Govt to propose 2-year tenure for parliamentary committees instead of one

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major reform is underway to make Parliament's functioning more effective. Sources suggest that the tenure of Parliamentary Standing Committees could be extended from one year to two. The primary purpose of this move is to provide committees with more time and continuity to thoroughly examine bills, reports, and policy matters.

The tenure of the existing committees ended on September 26 and now this rule is likely to be implemented in the new reorganisation.

Currently, these committees are reconstituted annually. Many MPs, including those in the opposition, believe that a one-year term is insufficient for in-depth study of any subject. Extending the term will allow the committees to work with greater focus and expertise. These committees function as a "mini-Parliament" even when Parliament is not in session, providing MPs with the opportunity to examine policy matters in detail.

This proposal also has an important political aspect. Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor currently chairs the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. If the committees' terms are reduced to two years, he could remain in this important position for another two years, despite his reported differences with the party.

What are Standing Committees?

Parliamentary Standing Committees are permanent bodies of Parliament, composed of members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. These committees primarily perform the important functions of detailed scrutiny of bills, reviewing government policies, scrutinizing budget allocations, and holding relevant ministries accountable. Sources say that major changes in committee chairpersons are unlikely, but new members may be appointed for two-year terms, which would provide stability to the committees' work.