Eduqo
Indian Polity & Constitution›Ch 4: Parliament›Parliamentary Committees
Financial and Departmental Scrutiny Panels
Parliamentary Committees ensure detailed scrutiny of legislation and executive accountability through financial panels and departmental standing committees.
Memory Hooks
| Committee | Total Members | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| PAC | 22 | Examines CAG report |
| Estimates | 30 | Suggests economy |
| Public Undertakings | 22 | Examines PSU reports |
PAC
(CAG Report Watchdog)
CAG Report Watchdog
PAC reviews audit findings of Comptroller and Auditor General.
Estimates
(Budgetary Economy Check)
Budgetary Economy Check
It suggests alternative policies for administrative efficiency.
Standing
(Permanent Department Panels)
Permanent Department Panels
There are 24 departmental standing committees covering all ministries.
Ad hoc
(Temporary Task Force)
Temporary Task Force
Ad hoc committees are formed for specific bills like Select Committees.
Ministers can join PAC or EstimatesMinisters cannot be elected members
A minister is never elected to financial committees to maintain independent scrutiny.
Estimates committee has Rajya Sabha membersEstimates committee has zero RS members
Only Lok Sabha members constitute the 30-member Estimates Committee.
PAC chairman belongs to ruling partyPAC chairman is from opposition
Since 1967, the PAC chairman is conventionally chosen from the opposition party.
Q1.Which Parliamentary Committee has 30 members and all from Lok Sabha?
Q2.Who appoints the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament?