In India, the term “SC” refers to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee is a group of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected to oversee specific areas of government functioning. The Standing Committees in India were set up in 1993 with the objective of making parliamentary functioning more effective and efficient. In this article, we will delve deeper into the full form and meaning and role of the Standing Committee.
The Standing Committee (SC) is a permanent committee of the Parliament of India. The committee is responsible for studying and examining the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
The committee is comprised of MPs from both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The main objective of the committee is to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the working of the government.
Origin and History of Standing Committees
The Standing Committees were first introduced in India in 1993. Prior to this, ad-hoc committees were constituted for specific purposes.
However, it was felt that the ad-hoc committees were not effective as they were not able to provide the required oversight and scrutiny. Therefore, it was decided to set up permanent Standing Committees.
Structure of Standing Committees
Each Standing Committee consists of 31 members, out of which 21 are from the Lok Sabha and 10 are from the Rajya Sabha. The members are appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as the case may be.
Functions of Standing Committees
The Standing Committees are responsible for studying and examining the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
They make recommendations to the government on how to improve the functioning of these departments and ministries.
The committees also scrutinize the budgetary allocations made to these departments and ministries.
Types of Standing Committees
There are three types of Standing Committees in India:
- Financial Committees – These committees are responsible for examining the budget proposals of the government.
- Departmental Committees – These committees examine the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
- Other Committees – These committees are responsible for examining various other matters related to the functioning of the government.
Standing Committees in the Parliament
There are currently 24 Standing Committees in the Parliament. These committees are responsible for examining the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government. Each committee has a specific area of responsibility.
Role of the Standing Committees
The role of the Standing Committees is to provide oversight and scrutiny of the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
They are responsible for making recommendations to the government on how to improve the functioning of these departments and ministries.
Powers and Duties of the Standing Committees
The Standing Committees have the power to call witnesses and examine them on oath. They can also ask for documents and other information from the government.
The committees can make recommendations to the government on how to improve the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
Benefits of Standing Committees
The Standing Committees provide a platform for the Members of Parliament to engage in constructive debates and discussions.
They also promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the working of the government.
Challenges Faced by Standing Committees
The Standing Committees also face challenges in terms of the lack of cooperation from the government officials.
The officials sometimes do not provide the required information or documents to the committees, which makes it difficult for them to carry out their functions effectively.
Recent Developments in the Standing Committees
In recent times, there have been some important developments in the functioning of the Standing Committees. In 2019, the government introduced the concept of departmentally related Standing Committees.
These committees are now responsible for examining the budgets, policies, and legislation related to the respective departments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Standing Committees play a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. They provide oversight and scrutiny of the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
They also promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the working of the government. Despite the challenges they face, the Standing Committees have contributed significantly to the improvement of the parliamentary system in India.
FAQs
What is the role of Standing Committees in India?
The Standing Committees in India are responsible for overseeing the functioning of various departments and ministries of the government.
How are the members of the Standing Committees appointed?
The members of the Standing Committees are appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
What are the types of Standing Committees in India?
There are three types of Standing Committees in India – Financial Committees, Departmental Committees, and Other Committees.
What powers do the Standing Committees have?
The Standing Committees have the power to call witnesses and examine them on oath. They can also ask for documents and other information from the government.
What recent developments have taken place in the functioning of the Standing Committees?
In 2019, the government introduced the concept of departmentally related Standing Committees, which are responsible for examining the budgets, policies, and legislation related to the respective departments.