Joint Parliamentary Committee

21.12.2024

Joint Parliamentary Committee

Why in the news?      

            A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) comprising up to 31 MPs will be formed to review the Constitution (129th) Amendment Bill.

About Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):        

• It is an ad-hoc body, which acts as a mini-Parliament to carry out detailed scrutiny of a specific matter within a specific time frame. It is dissolved after its term ends or its task has been completed.
• It is set up by the Parliament for a special purpose, like the detailed scrutiny of a subject or Bill.
• It has members from both the Houses and from the ruling parties and the opposition.
• It is set up after one House of Parliament has passed a Motion and the other has agreed to it.
• The members of the JPC are decided by the Parliament.
• The mandate of a JPC depends on the Motion constituting it.
• The recommendations of the JPC are not binding on the government.
• A few JPCs have earlier been set-up, having investigative powers:

○To examine matters relating to Allocation and Pricing of Telecom Licenses and Spectrum.

○On Pesticide Residues in and Safety Standard for Soft Drinks, Fruit Juice and other Beverages

○On Stock Market Scam and Matters Relating thereto

○To enquire into irregularities in Securities and Banking Transactions

○To enquire into Bofors Contract

                                                                          Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements regarding Joint Parliamentary Committee:

1. It is an ad-hoc body formed to carry out detailed scrutiny of a specific matter by the Parliament.

2. It is set up after one House of Parliament has passed a motion and the other has agreed to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C