Rules of Procedure — Chapter XXVI: Parliamentary Committees | CSS ADDA
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Rules of Procedure — Lok Sabha
Chapter XXVI: Parliamentary Committees

General Rules · Business Advisory · Select Committees · Financial Committees · DRSCs · All 18 Committee Types · CSS ADDA
📋
Chapter
XXVI
Parliamentary Committees
👥
Committee Types
18
Including DRSCs & Ethics
⚖️
Quorum
⅓rd
One-third of total members
🗳️
Elected Committees
4
PAC · Estimates · CPU · SC/ST
Section A

General Rules

GENERAL RULES Appointment · Quorum · Evidence · Reports

General Rules — Parliamentary Committees

Definition of "Committee." Appointment & election. Objection on personal/pecuniary interest. Quorum = ⅓rd. Casting vote. Evidence on oath. Sittings in private. Reports signed by Chairperson. Business does NOT lapse on prorogation.

📌 Definition — "Committee"
  • 📌In this Chapter, unless context otherwise requires, "Committee" means and includes "Parliamentary Committee" as defined in the Rules.
👥 Appointment of Committee ⭐ Important
  • 📋Members of a Committee shall be appointed or elected by the House on a motion made, or nominated by the Speaker, as the case may be.
  • 🚫No member shall be appointed if unwilling to serve. The proposer shall ascertain willingness beforehand.
  • 🔄Casual vacancies filled by appointment, election, or nomination. Member filling vacancy holds office for the unexpired portion of the term.
⚠️ Objection to Membership ⭐ Exam Favourite
  • ⚠️If objection taken on grounds of personal, pecuniary, or direct interest that may prejudicially affect consideration — the following procedure applies:
a
State Objection

Objecting member precisely states the ground and nature of alleged interest — personal, pecuniary, or direct.

b
Opportunity to Respond

Speaker gives opportunity to the proposed member to state the position.

c
Evidence

If dispute on facts → Speaker may call upon both members to produce documentary or other evidence.

d
Speaker's Decision — Final

Speaker considers evidence and gives decision — which shall be final.

e
Interim Position

Until Speaker decides — member continues as member, may take part in discussion, but shall NOT be entitled to vote.

f
If Upheld

If Speaker holds that the member has such interest → member ceases to be a member forthwith. Previous proceedings NOT affected.

📋 Explanation — Interest Must Be Separate

The interest of the member should be direct, personal, or pecuniary and separately belong to the person whose inclusion is objected to — not in common with the public in general or with any class or section thereof or on a matter of State policy.

