6/27/25, 9:05 PM (26 Jun, 2025)

(26 Jun, 2025)

Strengthening Parliamentary Committees

For Prelims:
Parliament Committees, Article 105, Article 118, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Speaker of Lok
Sabha

For Mains:
Parliament Committees and its Significance, Related Challenges and Measures for their
Effective Functioning.
Source: IE
Why in News?
Lok Sabha Speaker speaking at the National Conference of Estimates Committees
emphasized that Parliamentary Committees are not adversaries but complementary to the
government.

He urged governments and officials to treat committee recommendations with seriousness

and implement them in letter and spirit.

What are Parliamentary Committees?

About

A Parliamentary Committee is a body constituted by the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, or

nominated by the Speaker/Chairman, to carry out functions delegated by Parliament.
These committees:

Work under the direction of the presiding officer.

Present their reports to the House or the Speaker/Chairman.
Are serviced by the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Parliamentary committees, originating from the British Parliament, in India derive their
authority from the Indian Constitution under Article 105 (powers and privileges) and Article
118 (regulation of business).

Types

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Standing Committees: They are permanent in nature, reconstituted every year under the
Rules of Procedure or Acts of Parliament and their work is ongoing and regular. It
includes:

Financial Committees

Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) which examine demands for

grants, bills, and policy documents of various ministries.
Other Standing Committees such as Committee on Petitions, Committee on Subordinate
Legislation, Committee on Government Assurances.

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Ad hoc Committees: They are temporary in nature and are constituted for a specific task,
and dissolve upon completion of that task.

Eg: Select Committee on GST, Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) on specific Bills,
Railway Convention Committee etc.
Their purpose is to transact the detailed business of Parliament that the full House may not
have time or expertise to handle in depth.

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What is the Significance of the Parliamentary Committee System?

Ensure Executive Accountability: Though committee recommendations are not binding,

their detailed reports create a public record & opinion, enhance scrutiny of the executive
and pressure the government to reconsider controversial decisions.

Their closed-door nature enables candid and collaborative discussions, free from
political posturing.

Facilitate Informed & Inclusive Lawmaking: Committees serve as platforms for MPs to
consult experts, civil society, and officials, ensuring evidence-based deliberation.

Clause-by-clause scrutiny of bills, stakeholder consultations, and public participation

improve legislative quality and democratic legitimacy.

Mini-Parliaments with Bipartisan Representation: With proportional party representation

and year-round functioning, committees foster non-partisan debate, inter-ministerial
coordination, and in-depth examination of budgets, annual reports, and policy proposals.

Ad hoc committees further support focused inquiry into specific issues.

Capacity Building & Governance Reform: Committees provide authentic insights and
value-added recommendations, strengthening legislation and governance.

They act as informal training grounds for young MPs, and function beyond populist
pressures and party whips, reinforcing parliamentary democracy.

What are the Key Challenges Related to Parliamentary Committees?

Limited Powers & Weak Follow-up: Parliamentary committees are advisory bodies with
non-binding recommendations.

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They lack enforcement powers and have no institutional follow-up mechanism,

undermining their role in ensuring executive accountability and effective policy
implementation.
Resource & Research Constraints: Parliamentary committees face staff and infrastructure
limitations, with technical support mostly confined to secretarial tasks like scheduling and
note-taking.

The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) highlighted
a critical deficiency in specialist advisors and research support for DRSCs, hampering in-
depth scrutiny and evidence-based analysis.

Low Participation & MP Attendance: The attendance of MPs in committee meetings

averages around 50%, which is significantly lower than the 84% attendance recorded
during regular Parliament sessions.

Factors such as conflicting schedules, low incentives, and lack of interest contribute to
this limited participation, reducing the quality of deliberations.

Inadequate Parliamentary Time & Scrutiny: The decline in Parliamentary sittings restricts
time for effective committee oversight. In the 17th Lok Sabha’s first session, Parliament sat
for only 37 days with a 10-year average (2009-19) sitting of just 67 days/year.

As a result, key legislations and budgetary proposals often bypass detailed scrutiny, only
17% of the Union Budget was discussed in the 16th Lok Sabha.

Political Influence & Lack of Independence: Parliamentary committees often face political
interference from party leadership or external pressures, compromising their impartiality.

Political considerations in the nomination of members further dilute the effectiveness

and objectivity of committee functioning.

Overburdened Committees & Fragmented Oversight: Department-related Standing

Committees (DRSCs) handle multiple, often unrelated ministries, resulting in limited
subject-specific focus and specialisation.

Their broad mandate, along with short one-year tenures, hampers the development of
expertise and limits sustained, in-depth oversight.

What Measures Should be Taken to Strengthen the Functioning of Parliamentary

Committees?

Strengthen Institutional & Research Support: Parliamentary committees need a well-

equipped secretariat with access to domain experts, research staff, and reliable data.

Providing adequate resources and modern technological tools will enable in-depth
analysis, ensure evidence-based recommendations, and enhance the quality of
deliberations.

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Institutionalize Accountability Mechanisms: Ministries should be mandated to submit

Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within a defined timeframe.

