The BRICS TimesThe government is preparing to extend the tenure of Parliament’s Standing Committees from one year to two years. Lawmakers had long argued that the short one-year term disrupted continuity and affected the quality of scrutiny.
Government Moves to Extend Standing Committees’ Term
The process to extend the tenure of Parliament’s Standing Committees has begun. Lawmakers had consistently demanded this change to ensure continuity in work and bring necessary improvements. After repeated appeals, the government is actively considering extending the committees’ term from one year to two years. The aim is to strengthen their ability to examine bills and important matters while maintaining consistency in performance.
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Current Practice and Concerns of Lawmakers
At present, these committees are formed every year and their term ends on September 26. Several members have expressed concern that a single year is too short for selected subjects and affects the quality of work. According to lawmakers, the induction of new members each year interrupts continuity and reduces efficiency. The government is now reviewing this issue seriously and is expected to take a final decision soon.
Expected Benefits of a Two-Year Term
If the tenure is increased to two years, it will bring multiple benefits. Committees will have more time to study bills, budgets, and reports in depth. Stability will improve as members will continue for a longer period, ensuring better execution of long-term projects. With additional time, lawmakers will also develop deeper insights into departments and subjects under review.
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Impact on Committee Structure
Reports suggest that despite the extension, most chairpersons of the committees are likely to remain unchanged. However, based on demands from certain members, the government may reshuffle a few committees. The selection of members will continue to be based on names submitted by respective political parties.
This step also carries a political angle, as the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs is Shashi Tharoor, who has been in discussions due to differences with his own party, Congress.
