Who elects the members of the Estimates Committee in the Indian Parliament?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Members of the Lok Sabha

• The Estimates Committee is a committee of the Lok Sabha responsible for examining the estimates included in the Union Budget and ensuring that the expenditure plans of the government are in alignment with the budget.

• Members of the Lok Sabha elect the members of the Estimates Committee from among themselves.

• The Estimates Committee consists of 30 members and is constituted for a period of one year.

• The Estimates Committee plays a vital role in scrutinizing the government's budget and examining the financial expenditure to ensure accountability in the utilization of public funds.

• It is empowered under Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

Articles and Amendments related to the Options:

1. Option A (Members of the Rajya Sabha):

   • The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States and is primarily concerned with representing the states and union territories in the Parliament.

   • Article 80 of the Indian Constitution: Deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha.

   • Article 84: Provides the qualifications for membership in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

2. Option B (Prime Minister):

   • The Prime Minister is the head of the executive branch of the government and leads the Council of Ministers.

   • While the Prime Minister plays an influential role in governance, they do not directly elect members of the Estimates Committee.

   • Article 75 of the Indian Constitution: Deals with the appointment of the Prime Minister and other ministers.

   • Article 74: Provides for the advice of the Council of Ministers to the President.

3. Option C (Members of the Lok Sabha):

   • The Estimates Committee is a committee of the Lok Sabha, and its members are elected by the Lok Sabha members.

   • Article 81 of the Indian Constitution: Deals with the composition of the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

   • Article 83: Deals with the duration of the Lok Sabha and its dissolution by the President.

   • Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha: Specifies the procedure for the formation of the Estimates Committee.

4. Option D (President of India):

   • The President of India does not play a direct role in electing members of parliamentary committees.

   • Article 52: States that there shall be a President of India.

   • Article 53: Specifies the executive powers of the President, including appointments of key officials, but not of parliamentary committee members.