📅 Term of Office & Resignation
  • 📅A Committee nominated by the Speaker holds office for the period specified by the Speaker or until a new Committee is nominated.
  • 📝A member may resign by writing under own hand addressed to the Speaker, in the prescribed form.
  • 📅Resignation takes effect from: (a) date specified in letter; (b) if no date → date of the letter; (c) if letter undated → date of receipt in LS Secretariat.
👤 Chairperson of Committee
  • 👤Chairperson appointed by Speaker from amongst members of the Committee.
  • 📋Proviso: If Deputy Speaker is a member of the Committee → shall be appointed as Chairperson.
  • 🔄If Chairperson unable to act → Speaker may appoint another. If absent from any sitting → Committee chooses another member to act for that sitting.
⚖️ Quorum in Committee ⭐ Important
  • ⚖️Quorum = as near as may be, one-third of the total number of members of the Committee.
  • 📋If no quorum → Chairperson either suspends the sitting until quorum or adjourns to some future day.
  • 📋If adjourned on two successive dates → Chairperson reports the fact to the House (or to Speaker, if Committee appointed by Speaker).
🚫 Discharge of Absent Members
  • 🚫If a member is absent from two or more consecutive sittings without Chairperson's permission → a motion may be moved in House for discharge. If nominated by Speaker → Speaker may discharge.
🗳️ Decisions & Casting Vote
  • 🗳️All questions determined by majority of votes of members present and voting.
  • ⚖️In case of equality → Chairperson (or person acting as such) has a second or casting vote.
📋 Power to Appoint Sub-Committees
  • 📋A Committee may appoint one or more sub-Committees, each having powers of the undivided Committee. Reports of sub-committees deemed reports of the whole Committee if approved at a sitting of the whole Committee.
  • 📋Order of reference to sub-Committee shall clearly state the point or points for investigation.
📅 Sittings of Committee
  • 📅Sittings on such days and at such hour as Chairperson may fix. If Chairperson not available → Secretary-General may fix date/time. For Select/Joint Committee on Bills → Secretary-General fixes in consultation with Minister concerned.
  • 🏛️Committee may sit whilst House is sitting — but on a division being called, Chairperson shall suspend proceedings to enable members to vote.
  • 🔒Sittings of a Committee shall be held in private.
  • 🏢Sittings held within precincts of Parliament House. If change needed → referred to Speaker whose decision is final.
  • 👤All persons other than members and officers of LS Secretariat shall withdraw whenever Committee is deliberating.
📄 Evidence & Documents ⭐ Important
  • 📋Witness may be summoned by order signed by Secretary-General. Shall produce documents required for Committee's use.
  • 🔒Committee's discretion to treat evidence as secret or confidential.
  • 🚫No document submitted shall be withdrawn or altered without Committee's knowledge and approval.
  • 📋Committee has power to send for persons, papers and records. Relevance question → referred to Speaker (decision final). Government may decline if disclosure prejudicial to safety/interest of State.
  • ⚖️Committee may permit witness to be heard by counsel appointed by witness and approved by Committee, under Speaker's direction.
  • 📋Committee may administer oath or affirmation to a witness. Prescribed form: "I swear / solemnly affirm that the evidence shall be true, conceal nothing, and no part shall be false."
🗣️ Examination of Witnesses
  • 📋Committee decides mode of procedure and nature of questions before witness is called.
  • 👤Chairperson asks first with reference to the subject matter.
  • 📋Chairperson may call other members one by one to ask questions.
  • 📋Witness may be asked to place other relevant points not covered.
  • 📋Verbatim record of proceedings shall be kept when witness is summoned.
  • 📋Evidence may be made available to all members of the Committee.
📋 Record & Confidentiality
  • 📋Record of decisions maintained and circulated to members under Chairperson's direction.
  • 📋Committee may direct that whole or part of evidence or summary be laid on Table.
  • 🔒No part of evidence, report, or proceedings which has NOT been laid on Table shall be open to inspection except under authority of Speaker.
  • 🚫Evidence shall NOT be published by any member or any other person until laid on Table. Speaker may, at discretion, direct that evidence be confidentially made available to members before formal laying.
📜 Reports
  • 📋Committee may make a special report on any matter that arises, even if not directly connected with its terms of reference.
  • 📅If no time fixed for presentation → report shall be presented within one month of the date of reference. House may extend time.
  • 📋Reports may be preliminary or final.
  • ✍️Report signed by Chairperson on behalf of Committee. If absent → another member chosen to sign.
  • 🔒Committee may make available to Government any completed part of report before presentation to House — treated as confidential until presented.
  • 📢Report presented by Chairperson (or member). Remarks confined to brief statement of fact — no debate at this stage.
  • 📰When House is not in session → Speaker may order printing, publication, or circulation. Report presented at first convenient opportunity in next session.
⚖️ Procedure, Directions & Prorogation
  • 📋Committee may pass resolutions on matters of procedure for Speaker's consideration.
  • 📋Committee may, with Speaker's approval, make detailed rules of procedure to supplement this Chapter.
  • 📋Speaker may issue directions to Chairperson for regulating procedure. Any doubt on procedure → referred to Speaker (decision final).
  • ✅Business pending before a Committee shall NOT lapse by reason only of prorogation of the House. Committee continues to function.
  • 📋If Committee unable to complete work before expiry of term or dissolution → may report inability. Preliminary reports, memoranda, notes, and evidence made available to new Committee.
  • ⚖️General rules apply to all Committees. If special rules of a particular Committee are inconsistent with general rules → special rules prevail.
⚠️ Key Exam Point: Business pending before a Committee does NOT lapse on prorogation of the House. However, on dissolution of Lok Sabha, Committees stand dissolved.
GENERAL RULES — KEY PRINCIPLES AT A GLANCE ⚖️ QUORUM ⅓rd of total members 2 successive no-quorum → report to House Casting vote: Chairperson Majority of present & voting 📄 EVIDENCE Summoned by Secretary-General Oath / affirmation Verbatim record kept Govt may decline if prejudicial to State 📜 REPORTS Within 1 month (default) Preliminary or final Signed by Chairperson Confidential until laid No debate at presentation stage 🔄 PROROGATION Business does NOT LAPSE Committee continues Dissolution → ends Work shared with new Cttee
Section B

Business Advisory Committee

TIME ALLOCATION Speaker as Chairperson · ≤15 Members

Business Advisory Committee

Nominated by Speaker. ≤ 15 members. Speaker is Chairperson. Recommends time allocation for Government Bills and other business. Allocation of Time Order = Order of the House.

