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Public Accounts: On the newly constituted PAC
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Context
The Central government has traditionally evaded significant parliamentary scrutiny due to its strong majority. However, the current political landscape, with the BJP leading a coalition reliant on allies and a stronger Opposition, offers a renewed opportunity for enhanced parliamentary oversight. The newly constituted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has started actively exercising its role, signifying a potential shift in parliamentary accountability.
The New Approach
- Proactive stance: The Public Accounts Committee has taken a proactive stance by selecting 161 subjects for review, most based on CAG reports. The PAC’s selection includes five subjects of suo motu interest, covering areas such as banking reforms, welfare schemes, energy policy, regulatory performance, and public utility charges.
- Constitutional Role and Limitations: Parliament holds constitutional power over the country’s finances, including tax imposition and government expenditure, which requires prior sanction through Appropriation Bills. The CAG audits financial functioning, and its reports are scrutinized by the PAC, which has historically played a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability.
- Challenges: Despite its assertiveness, the PAC faces challenges due to ruling government’s majority within the 22-member committee, which could undermine its effectiveness.
Required Focus
- Public Interest and Accountability: The PAC's focus on politically sensitive subjects reflects a broader public interest, seeking to address issues of crony capitalism and regulatory failures. This approach signifies an attempt to hold the executive accountable for its policies and actions, moving beyond mere expenditure scrutiny.
- Need for Strong Parliamentary Oversight: The PAC and other parliamentary committees, such as the Department Related Standing Committees, must assert their roles in enforcing executive accountability. This involves overcoming potential undermining by the ruling coalition and ensuring rigorous oversight of government functions.
- Implications for Governance: The renewed focus on parliamentary oversight could lead to increased transparency and accountability in governance. Effective functioning of these committees might enhance public trust and address critical issues affecting the economy and public welfare.
Practice Question
Q. Discuss the role and significance of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in parliamentary oversight. How does the current political landscape affect its effectiveness, and what are the potential implications for governance?
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