UPSC Mains 2018 GS2 Q4 — Parliamentary Committees
Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Why do you thinkDiscuss
- Scope keywords
- committeesparliamentary workrole of the Estimates Committee
- Implicit sub-parts
- The functional limitations of the full House (time, expertise, volume) that necessitate a committee system.
- The specific nature of 'continuous economy' and 'efficiency' oversight provided by the Estimates Committee.
- A critical assessment of whether these committees are advisory or binding in nature.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time listing different types of committees (PAC, COPU) instead of focusing on the 'Why' of the system.
- Failing to mention that the Estimates Committee specifically examines estimates *after* they have been voted on, not before.
- Ignoring the specific composition of the Estimates Committee (30 members, all from Lok Sabha) which defines its partisan/functional dynamic.
- Generic descriptions of 'scrutiny' without mentioning terms like 'administrative efficiency' or 'economy in expenditure'.
- Dimensions required
- Institutional/ProceduralFinancial OversightExpertise and SpecializationDemocratic Accountability
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 60-70 words to the general utility of committees (specialized scrutiny, non-partisan atmosphere). Devote the remaining 80-90 words specifically to the Estimates Committee, highlighting its role as a 'Continuous Economy Committee' and its mandate to suggest alternative policies for efficiency.
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