📋 Constitution
  • 📋Nominated by Speaker consisting of not more than 15 members including the Speaker who shall be the Chairperson.
📋 Functions
  • 📋Recommend time to be allocated for discussion of stages of Government Bills and other business as Speaker, in consultation with Leader of the House, may direct.
  • ⏰May indicate in proposed time-table the different hours at which various stages shall be completed.
  • 📋Such other functions as assigned by Speaker from time to time.
  • 📋Note: "Other business" means business other than Private Members' Bills and Private Members' Resolutions.
📜 Report & Allocation of Time
  • 📋Recommendations presented to House in the form of a report.
  • 📋After presentation → motion that House agrees / agrees with amendments / disagrees. Amendment for reference back to Committee permitted. Discussion not more than half an hour; no member speaks more than 5 minutes.
  • 📋Allocation of Time as approved takes effect as order of the House → notified in Bulletin.
  • ⏰At appointed hour → Speaker forthwith puts every question necessary to dispose of all outstanding matters (Guillotine).
  • 📋No variation except on motion with Speaker's consent. Speaker may increase time not exceeding 1 hour after taking sense of House.
BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE — PROCESS FLOW 👤 SPEAKER + Leader of House refer business → 📋 BAC (≤15) Recommends time for each stage → 📜 REPORT Presented to House 30 min debate max → 🏛️ ORDER OF HOUSE Notified in Bulletin Binding on all → ⚡ GUILLOTINE At appointed hour all Qs put to vote VARIATION
BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE — PROCESS FLOW 👤 SPEAKER + Leader of House refer business → 📋 BAC (≤15) Recommends time for each stage → 📜 REPORT Presented to House 30 min debate max → 🏛️ ORDER OF HOUSE Notified in Bulletin Binding on all → ⚡ GUILLOTINE At appointed hour all Qs put to vote Variation: Speaker +1hr
COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILLS — 5 KEY FUNCTIONS a CONSTITUTION AMEND BILLS Examine BEFORE leave to introduce Pre-screening gate b CLASSIFY BILLS After introduction A or B urgency · importance c TIME ALLOCATION Each Bill's stage hours for completion Guillotine applies d COMPETENCE Bills opposed on legislative competence Speaker deems tenable e RESOLUTIONS Time-limit for Pvt. Members' Resolutions
Section D

Select Committees on Bills

SELECT COMMITTEE ✓ Expert Evidence · Report within 3 Months · Dissent

Select Committees on Bills

Members appointed by House. May hear expert evidence. Report within 3 months. Minutes of dissent allowed. Minister may address even if not a member. Bill published in Gazette after report.

📋 Constitution & Procedure
  • 📋Members appointed by the House when motion is made for reference to Select Committee.
  • 👤Non-members may be present during deliberations but shall NOT address or sit in the body of the Committee. Exception: A Minister may, with Chairperson's permission, address the Committee even if not a member.
  • 📋Amendments: if notice not given before Committee takes up Bill → objection prevails unless Chairperson allows. Procedure otherwise same as consideration stage in House with adaptations by Speaker.
  • 📋Notice of amendment by non-member → referred to Committee, but shall not be taken up unless moved by a member of Committee.
  • 📋Select Committee may hear expert evidence and representatives of special interests.
📜 Report ⭐ Important
  • 📅Report within time fixed by House. If no time fixed → within 3 months from date of adoption of reference motion. House may extend.
  • 📋Report shall state whether publication of the Bill has taken place and the date thereof.
  • 📋If Bill altered → Committee may recommend the member in-charge to move a motion for circulation or recirculation.
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILLS COMMITTEE — 5 KEY FUNCTIONS a CONSTITUTION AMEND BILLS Examine BEFORE leave to introduce Pre-screening gate Not yet on list b CLASSIFY BILLS After introduction A or B Nature, urgency and importance c TIME ALLOCATION Each Bill's stages hours for completion Guillotine applies d LEGISLATIVE COMPETENCE Bills opposed on competence grounds Speaker deems tenable e RESOLUTIONS Time-limit for Private Members' Resolutions & ancillary matters
Published in Gazette ⚠️ UNPARLIAMENTARY words in dissent Speaker may expunge
Section E

Committee on Papers Laid on the Table

TABLE Compliance · Delay · Hindi/English Versions

Committee on Papers Laid on the Table

Nominated by Speaker. ≤ 15 members. 1 year term. Examines all papers laid by Ministers — checks compliance, delays, Hindi/English versions. Members must refer matters to Committee, not raise in House.

