Concept
The Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are a key component of India’s parliamentary committee system, designed to ensure detailed legislative scrutiny and executive accountability. They examine the working of specific ministries and departments of the Union Government.
Their emergence reflects the growing complexity and volume of parliamentary business, which cannot be effectively handled solely through debates in the House.
Evolution
- 1989: Initial experiment with three subject committees (Agriculture; Science & Technology; Environment & Forests).
- 1993: Formal establishment of 17 DRSCs to cover major ministries.
- 2004: Expansion to 24 DRSCs with restructuring of membership.
This marked a transition toward a structured committee-based oversight system.
Composition
- Total membership: 31 members
- 21 from Lok Sabha (nominated by Speaker)
- 10 from Rajya Sabha (nominated by Chairman)
- Ministers are not eligible to be members.
- If a member becomes a minister, they automatically cease to be part of the committee.
- Tenure: One year.
Distribution
- 16 committees function under the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- 8 committees function under the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Each committee is assigned specific ministries/departments, ensuring subject specialisation.
Legal and Procedural Basis
- Governed by:
- Rules 268–277 of Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure
- Rules 331C–331N of Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure
- They function under the authority of the Presiding Officers and submit reports to Parliament.
List of DRSCs
The 24 DRSCs cover major sectors of governance:
- Commerce
- Home Affairs
- Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports
- Industry
- Science & Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Transport, Tourism and Culture
- Health and Family Welfare
- Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice
- Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing
- Communications and Information Technology
- Defence
- Energy
- External Affairs
- Finance
- Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
- Labour, Textiles and Skill Development
- Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Railways
- Housing and Urban Affairs
- Water Resources
- Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- Coal, Mines and Steel
- Social Justice and Empowerment
Functions
Scrutiny of Demands for Grants
- Examine budgetary allocations of ministries.
- Submit reports before voting in Lok Sabha.
- Cannot propose cut motions.
Examination of Bills
- Study bills referred by the Speaker/Chairman.
- Suggest improvements, amendments, and safeguards.
Review of Annual Reports
- Analyse performance and functioning of ministries.
Policy Oversight
- Examine long-term policy documents and programmes.
- Provide recommendations on governance and implementation.
Working Method
- Function in a closed-door, non-partisan environment.
- Can call:
- Government officials
- Experts
- Stakeholders
- Reports are submitted to Parliament and become part of the public record.
Significance
Enhances Legislative Scrutiny
- Enables detailed examination beyond limited parliamentary time.
Promotes Specialisation
- Members develop domain expertise.
Strengthens Executive Accountability
- Ministries are subject to systematic review.
Reduces Political Polarisation
- Committee deliberations are generally consensus-oriented.
Limitations
- Recommendations are not binding on the government.
- Short tenure affects continuity and expertise.
- Declining trend of referring bills to committees.
- Limited time for examining Demands for Grants.
Conclusion
The DRSC system is a cornerstone of India’s parliamentary oversight architecture. By enabling specialised, continuous, and detailed scrutiny, these committees strengthen democratic accountability and improve the quality of legislation and governance.
