# Parliamentary Committees in India: Overview and Functions
> Learn about the structure, powers, and functions of Standing and Ad-hoc Parliamentary Committees in India, including PAC and Estimates Committees.

Tags: parliament-of-india, indian-polity, public-accounts-committee, standing-committees, civics-education, upsc-preparation, constitutional-law
## Parliamentary Committees in India | Overview
- **Target Audience**: Undergraduate Students.
- **Definition**: A 'Mini-Parliament' appointed or elected by the House to ensure executive accountability.
- **Constitutional Basis**: Based on Article 105 (Privileges of Parliament members).

## Classification of Committees
- **Standing Committees**: Permanent bodies (e.g., Financial Committees, DRSCs).
- **Ad-hoc Committees**: Temporary bodies for specific tasks (e.g., JPC, Select Committees).

## Financial Committees
- **Public Accounts Committee (PAC)**: 22 Members (15 LS + 7 RS). Examines CAG audit reports. Chairman is traditionally from the Opposition.
- **Estimates Committee**: 30 Members (All from Lok Sabha). Known as the 'Continuous Economy Committee'.
- **Public Undertakings (COPU)**: Joint committee scrutinizing public sector enterprises.

## Departmental Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
- There are **24 Committees** covering central ministries.
- Each has **31 Members** (21 LS + 10 RS).
- Functions: Scrutinize 'Demands for Grants', examine Bills, and consider annual ministry reports.

## Powers and Rules
- **Powers**: Access to records, summoning experts/officials (not Ministers), and forming sub-committees.
- **Membership**: Ministers are excluded from Financial Committees and DRSCs to ensure separation of powers.
- **Term**: Usually one year.

## Significance and Limitations
- **Benefits**: Ensures non-partisan technical scrutiny, saves legislative time, and allows for expert/public consultation.
- **Limitations**: Recommendations are advisory (non-binding) and often perform 'post-mortem' analysis on spent funds.
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