📋 Constitution
  • 📋Not more than 15 members. Nominated by Speaker. Term not exceeding one year.
📋 Functions
  • 📋Examine all papers laid on Table by Ministers and report on:
  • (a)Whether there has been compliance of provisions of Constitution, Act, rule, or regulation under which paper was laid
  • (b)Whether there has been any unreasonable delay in laying
  • (c)If delay → whether statement explaining reasons has been laid and whether reasons are satisfactory
  • (d)Whether both Hindi and English versions have been laid
  • (e)Whether statement explaining reason for not laying Hindi version has been given and whether reasons are satisfactory
🚫 Restriction
  • 🚫A member wishing to raise any of these matters shall refer it to the Committee and NOT raise it in the House.
PAPERS LAID ON TABLE — 5-POINT EXAMINATION CHECKLIST ✅ (a) COMPLIANCE Constitution/Act/Rule provisions followed? ⏰ (b) DELAY Any unreasonable delay in laying? 📋 (c) REASONS Statement of reasons laid? Satisfactory? 🔤 (d) BOTH VERSIONS Hindi AND English versions laid? 🚫 (e) NO HINDI? Statement for not laying Hindi given?
Section F

Committee on Petitions

SELECT COMMITTEE ON BILLS — LIFECYCLE 📢 MOTION House refers Bill Members appointed → 🗣️ EVIDENCE Expert witnesses Special interests Minister may address → ✏️ AMENDMENTS Non-member amends only if moved by a Committee member → 📜 REPORT Within 3 MONTHS Dissent allowed Temperate language → 📰 GAZETTE Report printed Copies to all MPs ⚠️ UNPARLIAMENTARY words in dissent Speaker may expunge
Extenso or summary → 🗣️ EVIDENCE Experts + public opinion → 💡 REMEDIAL Concrete measures
THREE FINANCIAL COMMITTEES — ALL ELECTED Proportional Representation · Single Transferable Vote · Minister Excluded · 1 Year Term 🔍 PUBLIC ACCOUNTS (PAC) 👥 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS) 📋 Examines appropriation accounts 📋 Examines C&AG reports 💰 Examines excess expenditure 🏢 State corps, PSUs, autonomous bodies 🚫 NOT PSUs allotted to CPU 📊 ESTIMATES COMMITTEE 👥 30 members (LS only) 📋 Report economies & reforms 📋 Suggest alternative policies 📋 Form of estimates to Parliament 📋 Continues throughout financial year 🚫 NOT PSUs allotted to CPU 🏭 PUBLIC UNDERTAKINGS 👥 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS) 📋 Reports & accounts of PSUs 📋 Sound business principles 📋 C&AG reports on PSUs 🚫 NOT: major Govt policy, day-to-day admin, special statute machinery
Section G

Committee on Public Accounts — PAC

📋 Functions ⭐ Very Important
  • 📋Examination of: (a) accounts showing appropriation of sums granted by House; (b) annual finance accounts of Government of India; (c) such other accounts as it thinks fit.
  • 📋In scrutinising Appropriation Accounts and C&AG report, Committee shall satisfy itself:
  • (a)Moneys shown as disbursed were legally available for and applicable to the service/purpose
  • (b)Expenditure conforms to the authority which governs it
  • (c)Every re-appropriation made in accordance with rules framed by competent authority
  • 📋Also examines: (a) income/expenditure of State corporations, trading concerns with balance sheets and C&AG reports; (b) autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies audited by C&AG; (c) C&AG reports where President required audit of receipts or stores/stocks.
  • 📋If money spent in excess → examine circumstances and make recommendations.
  • 🚫Proviso: Shall NOT exercise functions in relation to public undertakings allotted to CPU.
👥 Constitution
  • 📋Not more than 22 members comprising 15 from LS (elected by proportional representation/STV) + not more than 7 from RS (nominated by RS).
PAPERS LAID ON TABLE — 5-POINT EXAMINATION CHECKLIST ✅ (a) COMPLIANCE Constitution / Act / Rule / Regulation provisions followed? ⏰ (b) DELAY Any unreasonable delay in laying the paper? 📋 (c) REASONS Statement explaining reasons for delay laid? Satisfactory? 🔤 (d) BOTH VERSIONS Hindi AND English both versions laid on the Table? 🚫 (e) NO HINDI? Statement for not laying Hindi version given? Satisfactory?
  • 📋May continue examination throughout the financial year and report as examination proceeds. Not incumbent to examine entire estimates of any one year. Demands for Grants may be voted notwithstanding no report by Committee.
    • Section I

