Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the government to review the existing rules governing toll tax on National Highways (NH). Currently, toll taxes are levied based on the base rate of fee per kilometre, as prescribed by the NH Fee Rules, 2008. However, with exponentially increasing vehicular traffic since 2008, the Committee has recommended a thorough review of these rules. (Source: The Hindu)

About the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

• Established: 1921 (under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms).
• Annual Constitution: Formed every year under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
• Composition:
  • 22 Members (maximum limit).
  • 15 Members elected from Lok Sabha.
  • 7 Members elected from Rajya Sabha.
  • Members are elected based on proportional representation via a single transferable vote.
• Chairmanship:
  • Until 1966-67, a senior member of the ruling party was appointed as Chairman by the Speaker.
  • Since 1967, a member from the Opposition in Lok Sabha has been appointed as Chairman, a practice that continues today.
  • The Speaker of Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman from among Lok Sabha members.
• Rules Regarding Ministers:
  • A Minister is not eligible for election to the Committee.
  • If a PAC member is appointed as a Minister, they cease to be a member of the Committee immediately.
• Term of Office:
  • Members serve for a maximum of one year at a time.