75th Anniversary of the Estimates Committee

On June 23, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The event was held to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Estimates Committee of the Parliament of India.

Commemorating the Estimates Committee’s Legacy

During the conference, Shri Birla released a 75th Anniversary Souvenir of the Estimates Committee. This committee, a crucial pillar of parliamentary oversight, was first constituted in 1950.

Composition and Functions of the Estimates Committee

• Membership: The Estimates Committee comprises 30 members, who are elected annually by the Lok Sabha from among its members.
• Chairperson: The Speaker appoints the Chairperson of the Committee from among its members.
• Ministerial Exclusion: A Minister cannot be elected as a member of the Committee. If a sitting member of the Committee is appointed as a Minister, their membership automatically ceases from the date of such appointment.
• Term: The term of office for the Committee is one year.
• Primary Function: The Committee’s main role is to examine whether public money is being spent effectively and efficiently, staying within the policy limits implied in the estimates.
• Scope Limitation: The Committee does not exercise its functions in relation to Public Undertakings that are specifically allotted to the Committee on Public Undertakings by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha or by the Speaker.