    Committee on Public Undertakings

    📋 Functions ⭐ Important
    • (a)Examine reports and accounts of public undertakings in Fourth Schedule
    • (b)Examine C&AG reports on public undertakings
    • (c)Examine whether affairs are managed in accordance with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices, in context of autonomy and efficiency
    • (d)Exercise such other functions of PAC and Estimates Committee as allotted by Speaker
    🚫 Proviso — NOT to Examine
    • (i)Matters of major Government policy (distinct from business/commercial functions)
    • (ii)Matters of day-to-day administration
    • (iii)Matters for which machinery is established by special statute under which the PSU is established
    👥 Constitution
    • 📋Not more than 22 members — 15 from LS (elected by PR/STV) + not more than 7 from RS (nominated by RS). Minister excluded. Term: one year.
    Section J

    Committee of Privileges

    🛡️ Breach of Privilege · Priority Matter · ≤15 Members

    Committee of Privileges

    Nominated by Speaker. ≤ 15 members. Examines whether breach of privilege involved. Determines nature, circumstances, and makes recommendations. Report given priority as matter of privilege.

    📋 Constitution & Functions
    • 📋Nominated by Speaker. Not more than 15 members.
    • 📋Examine every question referred to it and determine: (a) whether a breach of privilege is involved; (b) the nature of the breach; (c) circumstances leading to it; and (d) make recommendations.
    • 📋Report may also state the procedure to be followed by House in giving effect to recommendations.
    📋 Consideration by House
    • 📋Chairperson/member moves that report be taken into consideration. Speaker may permit debate not exceeding half an hour. After agreed → motion to agree/disagree/amend recommendations.
    • 📋Motion for consideration given priority as a matter of privilege unless undue delay in bringing forward.
    COMMITTEE ON PETITIONS — WORKFLOW 📝 PETITION RECEIVED Referred by House Check compliance → 🔍 EXAMINE Committee examines compliance with rules → 📢 CIRCULATE In extenso or summary form → 🗣️ EVIDENCE Experts + interested parties + public opinion → 💡 REMEDIAL Concrete measures to prevent recurrence
  • 📋On referral → preliminary inquiry conducted by Committee.
  • 🚫If no prima facie case → recommend matter be dropped; Chairperson intimates Speaker.
  • ✅If prima facie case exists → Committee takes up for further examination.
  • 📋Committee may lay down procedure from time to time for examination.
    • 📜 Report & Consideration
    • 📋Recommendations presented as report to Speaker. Speaker may direct that report be laid on Table.
    • 📋Debate not exceeding half an hour. Motion to agree/disagree/amend recommendations.
    • 📋Motion for consideration put down in list of business after disposal of questions.
    ETHICS COMMITTEE — COMPLAINT HANDLING PROCESS 📨 COMPLAINT Referred by Speaker → 🔍 PRELIMINARY INQUIRY Committee investigates → ⚖️ PRIMA FACIE? No → DROP · Yes → proceed → 📋 EXAMINATION Full investigation → 📜 REPORT To Speaker → Table
    Section L

    Committee on Subordinate Legislation

    RULES 📝 GAZETTE 📰 → 9-Point Scrutiny Test · Annulment · ≤15 Members

    Committee on Subordinate Legislation

    Nominated by Speaker. ≤ 15 members. Minister excluded. 1 year term. Scrutinises rules, regulations, bye-laws delegated by Parliament. 9-point examination test. May recommend annulment or amendment.

    📋 Functions
    • 📋Scrutinize and report whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, bye-laws etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by Parliament are being properly exercised within such delegation.
    👥 Constitution
    • 📋Not more than 15 members nominated by Speaker. Minister excluded (ceases if appointed). Term: one year.
    📋 Numbering & Publication of Orders
    • 📋Each Order (regulation, rule, sub-rule, bye-law etc.) shall be numbered centrally and published in the Gazette immediately after promulgation.
    🔍 9-Point Examination of Orders ⭐ Very Important
    • 📋After each Order is laid before the House, the Committee shall consider:
    • (i)Whether in accord with general objects of the Constitution or the Act
    • (ii)Whether it contains matter which should more properly be dealt with in an Act of Parliament
    • (iii)Whether it contains imposition of any tax
    • (iv)Whether it directly or indirectly bars jurisdiction of courts
    • (v)Whether it gives retrospective effect without express power
    • (vi)Whether it involves expenditure from CFI or public revenues
    • (vii)Whether it makes unusual or unexpected use of powers conferred
    • (viii)Whether there has been unjustifiable delay in publication or laying
    • (ix)Whether its form or purport calls for elucidation
    📜 Report & Speaker's Powers
    • 📋If Committee opines Order should be annulled or amended → report opinion and grounds to the House.
    • 📋If any other matter should be brought to notice → may report to House.
    • ⚖️Speaker may issue directions as considered necessary for regulating procedure connected with Subordinate Legislation either in Committee or in House.
    9-POINT EXAMINATION TEST — SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION (i)In accord with general objects of Constitution / Act? (ii)Should matter be in Act of Parliament instead? (iii)Contains imposition of any TAX? (iv)Bars jurisdiction of courts? directly or indirectly? (v)Retrospective effect without express power? (vi)Expenditure from CFI or public revenues? (vii)Unusual use of powers? (viii)Unjustifiable delay? (ix)Form/purport needs elucidation?
    Section M

