Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in strengthening legislative oversight, ensuring transparency, and holding the government accountable. Among them, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are two of the most significant committees in India’s parliamentary system. While the JPC investigates specific legislative, financial, or policy matters, the PAC ensures government expenditures are legal, efficient, and in compliance with financial regulations.
This article provides a detailed overview of JPC and PAC, their formation, functions, powers, key differences, and historical relevance in India’s governance. Understanding these committees is essential for grasping how India’s democratic institutions maintain fiscal discipline and accountability.
What is a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)?
Source:Sansad.in
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a parliamentary committee constituted for a special purpose, such as the detailed examination of a Bill or investigation of specific matters. It consists of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing both ruling and opposition parties. Once the JPC completes its task or its term expires, it is dissolved.
Examples of JPCs
Some notable JPCs include:
- One Nation & One Election Bill
- Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 (Set up in August 2024)
- Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019
- JPC on Stock Market Scam (Investigated financial irregularities)
- JPC on Hindenburg Research’s Allegations Against SEBI Chairperson
Formation of a JPC
A JPC is set up through the following steps:
- One House of Parliament passes a motion.
- The other House must agree to the motion.
- Members are selected as per the Parliament’s decision.
- The number of members can vary based on the committee’s purpose.
What are the Functions & Powers of a JPC?
Functions & Powers of a JPC:
| Power | Description |
| Investigative Authority | Examines financial irregularities, policy matters, and legislative issues. |
| Document Scrutiny | Review official records and other related materials. |
| Summoning Individuals | Can summon individuals, including government officials and private entities. |
| Recommendations | Submits a report with findings and suggestions to the government. |
| Confidentiality | Proceedings are confidential except in matters of public interest. |
| Limited Power | Recommendations are persuasive but not binding on the government. |
What is JPC's History in examination of a Bill or investigation of specific matters?
- Telecom License & Spectrum Pricing (Investigated the allocation and pricing of telecom licenses)
- Pesticide Residues & Food Safety (Examined pesticide residues in soft drinks and beverages)
- Stock Market Scam (Looked into financial market irregularities)
- Bofors Contract Investigation (Investigated alleged corruption in defense procurement)
- Securities & Banking Transactions (Probed financial sector malpractices)
What is a Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?
In a parliamentary democracy, committees ensure legislative oversight of the executive. Among these, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability.
 of Parliament held meeting with Cochin Port Trust (07.01.2020)-01.jpg)
Source: cochinport.gov.in
What are the Historical Background of Public Accounts Committee?
- Established in 1921 under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.
- Initially chaired by the Finance Member of the Executive Council.
- Post-Independence (1947), the Finance Minister was the Chairman.
- From 1950, the PAC became a Parliamentary Committee under the Speaker’s authority.
- Since 1967, an Opposition MP has been appointed as Chairman.
What is the Composition of PAC in Parliament House?
Compositions of PAC in Parliament House is:
| House | Number of Members | Selection Process |
| Lok Sabha | 15 | Elected through proportional representation using a single transferable vote. |
| Rajya Sabha | 7 | Elected similarly by the Rajya Sabha. |
| Total Members | 22 | From both Houses combined. |
- A Minister cannot be a member of the PAC.
- If a member is appointed as a Minister, they automatically cease to be a PAC member.
What is the Scope & Functions of PAC?
PAC is governed by Rule 308 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and examines the following:
1. Financial Oversight
- Examines Appropriation Accounts of the Government of India.
- Reviews the Finance Accounts of the government.
- Ensures expenditure aligns with legislative authorization.
2. Financial Accountability Checks
- Ensures money was legally available for its intended purpose.
- Examines whether expenditures were authorized and justified.
- Scrutinizes re-appropriation of funds to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
3. Oversight of State-Owned Enterprises & Institutions
- Examines financial accounts of state corporations, autonomous bodies, and projects.
- Analyzes profit & loss statements and balance sheets.
- Reviews audit reports from the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG).
- Investigates financial inefficiencies and mismanagement.
4. Investigation of Excess Expenditure
- If money has been spent beyond approved limits, the PAC investigates why and how.
- Recommends necessary remedial actions to prevent financial mismanagement.
What is the Nature of PAC’s Examination?
The PAC’s primary responsibility is to ensure that public money is spent wisely. It scrutinizes:
| Area of Scrutiny | Purpose |
| Legality of Expenditure | Ensures funds are used for their intended purpose. |
| Financial Discipline | Checks that expenses adhere to financial regulations. |
| Economic Efficiency | Investigates cases of loss, wasteful expenditure, and mismanagement. |
| Accountability | Holds government officials accountable for financial lapses. |
What are the PAC’s Limitations?
Its Limitations is:
| Limitation | Explanation |
| No Executive Power | Cannot enforce its recommendations, only suggest changes. |
| Cannot Investigate Policy Decisions | Only examines whether allocated funds were spent properly. |
| Depends on Government Action | The government decides on implementing recommendations. |
What are the Key Differences Between JPC and PAC?
Differences Between JPC’s and PAC’s are:
| Feature | Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) | Public Accounts Committee (PAC) |
| Type | Ad hoc (temporary) Committee | Standing (permanent) committee |
| Formation | By a motion in either House | Reconstituted annually |
| Members | MPs from both Houses, proportional to party strength | 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha) |
| Focus | Investigate financial scams, corruption, and policy failures | Audits government expenditures and CAG reports |
| Powers | Can summon ministers, bureaucrats, and private individuals | Cannot summon ministers, focuses only on expenditures |
| Authority | Wider Powers examines broader policy implications | Limited to financial oversight, cannot question policies |
| Scope | Covers financial and economic irregularities, not just expenditures | Only checks if expenditures were legally and efficiently used |
| Binding Nature | Recommendations are not binding | Recommendations are not binding |
Conclusion
- JPCs are investigative bodies that analyze specific legislative or financial matters but have limited enforcement power.
- PAC ensures the financial accountability of the executive by scrutinizing government spending, state enterprises, and audit reports.
- Both committees play a vital role in strengthening parliamentary oversight and democracy in India.
By ensuring fiscal discipline and accountability, these committees help maintain transparency and good governance in India's parliamentary system.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation