Select Committee

Context: Recently, four Members of Parliaments said that their names were included in a proposed select committee of the House for the Delhi services bill without their consent. More on the News:

• The select committee was proposed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha in the Upper House to examine the Delhi services bill.
• Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 seeks to replace an ordinance on the handling of transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government.

Types of Committees in Parliament:

• India’s Parliament has several types of committees which discharge different functions:
  • 12 Standing Committees: They are permanent in nature, with their members nominated from time to time by the Chairman.
  • Ad hoc or temporary committees: They are set up for a specific purpose, such as examining a particular Bill, and are dissolved once that purpose has been served.
  • Select Committee: They are a type of Ad-hoc Committee.
• Rule for Select Committees: Under Rule 125 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and Procedures, any member may move an amendment that a Bill be referred to a Select Committee.
  • The motion to refer a Bill to a Select Committee can either be moved by the member in-charge of the Bill, or by any other MP, as happened in the case of the Delhi Services Bill, where the motion was moved by MP Chadha.
• Membership of Select committees: These committees consist of Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • The members are chosen by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as the case may be. 
  • The selection process usually involves consultations with the leaders of various political parties and groups in the Parliament to ensure a fair representation.
  • The members are chosen based on their expertise and interest in the subject matter of the committee.
  • The number of members in a select committee varies depending on the nature and scope of the issue at hand.
  • Committee conducts meetings and hearings to gather information and opinions from experts and stakeholders.
  • The committee then submits a report with its recommendations to the Parliament for further action.

Significance of Select Committee:

• In the Indian Parliament, select committees are formed to scrutinize specific bills, budgets or policies of the government.
• They seek inputs from experts, stakeholders, and the public to ensure that the proposed legislation is comprehensive and effective. 
• Recommendation: The committee members deliberate on the provisions of the bill and make recommendations for amendments or modifications. 
  • Once the committee submits its report, the Parliament may accept or reject its recommendations.
• Consultative: They play a crucial role in ensuring that the legislative process is transparent and democratic. 
  • They provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns, and their recommendations can influence the final outcome of a bill.
• They are an essential part of the Indian parliamentary system, and their work helps to ensure that legislation is well-informed and effective.

News Source: Indian Express