UPSC Mains 2023 GS2 Q16: model answer
Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?
What the question wants
Structure of committees and the role of PAC, Estimates and COPU.
How to structure it
Intro: committees as 'mini-Parliaments'. Body: (1) Structure: standing vs ad hoc; financial committees, 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (since 1993), other standing (Business Advisory, Privileges, Petitions), ad hoc (select, joint); (2) Financial committees: PAC (1921, Opposition chair since 1967, CAG reports), Estimates (largest, economies), COPU; (3) How far: scrutiny, continuity, expertise, bipartisan work, examples (2G PAC report); (4) Limits: post-facto, recommendations not binding, attendance, fewer bills referred. Conclusion: strengthen with research staff.
- 1(1) Structure: standing vs ad hoc
- 2Financial committees, 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (since 1993), other standing (Business Advisory, Privileges, Petitions), ad hoc (select, joint)
- 3(2) Financial committees: PAC (1921, Opposition chair since 1967, CAG reports), Estimates (largest, economies), COPU
- 4(3) How far: scrutiny, continuity, expertise, bipartisan work, examples (2G PAC report)
- 5(4) Limits: post-facto, recommendations not binding, attendance, fewer bills referred
Model answer
Parliament cannot examine everything on the floor, so committees act as its 'mini-Parliaments'.
| Committee | Members | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Public Accounts | 22 | Examines CAG audit reports; Opposition chair |
| Estimates | 30 (Lok Sabha) | Suggests economy in spending |
| Public Undertakings | 22 | Reviews PSU performance |
Structure
- Standing committees (permanent):
- Financial: Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Estimates Committee, Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
- 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (since 1993), covering all ministries, with members from both Houses.
- House-keeping and others: Business Advisory, Privileges, Petitions, Rules, Subordinate Legislation.
- Ad hoc committees: select and joint committees on specific bills or issues, dissolved after reporting.
Financial committees
- PAC (22 members) examines CAG audit reports; since 1967 it is headed by an Opposition member.
- Estimates Committee (30 Lok Sabha members) suggests economies and efficiency in spending.
- COPU (22 members) reviews public sector enterprises.
How far they have institutionalised Parliament
- Continuous oversight: they work round the year, beyond short sessions.
- Bipartisan scrutiny: members work across party lines behind closed doors.
- Accountability: PAC reports on the 2G spectrum, coal and Commonwealth Games issues brought executive lapses to light.
- Expertise: members build knowledge of sectors and ministries.
- Action Taken Reports make the government respond.
Limits
- PAC works after spending; Estimates Committee cannot question policy.
- Recommendations are not binding.
- Low attendance and partisanship in high-profile cases.
- Few bills are now referred to committees.
- Limited research staff.
Financial committees have made Parliament a watchdog of public money. Dedicated research support and binding follow-up would deepen this role.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
PAC Estimates Committee COPU DRSCs CAG reports
Where most answers lose marks
- Listing committees without assessing them.
- Wrong membership numbers.
Fresh examples from current affairs
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In Lok Sabha replies on 7 August 2026, MEA said India's 2022 Arctic Policy, "India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development", guides its Nordic ties. Ties were raised to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. On the UNSC, MEA said expansion needs an amendment of the UN Charter.
UPSC angle: Prelims: India's Arctic Policy (2022). · Mains: UNSC reform.
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MEA Parliament replies (30-31 Jul 2026): Iran evacuations, Operation Amistad, Chabahar
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UPSC angle: Prelims: Operation Amistad (Venezuela, 2026); BHISHM Cube. · Mains: HADR as diplomacy.
31 Jul 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP-CSM-23-GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II-180923.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.