    Committee on Government Assurances

    ✅ Assurances · Promises · Implementation · ≤15 Members

    Committee on Government Assurances

    Nominated by Speaker. ≤ 15 members. Minister excluded. 1 year term. Scrutinises assurances, promises, undertakings given by Ministers. Reports on extent and timeliness of implementation.

    📋 Functions
    • 📋Scrutinise the assurances, promises, undertakings etc. given by Ministers on the floor of the House and report on:
    • (a)The extent to which such assurances have been implemented
    • (b)Where implemented → whether within minimum time necessary
    👥 Constitution
    • 📋Not more than 15 members nominated by Speaker. Minister excluded (ceases if appointed). Term: one year.
    GOVT. ASSURANCES COMMITTEE — WHAT IT SCRUTINISES ✅ (a) IMPLEMENTATION Extent to which assurances, promises, undertakings fulfilled ⏰ (b) TIMELINESS Whether implemented within minimum time necessary 📋 CONSTITUTION ≤ 15 · Nominated · 1 year Minister excluded ❌
    Section N

    Committee on Absence of Members

    👤 🚫 👤 60+ DAYS ABSENT Leave Applications · 60-Day Rule · 15 Members

    Committee on Absence of Members from Sittings of the House

    Nominated by Speaker. 15 members. 1 year term. Considers leave applications. Examines absences of 60+ days without permission — may recommend condoning or declaring seat vacant.

    📋 Constitution
    • 📋15 members nominated by Speaker. Term not exceeding one year.
    📋 Functions
    • (i)Consider all applications from members for leave of absence from sittings of the House.
    • (ii)Examine every case where member absent for 60 days or more without permission → report whether absence should be condoned or seat declared vacant.
    📋 Procedure
    • 📋Where Committee recommends leave/condonation → pleasure of the House taken by Speaker as soon as may be after presentation of report.
    • 📋Where leave NOT recommended → motion may be moved to agree/disagree/amend with Committee's recommendations.
    COMMITTEE ON ABSENCE — TWO FUNCTIONS 📋 (i) LEAVE APPLICATIONS Consider all applications from members for leave of absence from sittings 🚫 (ii) 60+ DAYS ABSENT Without permission → report whether condone OR declare seat vacant
    ETHICS COMMITTEE — COMPLAINT HANDLING PROCESS 📨 COMPLAINT Referred by Speaker Unethical conduct → 🔍 PRELIMINARY INQUIRY Committee investigates → ⚖️ PRIMA FACIE? No → DROP Yes → proceed → 📋 FULL EXAMINATION Detailed investigation → 📜 REPORT To Speaker → Table ½ hour debate max
  • 📋Amendments come into force on publication in Bulletin unless otherwise specified.
    • RULES COMMITTEE — AMENDMENT PROCESS (SPEAKER = EX-OFFICIO CHAIR) 📜 LAID ON TABLE Recommendations → ⏰ 7-DAY WINDOW Members may amend → 🔄 RECONSIDER Committee revises → ✅ HOUSE AGREES or deemed approved → 📰 BULLETIN In force from date
    Section P

    Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

    👤 🛡️ 👤 ELECTED · 30 MEMBERS Art. 338 · Art. 338A · Welfare Programmes · 20 LS + 10 RS

    Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

    Elected (PR/STV). 30 members (20 LS + 10 RS). Minister excluded. 1 year term. Considers National Commission reports. Monitors welfare programmes. Examines representation in services.

