosen as, and for being, a Member of Parliament if he holds an office of profit under the Government of India or a State, except an office declared by Parliament not to disqualify its holder. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● The Joint Committee on Offices of Profit does not consist only of Lok Sabha members. It has 15 members: 10 from Lok Sabha and 5 from Rajya Sabha. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

● The Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament is a House-keeping/Service Committee constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954. It is different from the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit.

Hence, statement 4 is correct.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. 17. With reference to constitutional provisions connected with Parliamentary Committees, consider the following statements:

Article 118 empowers each House of Parliament to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business.
Article 105 deals with powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and its members.
Article 151 deals with CAG reports being submitted to the President/Governor and laid before the legislature.
Article 122 completely bars judicial review of all parliamentary actions, including unconstitutional actions.

Select the correct answer:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Article 118 empowers each House of Parliament to make rules for regulating its procedure and the conduct of its business. Accordingly, the composition, powers, functions, and procedure of most Parliamentary Committees are governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the two Houses. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

● Article 105 deals with parliamentary privileges. It is relevant to the Committee of Privileges, Ethics Committee issues, freedom of speech in Parliament, and immunity for votes and speeches subject to constitutional limits. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

● Article 151 provides that CAG reports relating to Union accounts are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament. This creates the basis for PAC scrutiny. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

● Article 122 protects parliamentary proceedings from being questioned in court on the ground of procedural irregularity. However, it does not give blanket immunity to unconstitutional or illegal actions. Supreme Court case law recognizes limited judicial review in privilege and expulsion matters. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

● Hence, option (a) is correct.