Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
Contents17
- AThe committee on Public Accounts
- BThe committee on Estimates
- CThe Committee on Public Undertakings
- DThe committee on Petitions
Show answer
Answer: (B) The committee on Estimates
The Committee on Estimates is the largest parliamentary committee with 30 members (all from Lok Sabha only).
Comparisons:
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC) — 22 members (15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha).
- Committee on Public Undertakings — 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS).
- Committee on Petitions — 15 members.
Easy way to remember: Estimates = biggest (30 members), and it's Lok Sabha exclusive. PAC and Public Undertakings are equal at 22 and have members from both Houses.
Fun fact: The Estimates Committee was set up on the recommendation of John Mathai in 1950. It examines whether money spent by the government gives 'value for money.'
(Ref: Laxmikanth)
The Committee on Estimates has 30 members (all from Lok Sabha), making it the largest parliamentary committee, while PAC and Public Undertakings each have 22 members from both houses.
UPSC tests this to check if students understand the structural differences between financial committees - Estimates Committee is Lok Sabha-exclusive while others have bicameral representation.
Estimates Committee
Indian Polity Committee on Estimates Estimates
Estimates Committee: Largest Parliamentary Committee
Largest parliamentary committee with 30 members (all from Lok Sabha only)
Examines whether government spending provides 'value for money'
Established in 1950 on recommendation of John Mathai
Members elected annually through proportional representation by single transferable vote
What It Does
The Estimates Committee scrutinizes government expenditure to ensure value for money. Unlike PAC which examines past spending, this committee focuses on future estimates and suggests economies and improved efficiency in government operations.
Financial Committees Comparison
Committee | Members | Composition | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
Estimates Committee | 30 | All Lok Sabha | Value for money, future estimates |
Public Accounts Committee | 22 | 15 LS + 7 RS | Past expenditure, audit reports |
Public Undertakings Committee | 22 | 15 LS + 7 RS | PSU performance, efficiency |
Committee on Petitions | 15 | All Lok Sabha | Public petitions, grievances |
Unique Features
No Minister can be a member of this committee
Chairperson is always from the ruling party
Can examine any ministry or department except Railways (has separate committee)
Reports directly to Lok Sabha with recommendations for administrative reforms
Trap: Students often confuse PAC (22 members) as the largest - but Estimates Committee (30 members) is actually largest
Trap: Estimates Committee is Lok Sabha only - don't assume it has Rajya Sabha members like PAC
Trap: Public Undertakings Committee also has 22 members like PAC - both are smaller than Estimates
Public Accounts Committee
Indian Polity Public Accounts PAC
Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Financial Watchdog
22 members (15 from Lok Sabha + 7 from Rajya Sabha)
Examines CAG audit reports on government accounts
Chairperson always from Opposition - ensures independence
Often called 'Mother of all committees' due to its prestige
Role & Powers
PAC acts as Parliament's financial watchdog, examining how government has spent public money. It scrutinizes CAG audit reports, investigates financial irregularities, and ensures accountability in public expenditure.
Key Powers
Can summon witnesses including secretaries and ministers
Examines appropriation accounts and finance accounts
Studies audit reports of CAG on Union government
Can examine public sector enterprises and autonomous bodies
Reports presented to both Houses of Parliament
Trap: PAC chairperson is always from Opposition - not ruling party like most committees
Trap: PAC has members from both Houses - unlike Estimates Committee which is Lok Sabha only
Trap: PAC examines past expenditure through audit reports - not future estimates
Committee on Public Undertakings
Indian Polity Public Undertakings
Committee on Public Undertakings: PSU Oversight
22 members (15 from Lok Sabha + 7 from Rajya Sabha)
Examines public sector enterprises (PSUs) performance
Established in 1964 to ensure PSU efficiency
Mandate
This committee examines the performance and efficiency of public undertakings. It reviews their autonomy, management, and working to ensure they serve public interest effectively.
Scope of Examination
Reviews annual reports of public undertakings
Examines CAG audit reports on PSUs
Studies efficiency and economy in operations
Can investigate specific cases of inefficiency or losses
Committee on Petitions
Indian Polity Committee on Petitions Petitions
Committee on Petitions: Public Grievance Forum
15 members (smallest among financial committees)
Handles public petitions and grievances against government
Members elected from Lok Sabha only
Function
The committee examines petitions submitted by citizens on matters of public interest. It acts as a bridge between Parliament and the public for addressing grievances against government actions.
Types of Petitions
Complaints against government departments
Requests for policy changes or administrative reforms
Grievances about public services and facilities
Appeals against government decisions affecting public interest
Parliamentary Committees System
Indian Polity
Parliamentary Committees: Structure & Classification
Why Committees Matter
Parliamentary committees enable detailed scrutiny of government work that is impossible in full House sessions. They provide specialized oversight and ensure continuous monitoring of administration.
Committee Classification
# Parliamentary Committees
## Standing Committees
- Financial Committees
- Departmental Committees
- House Committees
## Ad Hoc Committees
- Select Committees
- Joint Committees
- Inquiry Committees
## Financial Committees
- Estimates (30)
- Public Accounts (22)
- Public Undertakings (22)Committee Size Ranking
Rank | Committee | Members | House Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
1st (Largest) | Estimates Committee | 30 | Lok Sabha only |
2nd (Joint) | Public Accounts Committee | 22 | 15 LS + 7 RS |
2nd (Joint) | Public Undertakings Committee | 22 | 15 LS + 7 RS |
4th | Committee on Petitions | 15 | Lok Sabha only |