75 Years of the Estimates Committee: Backbone of Parliamentary Financial Oversight
- vidyarthee2021
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
The Estimates Committee, one of India’s key financial oversight bodies in Parliament, has completed 75 years since its formation in 1950. It continues to play a critical role in reviewing government expenditure and suggesting policy improvements.
About the Estimates Committee
Established: 1950, under Article 118 of the Constitution’s framework
Status: Largest among the three financial standing committees
Other two:
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)
Composition and Tenure
Members: 30, elected exclusively from Lok Sabha
Tenure: 1 year
Chairperson: Appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha
Eligibility: Ministers cannot be members
Key Functions
Examines budget estimates of ministries and departments
Suggests economies, efficiency improvements, and alternative policies
Reviews expenditure patterns and implementation of schemes
Advises on the format of estimates submitted to Parliament
Ministries must respond within 6 months to its recommendations
Why It Matters
Enhances accountability and transparency in government spending
Promotes fiscal discipline
Acts as a check on executive overreach
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2: Parliament and Parliamentary Committees
GS Paper 3: Public Expenditure Management
Important for understanding checks and balances in governance
UPSC Prelims Question
Q. With reference to the Estimates Committee of the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
It consists of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Its members are elected annually and cannot be ministers.
It can recommend changes in the presentation of budget estimates to Parliament.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Members are only from Lok Sabha.
Statement 2 is correct: Ministers are ineligible, and term is one year.
Statement 3 is correct: It can suggest format of estimates for better clarity and scrutiny.
UPSC Mains Question (GS Paper 2)
Discuss the role of the Estimates Committee in ensuring fiscal responsibility and parliamentary accountability. How has its role evolved in India’s democratic governance over the past 75 years?
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