QUESTION 4
GS2
10 marks
Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss why committees help parliamentary work and the role of the Estimates Committee.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Usefulness: detailed scrutiny, expertise, less partisan, time saving, continuous oversight≈30 words
- 2Estimates Committee: 30 Lok Sabha members; examines estimates, suggests economies, alternative policies; 'continuous economy committee'≈30 words
- 3Limits: examines after budget passage, recommendations not binding, cannot question policy approved by Parliament≈30 words
- 4Suggestions≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Committees' usefulnessEstimates Committee roleLimitsConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Mixing with PAC
- No limits: post-budget scrutiny, non-binding reports, cannot question approved policy
Draw this
- Table: PAC vs Estimates vs COPU
Value addition
- FactThe Estimates Committee has 30 members, all from Lok Sabha, elected annually.Lok Sabha Rules
- FactIts origin is the Standing Financial Committee of 1921; first post-independence committee formed in 1950 on John Mathai's suggestion.Lok Sabha Secretariat
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.