INTRODUCTION
The Estimates Committee is a parliamentary committee in India consisting of 30 members of the Lok Sabha and 10 members of the Rajya Sabha. The primary responsibility of the committee is to examine the estimates of expenditure presented by the government in the annual budget.
The committee scrutinizes the budget proposals of various ministries and departments of the government to ensure that the funds are allocated properly and effectively. It also examines the functioning of government departments and agencies to ensure that they are following the prescribed procedures and utilizing funds efficiently.
The Estimates Committee is one of the oldest committees of the Indian Parliament and was first constituted in 1921. Over the years, it has played a significant role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending. The committee is chaired by a member of the opposition party, and its recommendations are presented to the Lok Sabha for approval.
Overall, the Estimates Committee is an important institution that helps to ensure that public funds are utilized in the most effective and efficient manner, thereby contributing to the development and welfare of the nation.
COMPOSITION
The Estimates Committee is a parliamentary committee consisting of 30 members of the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament) and 10 members of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian Parliament).
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected by the House from among its members, while the members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The members of the committee are chosen every year and serve for a term of one year.
The committee is chaired by a member of the opposition party, who is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The chairman of the committee is assisted by a Vice-Chairman, who is also appointed by the Speaker.
The composition of the committee reflects the diversity of the Indian Parliament, with members from different political parties and regions of the country. This ensures that the committee is able to provide a balanced and unbiased assessment of the government's budget proposals and expenditure estimates.
FUNCTIONS
The Estimates Committee is responsible for several important functions related to the scrutiny of government spending. These functions include:
- EXAMINING THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE BUDGET : The primary function of the Estimates Committee is to scrutinize the budget proposals of various ministries and departments of the government. The committee examines these proposals in detail to ensure that the funds are allocated properly and effectively.
- MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE HOUSE ON THE AMOUNT AND MANNER OF EXPENDITURE : Based on its examination of the budget proposals, the Estimates Committee makes recommendations to the Lok Sabha on the amount and manner of expenditure. These recommendations may include suggestions for changes in the allocation of funds or for more effective utilization of resources.
- EXAMINING THE REPORTS OF THE COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL OF INDIA (CAG) RELATING TO THE EXPENDITURE OF THE GOVERNMENT : The CAG is responsible for auditing the accounts of the government and preparing reports on the expenditure of public funds. The Estimates Committee examines these reports to ensure that the government is following prescribed procedures and utilizing funds efficiently.
- SUBMITTING ITS REPORT TO THE HOUSE : Once it has completed its examination of the estimates of expenditure and related reports, the Estimates Committee submits its report to the Lok Sabha. The report contains its recommendations and observations on the budget proposals and related matters.
- EXAMINING ANY MATTER RELATED TO THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE OR THE WORKING OF THE GOVERNMENT : In addition to its primary functions related to the budget, the Estimates Committee can also examine any matter related to the estimates of expenditure or the working of the government. This gives the committee a broad mandate to investigate and make recommendations on a wide range of issues related to government spending and operations.
Overall, the functions of the Estimates Committee are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending. By carefully examining the budget proposals and related reports, the committee helps to ensure that public funds are utilized in the most effective and efficient manner, and that the government is held accountable for its actions.
ROLE
The role of the Estimates Committee in India is crucial in ensuring that the government's expenditure is efficient, effective, and accountable. Some of the key roles of the Estimates Committee include:
- ENSURING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IS EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, AND ACCOUNTABLE : The Estimates Committee plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the government's expenditure proposals and ensuring that public funds are utilized in the most efficient and effective manner. The committee examines the budget proposals of various government departments and ministries to ensure that the funds are allocated properly and utilized for their intended purpose.
- SERVING AS A WATCHDOG OVER THE GOVERNMENT'S FINANCES : The Estimates Committee acts as a watchdog over the government's finances by examining the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) relating to the expenditure of the government. The committee ensures that the government is following the prescribed procedures and utilizing funds efficiently.
- PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS : The Estimates Committee promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds by conducting a detailed examination of the government's expenditure proposals and related reports. The committee ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions and that the public is informed about how public funds are being utilized.
- ACTING AS A CHECK ON THE GOVERNMENT'S ACTIONS : The Estimates Committee acts as a check on the government's actions by examining any matter related to the estimates of expenditure or the working of the government. This gives the committee a broad mandate to investigate and make recommendations on a wide range of issues related to government spending and operations. By doing so, the committee ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions and that it operates in a transparent and responsible manner.
Overall, the role of the Estimates Committee is critical to ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government spending. By serving as a watchdog over the government's finances and acting as a check on its actions, the committee helps to ensure that public funds are utilized in the most effective and efficient manner, and that the government is held accountable for its actions.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Estimates Committee plays a crucial role in India's parliamentary system by examining the government's expenditure proposals and ensuring that public funds are utilized in the most efficient, effective, and accountable manner. The committee serves as a watchdog over the government's finances, promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, and acts as a check on the government's actions. By fulfilling these important functions, the committee helps to ensure that the government operates in a transparent and responsible manner and that public funds are utilized for the benefit of the people of India.