UPSC Prelims 2018 Q20: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
- (a) Committee on Government Assurances
- (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
- (c) Rules Committee
- (d) Business Advisory Committee
Answer: (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
Explanation
Parliamentary Committee for Delegated Legislation
| Option | Function | Match? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Committee on Government Assurances | Monitors implementation of ministerial assurances/promises in Parliament | NO |
| (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation | Scrutinises whether rules, regulations, bye-laws framed by the Executive under delegated authority stay within the scope of the parent Act/Constitution | YES |
| (c) Rules Committee | Frames and amends the rules of procedure of Parliament itself | NO |
| (d) Business Advisory Committee (BAC) | Allocates time for Government business in Parliament | NO |
Committee on Subordinate Legislation: Both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) have this Standing Committee, consisting of 15 members each. It scrutinises statutory rules, regulations, bye-laws framed by the Executive under powers delegated by Parliament, and ensures they conform to the parent Act and do not exceed the delegated scope.
Answer: (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Government Assurances Committee tracks whether ministers have fulfilled promises made on the floor of the House.
- (b) CORRECT. Committee on Subordinate Legislation scrutinises delegated legislation (rules, regulations, bye-laws) to ensure it stays within legislative intent.
- (c) Incorrect. Rules Committee frames the procedural rules of the House itself, not subordinate legislation by the Executive.
- (d) Incorrect. BAC allocates parliamentary time and cannot examine executive rule-making.
Key point
Subordinate Legislation Committee = watchdog on Executive rule-making. 15 members each in LS/RS, chaired by non-Ministers. Ensures rules stay within the parent Act. Formed 1953 (LS), 1964 (RS).
Remember
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation is the parliamentary committee that scrutinises rules, regulations and bye-laws made by the Executive under powers delegated by Parliament. It ensures that such delegated legislation stays within the scope of the parent Act. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have such committees, each with 15 members.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the four committees - Government Assurances (promises), Subordinate Legislation (rules), Rules (procedure), BAC (time allocation).
- Assuming any 'legislation' committee touches primary law - Subordinate Legislation Committee only checks delegated law.
- Missing that Executive rule-making power is 'delegated legislation' and its parliamentary check is this specific committee.
Exam tip
Delegated legislation = rules made by Executive under enabling parent Act. Parliamentary control mechanism = Committee on Subordinate Legislation. Never confuse with the Standing Committee on Legislative Reforms.
Sources
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha - Rules 317-322
- M. Laxmikanth - Indian Polity (Chapter on Parliamentary Committees)