The government must justify acceptance or rejection of committee recommendations

through written explanations, reinforcing accountability, and enhancing the authority and
impact of committee reports.

Increase Referral & Specialization: Rules of Procedure should be amended to make the
referral of all non-finance bills to committees mandatory or strongly recommended.

Additionally, the scope of each DRSC should be rationalized by reducing the number of
ministries per committee to ensure focused oversight, coherence of subjects, and
promote subject-specific expertise among members.

Improve MP Participation & Capacity Building: With average MP attendance in

committee meetings around 50% (vs. 84% in full sittings), targeted measures are needed—
such as incentives, penalties, or formal recognition—to boost engagement.

Additionally, regular training and orientation programmes, especially for new MPs, can
enhance awareness of the importance of committee work and strengthen their legislative
capacity.

Promote Transparency & Citizen Engagement: Committee reports should be simplified in

language and structure for public accessibility.

Committees must leverage digital platforms for e-consultations, crowdsourcing

evidence, and live stakeholder interactions during evidence-gathering, thereby enhancing
public trust, transparency, and participation in the legislative process.

Conclusion
Parliamentary Committees play a crucial role in legislative oversight, democratic
accountability, and participatory governance. Speakers call for greater respect and
responsiveness to committee recommendations underscores the urgency to revitalize these
institutions. As India advances toward data-driven and transparent governance, committees
must evolve into the engine of reform and accountability at both Union and State levels,
ensuring policies are not only well-crafted but also effectively implemented.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the role of Parliamentary Committees in promoting transparency and accountability in

governance. Why has their effectiveness waned recently, and what steps can be taken to restore
their efficacy?

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Parliamentary Standing Committees Constituted | Parliame…

Parliame…

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary
Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make
regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by
the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such
delegation? (2018)

(a) Committee on Government Assurances

(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
(c) Rules Committee
(d) Business Advisory Committee

Ans: (b)

Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution

Source: UNEP
Why in News?
The Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution has been established
at Punta del Este, Uruguay, under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
What is the Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution?
About: This panel complements the IPCC (climate change) and Intergovernmental Science-
Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (biodiversity), forming a
trifecta of intergovernmental science-policy bodies that address the triple planetary crisis
(climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution).

It fills a key gap in global environmental governance by focusing specifically on pollution and
waste.

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Objective: It aims to strengthen global efforts in tackling pollution, managing hazardous

chemicals and waste, and safeguarding environmental and human health through
evidence-based policymaking.
Key Functions:

Provide independent, policy-relevant scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution.

Conduct scientific assessments, identify research gaps, and support evidence-based
policymaking.
Promote capacity building for developing countries to implement effective pollution control
measures.
Engage in horizon scanning to detect emerging threats and guide preventive action.
Foster collaboration between scientists and policymakers to ensure informed decision-
making.

Significance:

Rising and unregulated chemical use in daily life has increased health and ecological risks.
Municipal solid waste is projected to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion
tonnes by 2050.
Pollution-related deaths have surged by 66% over the past two decades.

IPCC

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations (UN) body for
assessing science related to climate change.
Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it provides regular scientific assessments on
the causes, impacts, and risks of climate change, along with options for adaptation and
mitigation.
Its reports guide global climate policy and are key inputs in international climate
negotiations.
The IPCC publishes comprehensive Assessment Reports every 6–7 years (e.g., AR6, 2021–
2023) through three Working Groups and a Synthesis Report.

It also releases Special Reports (e.g., on 1.5°C, Land, Cryosphere) and Methodology
Reports for GHG inventories (e.g., 2006 Guidelines, updated 2019).

IPBES

IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services), established in 2012, is an independent intergovernmental body with nearly 150
member countries, including India.
It provides scientific assessments on biodiversity, ecosystems, and their contributions to
people, along with tools for their sustainable use and protection.

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Though not a United Nations body, it is supported by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), which hosts its secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

UNEP also hosts the secretariats of key international chemicals agreements, including the
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on
Mercury, and the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC).

UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP, established in 1972 and headquartered in Nairobi, is the UN’s leading agency on
environmental issues.
Governed by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), it supports global action on climate,
ecosystem restoration, clean seas, and SDGs, and publishes key reports like the
Emissions Gap Report and Global Environment Outlook.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
(2012)

1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Q2. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011)

1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4. Pollination of crops

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (d)

Enhanced Rock Weathering

Source: TH
Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), a promising technique to combat climate change,
involves spreading crushed basalt on agricultural lands to speed up carbon dioxide capture
from the atmosphere.

This method is drawing attention from tech giants and industries seeking to offset their
emissions.

Enhanced Rock Weathering

About: ERW accelerates the natural process of weathering, where rocks like basalt break
down and lock away carbon dioxide in the form of bicarbonate, eventually turning into
limestone. This process is turbocharged by grinding the rocks finely to increase their surface
area.
Carbon Sequestration: By using finely ground rock to increase surface area, ERW
enhances the rate of geological carbon sequestration, making the process significantly
faster than it occurs naturally.
Additional Benefits: ERW enhances soil alkalinity, improving crop yield and fertility, while
also reducing downstream CO₂ emissions by neutralizing soil acids before they reach
rivers and oceans.
Debatable Effectiveness: As a new technology, ERW shows mixed results in carbon
removal.

