Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Source: DH

Context: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over excessive toll collection on National Highways and the failure of toll operators to provide passenger amenities as per agreements.

About Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

• Establishment:

• Introduced in 1921 after the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montford Reforms). Constituted annually under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

• Introduced in 1921 after the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montford Reforms).

• Constituted annually under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

• Composition and Membership:

• Comprises 22 members: 15 members elected from Lok Sabha by the Speaker. 7 members elected from Rajya Sabha by the Chairman. Tenure: One year. Ministers are not eligible to be members.

• Comprises 22 members: 15 members elected from Lok Sabha by the Speaker. 7 members elected from Rajya Sabha by the Chairman.

• 15 members elected from Lok Sabha by the Speaker.

• 7 members elected from Rajya Sabha by the Chairman.

• Tenure: One year.

• Ministers are not eligible to be members.

• Appointment of Chairman:

• Appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker. By convention, the chairman belongs to the opposition party.

• Appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker.

• By convention, the chairman belongs to the opposition party.

• Functions and Responsibilities:

• Examines government expenditures to ensure funds allocated by Parliament are used within the approved scope of demand. Scrutinizes: Appropriation accounts and finance accounts of the government. CAG Reports on revenue, expenditure, and autonomous bodies. Evaluates cases of overspending, misallocation, and financial irregularities. Holds the executive accountable for financial discipline.

• Examines government expenditures to ensure funds allocated by Parliament are used within the approved scope of demand.

• Scrutinizes: Appropriation accounts and finance accounts of the government. CAG Reports on revenue, expenditure, and autonomous bodies.

• Appropriation accounts and finance accounts of the government.

• CAG Reports on revenue, expenditure, and autonomous bodies.

• Evaluates cases of overspending, misallocation, and financial irregularities.

• Holds the executive accountable for financial discipline.