Consultative Committees

Introduction:
Consultative Committees are an important part of the parliamentary system in India. These committees play a crucial role in ensuring the accountability of the executive to the legislature and in facilitating effective policy-making and governance.

Explanation:
1) Consultative committees are not attached to ministries/departments:
This statement is false. Consultative Committees are indeed attached to ministries/departments. These committees are constituted to provide a forum for Members of Parliament (MPs) to discuss and deliberate on matters related to the functioning of specific ministries/departments. Each ministry/department has its own consultative committee.

2) These committees are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs:
This statement is true. Consultative Committees are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The ministry is responsible for establishing and managing these committees. It coordinates with the respective ministries/departments to form the consultative committees and ensures their smooth functioning.

Role and Functions of Consultative Committees:
- Facilitating dialogue: Consultative Committees provide a platform for MPs to engage with ministers and senior officials of the concerned ministry/department. MPs can raise questions, seek clarifications, and provide suggestions on various policy matters.
- Oversight and accountability: These committees enable MPs to monitor the functioning and performance of ministries/departments. They can assess the implementation of policies, scrutinize budget allocations, and review the progress of ongoing projects.
- Policy inputs: MPs, through these committees, can contribute their insights and perspectives on policy matters. They can provide valuable inputs and recommendations for improving existing policies or formulating new ones.
- Public grievances: Consultative Committees also serve as a mechanism for MPs to address public grievances related to specific ministries/departments. This helps in ensuring that the concerns of the public are adequately addressed by the executive.

Conclusion:
Consultative Committees are an essential component of the parliamentary system in India. They play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance. These committees provide a platform for MPs to engage with the executive, monitor its functioning, and contribute to policy-making.