Q1. Which of the following statements is not correct about Departmental Standing Committee?
- A minister cannot be a member of any DSC
- The term of office of each DSC is one year
- Its recommendations are binding on Parliament
- It considers the annual reports of concerned ministries
Correct Option: 3. Its recommendations are binding on Parliament
Explanation: Its recommendations are not binding on Parliament. It is just advisory.
Composition:
1. 31 members (21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha)
2. Representing various political parties
3. Chaired by a Member of Parliament (MP)
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Members must be MPs (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha)
2. Should not be Ministers or hold office of profit
3. Should not have any conflict of interest
Term:
1. Typically 1 year (renewable)
2. Reconstituted every year
Chairperson Selection:
1. Chosen by:
– Speaker of Lok Sabha or Chairman of Rajya Sabha
– Consultation with party leaders
2. Considerations:
– Seniority
– Experience
– Party representation
Functions:
1. Examining budget estimates and demands for grants
2. Reviewing departmental reports and annual plans
3. Investigating policy implementation and effectiveness
4. Monitoring departmental performance and efficiency
5. Evaluating impact of policies and programs
Departmental Standing Committees:
1. Standing Committee on Agriculture
2. Standing Committee on Defence
3. Standing Committee on Finance
4. Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare
5. Standing Committee on Human Resource Development
6. Standing Committee on Industry
7. Standing Committee on Information Technology
8. Standing Committee on Labour
9. Standing Committee on Railways
10. Standing Committee on Science and Technology
11. Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment
12. Standing Committee on Urban Development
Q2. Which of the following Parliamentary committee regulates the program and time table of the House?
- Business Advisory Committee
- Rules Committee
- House Committee
- Committee on Government Assurances
Correct Option: 1. Business Advisory Committee
Explanation: Business Advisory Committee regulate the program and time table of the House. The Lok sabha committee consists of 15 members including the Speaker as its chairman. The Rajya sabha committee consists of 11 members including Chairman as its ex-officio chairman.
Rules Committee:
Composition: –
The Rules Committee consists of 15 members in the Lok Sabha, headed by the Speaker, and 16 members in the Rajya Sabha, headed by the Chairman. These members are appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, taking into account party representation.
Functions: –
It is responsible for evaluating and recommending changes to the rules and procedures that govern the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This committee ensures that parliamentary business is conducted efficiently and effectively.
House Committee: –
It deals with residential accommodation of members and other amenities like food, medical aid etc. Both the Houses have their respective House committees.
Committee on Government Assurances: –
Key Functions:
– Scrutinizing Assurances: They check if the government has fulfilled its promises and report on the progress.
– Monitoring Implementation: They ensure that the executive is accountable to the Parliament for the assurances given.
– Reporting Progress: They submit reports on the extent to which assurances have been implemented.
The Committee on Government Assurances plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance. By tracking the government’s promises, they ensure that the executive is answerable to the Parliament and, ultimately, to the people.
Q3. Which of the following committee is available only with Lok sabha and not with the Rajya Sabha?
- Committee on Government Assurances
- Rules committee
- Committee on welfare of SCs and STs
- Committee on Absence of members
Correct Option: 4. Committee on Absence of members
Explanation: Committee on Absence of members is available only with Lok sabha and not with the Rajya Sabha. All applications of members for leave of absence is dealt by this committee of Lok sabha which consists of 15 members. Absentee matters of Rajya sabha members are dealt by the House itself.
Q4. Which of the following committee is Semi-Judicial in nature?
- Business Advisory committee
- Committee of Privileges
- General Purpose Committee
- Committee on empowerment of women
Correct Option: 2.Committee of Privileges
Explanation: Committee of Privileges is Semi-Judicial in nature.
The Committee of Privileges ensures that the rights and privileges of Members of Parliament (MPs) are protected. This committee investigates complaints regarding breaches of privilege or contempt of the House, making sure that MPs can perform their duties without interference or obstruction.
Key Functions:
– Investigating Breaches of Privilege: The committee looks into complaints regarding breaches of privilege or contempt of the House.
– Protecting MPs’ Rights: Ensures that MPs can perform their duties without interference or obstruction. Constitution provides the authority to punish the culprit.
– Maintaining House Decorum: Helps maintain the dignity and authority of the House.
Q5. Which of the following committee enforces the code of conduct of Members of Parliament?
- Committee on Petition
- Rules committee
- Committee on subordinate legislation
- Ethics committee
Correct Option: 4. Ethics committee
Explanation: Ethics committee enforces the code of conduct of Members of Parliament. It examines the cases of misconduct recommends appropriate action. Thus it is engaged in maintaining discipline and decorum in Parliament.
Committee on Petition: –
It examines the petition on bills or on matter of general Public importance. It also entertain the petition from an individual or an organization on matter pertaining to the Union subject. The Lok sabha committee consists of 15 members and the Rajya sabha committee consists of 10 members.
Committee on subordinate legislation: –
It examines and report to the House whether the power to make regulation, rules, sub rules and bye-laws delegated by the Parliament or by the constitution to the Executive are being properly exercised by it. In Both the Houses, committee consists of 15 members. It was constituted in 1953.