In News:

The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees in Mumbai to mark 75 years of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee.

About the Estimates Committee:

• Type: Parliamentary Financial Standing Committee (Lok Sabha).
• Established in: 1950, under the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha, after the adoption of the Constitution.
• Purpose: To examine how public funds are allocated and utilized, and recommend improvements in economy, efficiency, and accountability.

Composition:

• Total Members: 30 Lok Sabha MPs.
• Exclusion: Ministers are not eligible to be members.
• Chairperson: Appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
• Term: One year, renewable annually.

Selection Process:

• Members are elected annually by the Lok Sabha through proportional representation using the single transferable vote system.

Key Functions:

• Examine budget estimates of various ministries and departments.
• Suggest reforms for better economy and efficiency in public expenditure.
• Recommend alternative policies for improved governance and financial management.
• Evaluate effectiveness of spending aligned with policy objectives.
• Suggest improvements in the presentation of budget estimates to Parliament.

Exclusions: Does not examine Public Sector Undertakings — these are dealt with by the Committee on Public Undertakings.

Working Mechanism:

• Selects specific departments or statutory bodies for scrutiny.
• Seeks inputs from government officials and external experts.
• Undertakes study visits and on-ground assessments (with prior approval).
• Holds formal evidence sessions in Parliament.
• Submits findings and recommendations through reports to the Lok Sabha.
• The Government must submit Action Taken Reports (ATR) within six months.

Achievements (as of 2025):

• Total Reports Presented: 1,184
  • 656 Original Reports
  • 528 Action Taken Reports
• Covered nearly all major ministries and departments.
• Contributed to strengthening Parliamentary financial oversight and ensuring fiscal discipline.