The Parliament’s department-related standing committees were constituted on Thursday, with several key appointments from across party lines. These committees, which play a critical role in overseeing the functioning of various ministries, act as “mini-Parliaments” and ensure accountability in governance.
Major Appointments
BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda has been named a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce. Meanwhile, BJP’s Bhartruhari Mahtab will head the crucial Committee on Finance. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been named a member of the Committee on Defence, while BJP MP Kangana Ranaut will serve on the Committee on Communications and Information Technology. Additionally, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will chair the Committee on External Affairs.
Notable Exclusions and Ally Participation
Interestingly, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s name was absent from any of the committees. In contrast, key BJP allies, including the TDP, Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena, and the NCP, have been given the chairmanship of one committee each.
The former Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh will helm the Committee on Defence. Other members of this panel include Rahul Gandhi, Derek O’Brien, Kapil Sibal, and Ajay Makan, among others.
Other Significant Committee Chairmanships
Several other BJP leaders have been assigned key roles in standing committees. Basavaraj Bommai will lead the Committee on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development, while P. C. Mohan will chair the Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment. Rajiv Pratap Rudy has been appointed the Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources. Additionally, Anurag Singh Thakur has been named Chairman of the Committee on Coal, Mines, and Steel, and Nishikant Dubey will lead the Committee on Communications and Information Technology.
Congress and Regional Parties’ Representation
Congress has secured the chairmanship of four important committees, including External Affairs, headed by Shashi Tharoor, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, led by Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. DMK’s Kanimozhi will chair the Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, while Shiv Sena’s Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne has been appointed as Chairman of the Committee on Energy.
Conclusion
The new appointments reflect a broad representation of political parties and ensure that the standing committees continue to play their vital role in parliamentary oversight. These committees, composed of members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, are essential for maintaining a check on executive power and shaping policy through detailed scrutiny of government departments.
(With inputs from agencies)
