Standing Committees can play a more significant role in legislative scrutiny and governance. To enhance the effectiveness of Parliamentary Standing Committees, several issues need addressing. Examine.

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

2. Standing Committees can play a more significant role in legislative scrutiny and governance. To enhance the effectiveness of Parliamentary Standing Committees, several issues need addressing. Examine. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2. Key Demand of the question: To write about the issues and give solutions to improve the role of Parliamentary Standing Committees. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start by briefly mentioning about standing committees. Body: First, write about the mandate and their functioning – discuss laws and policies by analysing them in-depth, non-partisanship, track government expenditure, scrutinise policies and bills and seek expert advice, consensus-building among parties etc. Next, write why the number of bills sent to the standing committees has reduced in recent years. Cite facts/data/examples to support your answer e.g. – reduced sitting, pandemic, less attendance, partisanship etc – cite stats to substantiate your points. Next, suggest ways to overcome them. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues and give solutions to improve the role of Parliamentary Standing Committees.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by briefly mentioning about standing committees.

First, write about the mandate and their functioning – discuss laws and policies by analysing them in-depth, non-partisanship, track government expenditure, scrutinise policies and bills and seek expert advice, consensus-building among parties etc.

Next, write why the number of bills sent to the standing committees has reduced in recent years. Cite facts/data/examples to support your answer e.g. – reduced sitting, pandemic, less attendance, partisanship etc – cite stats to substantiate your points.

Next, suggest ways to overcome them.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.