Row over Select Committee for Delhi Services Bill: What is this body, did Raghav Chadha flout rules?

Source: The post is based on the article “Row over Select Committee for Delhi Services Bill: What is this body, did Raghav Chadha flout rules?”  published in Indian Express on 9th August 2023.

What is the News?

At least four MPs have complained that their names had been included in a proposed Select Committee for the Delhi Services Bill without their consent. As a result, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman has announced a probe.

What is a Select Committee?

India’s Parliament has several types of committees which discharge different functions.

There are 12 Standing Committees that are permanent in nature, with their members nominated from time to time by the Chairman.

Then there are ad hoc or temporary committees which are set up for a specific purpose, such as examining a particular Bill, and are dissolved once that purpose has been served.A Select Committee belongs to this category. 

Procedure to be followed for a Select committee: A Select Committee is temporary in nature and it follows the procedure laid down in the Rules of Procedure.

– Under Rule 125 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and Procedures, any member may move an amendment that a Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

– This means that the motion to refer a Bill to a Select Committee can either be moved by the member in-charge of the Bill, or by any other MP.

How are Select committee members selected?

The members of the Select Committee on a Bill are appointed by the House when the motion that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee is made.

– No member is appointed to a Select Committee if he is not willing to serve on the Committee.

– The mover has to ascertain whether the member proposed by him is willing to serve on the Committee.

– The rules do say that a proposed member’s consent has to be taken before he can serve on a Select Committee.

– However, they do not specifically mention collecting signatures of those whose names have been proposed.

What is the actual number of members in a Select Committee?

The actual number of membership of the Select Committee is not fixed; it varies from Committee to Committee.

– If it is a Joint Committee, the proportion of members from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha is 1:2.

– The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from among the members of the Committee.

– The member or Minister in-charge of the Bill is generally included as a member of the Committee.

How does the Select committee work?

The quorum for each sitting needs to be one-third of the total number of members of the committee.

– In case of equality of votes on any matter, the chairman (or any other person presiding) will have a second or casting vote.

– A select committee may appoint a sub-committee to examine any special points connected with the Bill.

What are the functions of the Select Committee?

The main functions of a Select Committee are:

– Detailed Examination: The Committee carefully reviews the Bill, going through each part.

– Ensuring Clarity: It ensures that the Bill accurately represents the intended purpose and goals.

– Gathering Input: The Committee can request opinions from experts, individuals, and groups, either in writing or through discussions.

– Understanding Policy: It may ask Government officials to explain the Bill’s intentions and provide necessary information.

– Formulating Conclusions: After hearing evidence, the Committee reaches conclusions and might make changes to the Bill’s clauses.

What happens once a Select Committee’s report is submitted?

The report of the committee is of a recommendatory nature. The government can choose to accept or reject its recommendations.

A Select Committee can also include its version of the Bill. If they do so, the minister in charge of that particular Bill can move for the committee’s version of the Bill to be discussed and passed in the House.