    📋 Functions ⭐ Important
    • (a)Consider reports of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes → report on measures to be taken by Union Government
    • (b)Report on action taken by Union Government and UT Administrations on proposed measures
    • (c)Examine measures for due representation of SC/ST in services and posts (including PSUs, statutory bodies, UTs)
    • (d)Report on working of welfare programmes for SC/ST in Union Territories
    • (e)Examine such other matters as Committee thinks fit or are specifically referred by House or Speaker
    👥 Constitution
    • 📋Not more than 30 members — 20 from LS (elected by PR/STV) + not more than 10 from RS (nominated by RS). Minister excluded. Term: one year.
    SC/ST WELFARE COMMITTEE — 5 FUNCTIONS (ELECTED · 30 MEMBERS) 📋 (a) NCSC/NCST Consider National Commission reports ✅ (b) ACTION TAKEN Report on Govt & UT action 👥 (c) REPRESENTATION Due representation in services (Art. 335)
    9-POINT EXAMINATION TEST — SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION (i)In accord with general objects of Constitution / Act? (ii)Should matter be in Act of Parliament instead? (iii)Contains imposition of any TAX? (iv)Bars jurisdiction of courts directly / indirectly? (v)Retrospective effect without express power? (vi)Expenditure from CFI or public revenues? (vii)Unusual or unexpected use of powers conferred? (viii)Unjustifiable delay in publication or laying? (ix)Form or purport calls for elucidation?
    Part I: Chairman RS  ·  Part II: Speaker LS Demands · Bills · Annual Reports · Policy Documents

    Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)

    24 Committees. ≤ 31 members each (21 LS + 10 RS). Nominated. Minister excluded. 1 year term. Examine Demands for Grants, Bills, Annual Reports, Long-term Policy Documents. Reports have "persuasive value."

    📋 Constitution ⭐ Very Important
    • 📋There shall be Departmentally Related Standing Committees. Ministries/Departments under jurisdiction specified in Fifth Schedule. Chairman RS and Speaker may alter the Schedule in consultation with each other.
    • 👥Each DRSC → not more than 31 members — 21 nominated by Speaker (from LS) + 10 nominated by Chairman RS (from RS).
    • 🚫Minister shall NOT be nominated. If appointed Minister → ceases to be member.
    • 👤Chairpersons of Part I committees → appointed by Chairman RS. Chairpersons of Part II → appointed by Speaker.
    • 📅Term: not exceeding one year.
    📋 Functions ⭐ Very Important
    • (a)Consider Demands for Grants of concerned Ministries and make report. Report shall NOT suggest anything of the nature of cut motions.
    • (b)Examine such Bills pertaining to concerned Ministries as referred by Chairman RS or Speaker → make reports
    • (c)Consider Annual Reports of Ministries/Departments → make reports
    • (d)Consider national basic long-term policy documents presented to Houses, if referred by Chairman RS or Speaker → make reports
    ⚠️ Key Restriction: Standing Committees shall NOT consider matters of day-to-day administration of the concerned Ministries/Departments.
    📊 Procedure — Demands for Grants
    • (a)After general discussion on Budget → Houses adjourned for a fixed period (recess)
    • (b)Committees consider Demands for Grants during this period
    • (c)Committees make report within the period and shall not ask for more time
    • (d)Demands considered by House in light of Committee reports
    • (e)Separate report on Demands for Grants of each Ministry
    📜 Procedure — Bills
    • (a)Consider general principles and clauses of Bills referred → make report
    • (b)Consider only Bills referred by Chairman RS or Speaker (introduced in either House)
    • (c)Make report in the given time
    📋 Reports, Dissent & Other Rules
    • 📋Reports based on broad consensus.
    • 📝Member may give note of dissent → presented to House along with report.
    • ⚖️General rules of Parliamentary Committees in RS apply mutatis mutandis to Part I Standing Committees; LS general rules apply to Part II.
    • 🏢Shall NOT work in any other place except precincts of Parliament House unless specifically permitted by Chairman RS or Speaker.
    • 📋Committee may avail of expert opinion or public opinion to make report.
    • 🚫Shall NOT generally consider matters which are considered by other Parliamentary Committees.
    • ⚖️Reports shall have persuasive value and shall be treated as considered advice given by Committees.
    DRSCs — 4 FUNCTIONS · 3 KEY RESTRICTIONS 📊 (a) DEMANDS FOR GRANTS Report on each Ministry NO cut motion suggestions
    GOVT. ASSURANCES COMMITTEE — WHAT IT SCRUTINISES ✅ (a) IMPLEMENTATION Extent to which assurances, promises, undertakings fulfilled ⏰ (b) TIMELINESS Whether implemented within minimum time necessary 📋 CONSTITUTION ≤ 15 members · Nominated 1 year term · Minister ❌
    ⚖️ PERSUASIVE VALUE only Considered advice, NOT binding
    Section R

    Committee on the Empowerment of Women

    👩 30 MEMBERS · 20 LS + 10 RS NCW Reports · Equality · Education · Welfare

    Committee on the Empowerment of Women

    Nominated. 30 members (20 LS + 10 RS). Minister excluded. Chairperson by Speaker. 1 year term. Considers NCW reports. Examines equality, education, representation, welfare. Other committees should not consider matters exclusively assigned to this Committee.

