New Delhi: The government is considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from one year to two, following concerns from some lawmakers that the current term is too short to allow for meaningful work.
A decision on the matter is expected after consultations with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan. Typically, the tenure of these parliamentary panels—often described as “mini-parliaments”—begins in late September or early October, depending on when they are constituted.
According to parliamentary sources, several members have requested an extension to at least two years to enable committees to address their designated subjects more effectively. These panels are formed soon after a new Lok Sabha is constituted, in consultation with various political parties, which are allotted committee chairmanships proportionate to their strength in the House.
Usually, a chairman nominated at the start of a Lok Sabha’s tenure continues in the role when committees are reconstituted each year, unless a political party requests a change. Members occasionally seek transfers to different committees, and such requests are generally accommodated by the presiding officers.
Of the 24 department-related standing committees, eight are chaired by Rajya Sabha members and 16 by Lok Sabha members. The parliamentary system also includes financial, ad-hoc, and other committees, which are formed periodically to examine bills and other issues.
