Average of 53% MPs attend meetings of 16 Parliamentary Standing Committees, PAC: data

2026-05-17 · 3 min

Data from Lok Sabha website reveals that since September 2025, an average of only 53% of MPs attended meetings of 16 department-related Standing Committees and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Five meetings were postponed due to lack of quorum (minimum 11 members).

## Context Data from Lok Sabha website reveals that since September 2025, an average of only 53% of MPs attended meetings of 16 department-related Standing Committees and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Five meetings were postponed due to lack of quorum (minimum 11 members). **Immediate Trigger:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been raising the issue of ensuring MPs attend parliamentary committees. **UPSC Significance:** Highlights the functioning of parliamentary committees, a key aspect of parliamentary oversight and accountability, relevant to Polity (GS-II) and governance. ## Main Content ### Factual Foundation Average attendance: 53% across 16 Standing Committees and PAC. Five meetings postponed due to lack of quorum. Quorum: minimum 11 members. Committees have 31 members (21 Lok Sabha, 10 Rajya Sabha); PAC has 22 members (15 Lok Sabha, 7 Rajya Sabha). High absentees: Agriculture, Chemicals & Fertilisers, Energy, Social Justice. Better attendance: Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, External Affairs, Finance. ### Syllabus Mapping GS-II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers, privileges and issues arising out of these. Parliamentary committees are crucial for scrutiny and oversight. ### Analytical Dimension Low attendance undermines the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight. It reflects on the commitment of MPs to legislative scrutiny. The issue of quorum and postponement delays important deliberations on subjects like telecom self-reliance, water management, Ganga pollution, rural development, etc. Prime Minister's intervention indicates executive concern over legislative accountability. ## Static Knowledge **Definitions:** Parliamentary Standing Committees: Permanent committees that examine bills, budgets, and policies of ministries. Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs): 24 committees covering all ministries. Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Examines audit reports of CAG. Quorum: Minimum number of members required to be present for a meeting to be valid. **Constitutional/Legal Framework:** Article 118: Parliament may make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business. Committees derive their authority from the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha. **Historical Context:** Standing committees were first constituted in 1993 (17 DRSCs) to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny. Expanded to 24 in 2004. **Institutions:** Each DRSC has 31 members (21 LS, 10 RS). PAC has 22 members (15 LS, 7 RS). Chairpersons are usually from ruling party/coalition. Committees can summon officials, examine witnesses, and submit reports. ## UPSC Relevance **GS Paper Mapping:** GS-II: Parliament, committees, accountability. GS-IV: Ethics in public administration (MPs' duty). **Value Addition:** Important for understanding parliamentary oversight mechanisms and issues of accountability. Can be used in answers on parliamentary reforms, committee system, and governance. **Way Forward:** Need for stricter attendance norms, possibly linking attendance to allowances or party discipline. May lead to reforms in committee functioning.

Source: News