Date:15/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/15/stories/2002121500561300.htm

National

Role of estimates panels lauded

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI DEC. 14. The Estimates Committees of Parliament and State Legislatures, according to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Manohar Joshi, are a powerful instrument in strengthening not only the Parliamentary process but also the accountability mechanisms as they generate consciousness within the government machinery that their proposals are being scrutinised.

He said this during the inaugural session of the two-day Conference of the Chairmen of Committees on Estimates of Parliament and State Legislatures here today.

Mr. Joshi said the system of parliamentary committees was one of the most efficient methods devised to assist them in the performance of their multifarious duties.

Citing instances, the Speaker said the constructive and positive work done, and objective, judicious and unanimous decisions taken by the estimates committees in effecting efficiency and economy have gone a long way in strengthening the accountability mechanism.