Ad hoc Committees are committees that are appointed for a limited time and then dissolve after accomplishing the goal for which they were formed. They submit a report to the respective authority before getting dissolved. For instance, The Railway Convention Committee was established to assess the dividend payable by railways.

What is an Ad Hoc Committee?

Ad hoc Committees are committees that are appointed for a limited time to meet specific goals.

Ad Hoc Committees are of two types:

• Inquiry Committee
• Advisory Committee - to report on specific bills

Inquiry Committee

• An Inquiry Committee is formed from time to time to look into specific incidents. For instance, the Committee on Food Management in Parliament House Complex is one such committee to look at the revision of rates at the parliamentary canteen.
• The rules of operation are mentioned in the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament.

Advisory Committee

• Advisory Committees are formed to report on specific bills referred to it. For instance, the Joint Committee on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 is one such Advisory committee to analyse the draft bill.
• The Rules of procedure and functioning of these committees are determined by the Speaker of Lok Sabha or chairperson of Rajya Sabha.

Other important features of the Ad Hoc Committees

• Composition: It consists of members nominated by the Speaker and Chairman in Loksabha and Rajyasabha respectively. The exact number of members is determined by the Speaker and Chairman.
• Chairman: The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker or Chairman among its members.
• Report: The Committees submit the report to the respective ministries and disintegrate.

Conclusion

The 2019-20 session of the Lok Sabha had 17 Ad hoc Committees. Though the Ad Hoc committees have a short span and limited purpose, their contribution to the parliament is immense. Many bills are referred to select or joint committees for detailed analysis which has resulted in better laws and prevented the hasty passage of bills.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary purpose of forming Ad Hoc Committees?

A) Permanent legislation
B) Specialized investigation of specific issues
C) General oversight
D) International relations

2. How are Ad Hoc Committees typically dissolved?

A) By legislation
B) Upon completion of their objectives
C) By presidential order
D) By public vote

3. Which of the following is an example of an Ad Hoc Committee?

A) Standing Committee on Finance
B) Committee on Agricultural Distress
C) Joint Parliamentary Committee
D) Public Accounts Committee

4. What challenges do Ad Hoc Committees commonly face?

A) Excessive funding
B) Political pressure
C) Lack of topics to discuss
D) Overstaffing

5. What is a characteristic feature of Ad Hoc Committees?

A) Permanent in nature
B) Formed for a specific task
C) Comprised only of government members
D) Do not submit reports

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the role of Ad Hoc Committees in the legislative process of India.

Answer: Ad Hoc Committees play a significant role in the legislative process of India by facilitating focused discussions on pressing issues that require immediate attention. These committees allow for in-depth analysis and provide a platform for diverse perspectives, enhancing the quality of legislative debates. By gathering expert opinions and conducting public hearings, Ad Hoc Committees ensure that laws and policies are informed by comprehensive evidence and stakeholder input. Furthermore, the recommendations made by these committees can influence policy decisions and lead to legislative reforms, making them a vital component of India's democratic governance. Their temporary nature allows for flexibility in addressing contemporary challenges while promoting accountability and transparency in the legislative framework.

Q2: Discuss the challenges faced by Ad Hoc Committees and their implications for policy-making.

Answer: Ad Hoc Committees encounter several challenges that can impact their effectiveness in policy-making. One significant challenge is the time constraint under which they operate, which can limit thorough investigation and deliberation. This pressure may result in superficial analyses and insufficient consideration of complex issues. Additionally, political influences and biases can affect the objectivity of committee discussions and recommendations, leading to decisions that may not reflect the best interests of the public. Resource limitations, including inadequate staff support and funding, can also hinder their ability to conduct comprehensive inquiries. These challenges can have far-reaching implications for policy-making, as hasty or biased recommendations may not effectively address the underlying issues or lead to sustainable solutions.

Q3: Analyze the effectiveness of Ad Hoc Committees in addressing specific legislative issues.

Answer: The effectiveness of Ad Hoc Committees in addressing specific legislative issues can be assessed through their ability to provide focused recommendations and foster stakeholder engagement. These committees are adept at tackling complex or urgent matters that require specialized attention, often leading to informed and actionable outcomes. By incorporating expert opinions and public feedback, Ad Hoc Committees enhance the democratic process, allowing diverse viewpoints to shape legislative decisions. However, their effectiveness can be compromised by challenges such as time constraints, political pressures, and resource limitations. Despite these challenges, the targeted approach of Ad Hoc Committees often results in substantial contributions to legislative discourse, enabling the resolution of pressing issues and facilitating necessary reforms in governance.

Previous Year Questions on Ad Hoc Committees

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: What is the primary purpose of an Ad Hoc Committee?

A) To conduct general oversight
B) To address specific issues
C) To monitor international relations
D) To create permanent legislation

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The primary purpose of an Ad Hoc Committee is to address specific issues requiring focused examination and recommendations.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Assess the significance of Ad Hoc Committees in the Indian legislative framework.

Answer: Ad Hoc Committees hold significant importance in the Indian legislative framework as they facilitate focused discussions on urgent matters requiring immediate attention. Their ability to gather expert insights and public opinions enhances the quality of legislative outcomes, ensuring that laws are informed by comprehensive evidence. These committees promote transparency and accountability by engaging stakeholders in the decision-making process, thereby reinforcing democratic values. Additionally, their temporary nature allows for flexibility in addressing contemporary challenges, making Ad Hoc Committees an essential mechanism for effective governance and responsive policymaking.