Understanding Parliamentary Standing Committees

Parliamentary Committees are essential bodies that help the Parliament perform its functions more effectively. They can be broadly categorized into two types: Standing Committees and Ad hoc Committees. Standing Committees are permanent bodies that are elected or nominated annually or periodically and continue to function throughout the year. They oversee specific areas of government functioning.

Analyzing Committee Types

Let's examine each option to determine which one is a Standing Committee:

• Delimitation Commission: This is a commission established by the government to redraw the boundaries of constituencies based on population changes. It is a temporary body and not a permanent parliamentary committee.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 2G Spectrum: This was an ad hoc committee. JPCs are temporary committees formed for a specific purpose or to investigate a particular issue. They are dissolved once their task is completed.
• Select Committee on a Bill: Similar to JPCs, Select Committees are also ad hoc committees. They are constituted to examine a specific bill in detail and submit a report. They cease to exist after their report is presented.
• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): This committee is a permanent body. It is reconstituted every year, and its primary function is to examine the 'appropriation accounts' and 'audit reports' of the government. Its continuous nature and specific mandate make it a quintessential Standing Committee of Parliament.

Identifying the Standing Committee

Based on the nature and function, the Public Accounts Committee is the only option that fits the definition of a Standing Committee of the Parliament. It provides continuous financial oversight.