Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly define DRSCs and their purpose in Parliament.
• Mention why they are referred to as ‘Mini Parliament’ (e.g., bicameral composition, oversight functions, and policy scrutiny).

2. Role and Significance of DRSCs

• Highlight their importance in parliamentary democracy, including:
  • Oversight over the executive.
  • Detailed scrutiny of Bills and budget allocations.
  • Diverse political representation reflecting Parliament’s composition.

3. Challenges in Functioning

• Nature of Recommendations:
  • Non-binding recommendations reduce their effectiveness.
  • Example: Recommendations by the Committee on Communications and Information Technology to reduce internet shutdowns were not implemented.
• Low Productivity:
  • DRSCs’ productivity has declined over the years.
  • Fact: Productivity fell by 26.8% in the 16th Lok Sabha compared to the 15th Lok Sabha.
• Decline in Bill Referrals:
  • Fewer Bills are being referred to DRSCs for scrutiny.
  • Fact: Only 16% of Bills were referred in the 17th Lok Sabha compared to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha.
• Inadequate Support Staff:
  • Lack of technical experts and researchers affects the quality of reports and analysis.

4. Way Forward

• Suggestions to strengthen DRSCs:
  • Ensure binding nature of key recommendations.
  • Increase the referral of Bills and policy issues to DRSCs.
  • Address staffing issues by hiring full-time technical experts.

5. Conclusion

• Summarize the need for strengthening DRSCs to enhance their role in accountability and governance.

Relevant Facts for Answers

1. Decline in Productivity:

• Productivity of Standing Committees dropped by 26.8% during the 16th Lok Sabha compared to the 15th Lok Sabha.

2. Decrease in Bill Referrals:

• Only 16% of Bills were referred to DRSCs in the 17th Lok Sabha, compared to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha.

3. Non-Implementation of Recommendations:

• Recommendations on curbing internet shutdowns made by the Committee on Communications and IT were not implemented.

4. Staffing Issues:

• Lack of full-time technical experts and research staff in DRSCs hinders their effectiveness.