Lok Sabha Speaker Reconstitutes Four Parliamentary Committees for 2026-27
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted four key Parliamentary Committees for the upcoming 2026-27 term, ensuring continued legislative oversight.
Source: GNews ParliamentLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted four important Parliamentary Committees for the 2026-27 term. These committees are the Committee on Public Accounts, the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Undertakings, and the Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The reconstitution is a regular process to ensure the smooth functioning of parliamentary oversight. These committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing government finances, policies, and the working of public sector undertakings. Speaker Om Birla's decision ensures that these vital parliamentary bodies are in place to begin their work for the new financial year, contributing to accountability and transparency in governance.
This news is important for competitive exams, especially for Polity sections (UPSC GS Paper II, SSC General Awareness). It highlights the functioning of the Indian Parliament and its committee system. Aspirants should understand the roles and composition of various parliamentary committees, as questions often appear on their functions, types, and significance in democratic governance. This topic connects to the broader theme of parliamentary procedures and accountability mechanisms.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reconstituted four Parliamentary Committees.
- The committees are for the 2026-27 term.
- The four committees include the Committee on Public Accounts.
- Another committee reconstituted is the Committee on Estimates.
- The Committee on Public Undertakings was also reconstituted.
- The Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is the fourth committee.
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves. The Speaker maintains order and decorum in the House, interprets the rules of procedure, and is the final authority on parliamentary matters. The Speaker also represents the collective voice of the House.
Parliamentary Committees are small groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) formed to examine specific matters in detail. They help Parliament manage its workload and provide expertise. There are two main types: Standing Committees (permanent) and Ad Hoc Committees (temporary). They scrutinize bills, government policies, and departmental budgets, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
This is one of the oldest and most important financial committees of the Indian Parliament. It examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Its primary function is to scrutinize government expenditure to ensure it is authorized, legal, and efficient. It consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).
UPSC and SSC often ask about the composition, functions, and chairpersons of key financial committees like PAC, Estimates, and Public Undertakings. Be prepared for questions on their membership (e.g., 'all from Lok Sabha' or 'both houses').
Remember the four committees as 'PEPS' - Public Accounts, Estimates, Public Undertakings, SC/ST Welfare. Speaker 'Om' (AUM) reconstitutes them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker in reconstituting parliamentary committees?
The Lok Sabha Speaker plays a crucial role in reconstituting parliamentary committees. The Speaker appoints the chairpersons and members of various standing and ad hoc committees. This power ensures the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system and allows for the effective oversight of government activities and policies by specialized groups of MPs.
What are the main types of parliamentary committees in India?
In India, parliamentary committees are broadly categorized into two types: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees. Standing Committees are permanent and constituted regularly, dealing with specific subjects like finance, defence, or agriculture. Ad Hoc Committees are temporary, formed for a specific purpose, and cease to exist once their task is completed, such as a joint parliamentary committee for an investigation.
Why are parliamentary committees important for democratic governance?
Parliamentary committees are vital for democratic governance because they allow for detailed scrutiny of legislative proposals, government finances, and departmental administration. They provide a platform for in-depth discussion and expert input, which is often not possible in the full House. This enhances accountability, transparency, and the quality of legislation, strengthening parliamentary oversight.