    📋 Constitution
    • 📋Not more than 30 members — 20 from LS (nominated by Speaker) + 10 from RS (nominated by Chairman RS).
    • 🚫Minister shall NOT be a member. If appointed Minister → ceases to be member.
    • 👤Chairperson appointed by Speaker from amongst members.
    • 📅Term: not exceeding one year.
    📋 Functions
    • (1)Consider reports of National Commission for Women → report on measures for improving status/conditions of women within Union Government/UT purview
    • (2)Examine measures for equality, status and dignity of women in all matters
    • (3)Examine measures for comprehensive education and adequate representation of women in legislative bodies/services/other fields
    • (4)Report on working of welfare programmes for women
    • (5)Report on action taken by Union Government and UT Administrations on proposed measures
    • (6)Examine such other matters as Committee thinks fit or are specifically referred by House, Speaker, RS, or Chairman RS
    🚫 Exclusion
    • 🚫Other Parliamentary Committees, including DRSCs, shall not, as far as possible, consider matters exclusively assigned to this Committee under the rules.
    EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN — 6 FUNCTIONS (30 MEMBERS · NOMINATED) 📋 (1) NCW REPORTS National Commission for Women reports + recommendations for Govt / UTs ⚖️ (2) EQUALITY Status & dignity of women in ALL matters 🎓 (3) EDUCATION Comprehensive edu + representation in legislatures & services 🛡️ (4) WELFARE Working of welfare programmes for women ✅ (5) ACTION TAKEN Govt + UT action on proposed measures 📌 (6) OTHER Referred by House, Speaker, RS or Chairman RS
    📊 Master Comparison — All LS Committees at a Glance ⭐ Exam Essential
    SlCommitteeMembersElected / NominatedTermMinister?
    1Business Advisory≤ 15NominatedTill reconstituted—
    2Pvt. Members' Bills & Resolutions≤ 15NominatedOne year—
    3Papers Laid on Table≤ 15NominatedOne year—
    4Petitions≥ 15NominatedTill reconstituted❌ Excluded
    5Public Accounts (PAC)22 (15 LS + 7 RS)ElectedOne year❌ Excluded
    6Estimates30 (LS only)ElectedOne year❌ Excluded
    7Public Undertakings22 (15 LS + 7 RS)ElectedOne year❌ Excluded
    8Privileges≤ 15NominatedTill reconstituted—
    9Ethics≤ 15NominatedOne year—
    10Subordinate Legislation≤ 15NominatedOne year❌ Excluded
    11Govt. Assurances≤ 15NominatedOne year❌ Excluded
    12Absence of Members15NominatedOne year—
    13Rules Committee15NominatedTill reconstituted—
    14SC/ST Welfare30 (20 LS + 10 RS)ElectedOne year❌ Excluded
    15DRSCs (24 Committees)≤ 31 (21 LS + 10 RS)NominatedOne year❌ Excluded
    16Empowerment of Women30 (20 LS + 10 RS)NominatedOne year❌ Excluded
    🧠 Exam Memory Tricks
      RULES COMMITTEE — AMENDMENT PROCESS (SPEAKER = EX-OFFICIO CHAIR) 📜 LAID ON TABLE Recommendations presented → ⏰ 7-DAY WINDOW Members may give notice of amendment → 🔄 RECONSIDER Committee considers and revises → ✅ HOUSE AGREES or deemed approved if no amends in 7 days → 📰 BULLETIN In force from date of publication
      SC/ST WELFARE COMMITTEE — 5 FUNCTIONS (ELECTED · 30 MEMBERS) 📋 (a) NCSC / NCST Consider National Commission reports → recommend measures ✅ (b) ACTION TAKEN Report on Govt & UT Administration action on measures 👥 (c) REPRESENTATION Due representation in services, PSUs, statutory bodies 🛡️ (d) WELFARE Welfare programmes for SC/ST in Union Territories 📌 (e) OTHER MATTERS Referred by House or Speaker suo moto too
      DRSCs — 4 FUNCTIONS + 3 KEY RESTRICTIONS 📊 (a) DEMANDS FOR GRANTS Report on each Ministry NO cut motion suggestions 📜 (b) BILLS Referred by Chairman RS or Speaker General principles + clauses 📋 (c) ANNUAL REPORTS Ministry / Department annual reports review and make reports thereon 📖 (d) POLICY DOCUMENTS Long-term national policy if referred by Chair/Speaker 🚫 NOT day-to-day administration of concerned Ministries 🏢 Only Parliament House precincts unless Speaker/Chairman permits ⚖️ PERSUASIVE VALUE only Considered advice, NOT binding

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