Delay in reconstituting key Parl committees sparks concerns

As the new coalition government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes over 100 days in office, the reconstitution of several key parliamentary committees remains an outstanding task.

These committees are critical to India's legislative framework, providing essential inputs for governance and lawmaking. Despite growing concerns, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has remained silent when questioned by the media about the delay.

There is speculation within political circles that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) intends to retain control over pivotal parliamentary panels, including those on home affairs, finance, defence, and external affairs. This strategy is seen as a way to ensure policy continuity and facilitate the swift implementation of reforms.

However, the opposition, which has gained more seats in the 18th Lok Sabha, is expected to chair a greater number of committees than in the previous Lok Sabha. It is anticipated that the Congress party, as the principal opposition force, may chair four department-related standing committees.

The DMK and Trinamool Congress (TMC) are each expected to chair one panel in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Samajwadi Party, with 37 seats in the Lok Sabha, has expressed interest in a Rajya Sabha committee, likely securing the education panel, with Ram Gopal Yadav as its head.

Amid concerns of delay, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has reassured that there is no unusual hold-up in the formation of the standing committees. According to Rijiju, the committees are traditionally constituted by the end of September, and this time-line is consistent with past conventions. His defence comes in response to growing criticism from some Members of Parliament, who claim that the delay could hinder the legislative process.