While some studies report up to 10.5 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare over four years, others
show lower rates, underscoring the need for accurate measurement and further
research.

Risk and Challenges: While ERW is generally safe, some quick-weathering rocks may
release harmful heavy metals.

The main concern is overestimating carbon capture, which could inflate carbon credits
and lead to higher emissions.

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Global Implementation: ERW is being trialled worldwide, from Darjeeling tea estates to US
soy and maize farms, with Brazil issuing the first verified ERW carbon credits.
Growing Investor Interest: Google signed the largest ERW deal for 200,000 tonnes of
credits. Also, Mati Carbon (India startup) won the USD 50 million X Prize for carbon
removal.

Read More: Carbon Sequestration

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MSC Certification for Chilka Lake’s Mud Crab Fishery

Source: BL
To boost India’s inland fisheries, a joint initiative led by ICAR-CIFRI (Central Inland Fisheries
Research Institute) and Chilika Development Authority (CDA) aims to secure Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for Chilika Lake’s mud crab fishery.

MSC Certification
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation
promoting sustainable fishing through its eco-label and certification programme.
MSC certification is a globally recognised eco-label for wild-capture fisheries that ensure
sustainable fish stocks, low environmental impact, and adaptive, effective management.
It promotes responsible fishing to secure healthy oceans and sustainable seafood for
future generations.
The certification enhances export value, supports biodiversity conservation, and ensures
livelihood security.
The Chilika mud crab is India’s first inland fishery nominated for MSC’s sustainability
certification.

State of India’s Fisheries Sector

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India is the second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output and 4% in

global fisheries exports. It ranks second in aquaculture, first in shrimp production, and
third in capture fisheries.
Inland fisheries account for over 75% of total production.
Key fish-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
Government's Initiatives:

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
Marine Products Export Development Authority

Read More: Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025

Fungicides Linked to Fungal Drug Resistance

Source: TH
A study reveals that the agricultural fungicide tebuconazole is driving increased resistance
in Candida tropicalis (a fungal pathogen) by causing unexpected genetic changes that
make the strains resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs like fluconazole and
voriconazole.

Candida tropicalis is responsible for severe fungal infections, with a mortality rate of 55-
60%.

Tebuconazole

About: Tebuconazole is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide used widely in agriculture to

control fungal diseases in crops like wheat, barley, rice, fruits, vegetables, and turf.
Working: Tebuconazole, similar to medical antifungals like fluconazole and voriconazole,
works by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, essential for fungal cell membrane formation,
giving it both preventive and curative properties.

It is widely applied as a seed treatment, soil drench, or foliar spray, offering versatile crop
protection. However, its overuse in agriculture has raised concerns due to its role in
promoting antifungal resistance.

Impact of Overuse: Overuse of the fungicide tebuconazole in agriculture promotes cross-

resistance in Candida tropicalis by inducing aneuploidy i.e. changes in chromosome number
that lead to the overexpression or deletion of resistance-related genes.

Strains with altered ploidy grow slower without drugs but survive better when exposed to
antifungals.

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Some strains became haploid (having only one set of chromosomes and the ability to
mate), potentially spreading resistance further.

Ploidy refers to the number of complete chromosome sets in a cell. Diploid (2n) has two
sets (common in human cells), haploid (1n) has one set (seen in sperm and egg), and
triploid (3n) has three sets.

Fungicides

These are crop protection chemicals (pesticides) used to control the spread of fungal
diseases in plants. It includes Chlorothalonil, dithiocarbamates (e.g. mancozeb, maneb,
zineb), sulfur derivatives etc.

Read More: Pesticide Poisoning

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025

Source: IE
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) organized a national event On
26th June 2025, to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking (World Drug Day).

About: It was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1987 to promote global

cooperation for a drug-free world.

The 2025 theme, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” calls for long-term, targeted
action against organized drug networks.

Drug Abuse: According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 292
million people used drugs globally in 2022, marking a 20% increase over the past decade
and highlighting growing global concern.

UNODC, established in 1997, tackles drug control, crime, and international terrorism,
and releases the World Drug Report annually on 26th June.

Drug Affected Regions: Triple Frontier area (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay), Golden
Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar and
Thailand).

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Common Drugs: Cannabis, followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy, are
among the most commonly used drugs.

Cannabis is legal in Canada, Uruguay, and 27 US jurisdictions. Its psychoactive effects

are mainly due to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

India's Drug Control: MoSJE is the nodal agency for drug demand reduction, prevention,
treatment and rehabilitation, and nationwide awareness campaigns.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is India’s flagship anti-drug campaign, active in all
districts that features via the NMBA App for real-time tracking of Abhiyaan activities.
NIDAAN and NCORD Portals are digital platforms that store comprehensive databases of
drug offenders.

Read More: Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

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