Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has emphasized the importance of governments taking reports from house panels in a constructive manner, viewing them as guides rather than criticisms. Birla made these remarks during the valedictory session of the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies held in Mumbai on June 24, 2025. He highlighted the consensus that parliamentary committees work to assist the government by providing valuable insights.
Birla urged government officials to take these reports seriously and ensure timely submission of action-taken reports. He stressed that parliamentary committees serve as vital forums for in-depth debate, constructive discussion, and ensuring executive accountability. According to Birla, these committees play a crucial role in strengthening democratic processes by fostering informed deliberation that transcends political lines.
The Lok Sabha Speaker clarified that the purpose of parliamentary committees is not to serve as platforms for opposition or leveling allegations. Instead, they should collaboratively examine policies, scrutinize government functioning, and contribute to better governance through consensus and expertise-driven recommendations.
Birla acknowledged the emerging challenges in governance, including increased public expenditure, the growing complexity of schemes, and rapid technological change. He pointed out that the Estimates Committee has consistently contributed to budgetary reforms aimed at improving transparency and aligning expenditures with national development goals. He also advocated for the integration of digital tools, data analytics platforms, and artificial intelligence in the functioning of Parliamentary Committees to conduct in-depth scrutiny and make evidence-based recommendations.
During the conference, there was a consensus to work together by sharing best practices and involving stakeholders and experts before preparing reports and submitting them to Parliament and Legislatures. It was also unanimously decided to use Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in the functioning of the parliamentary and legislative committees to bring more transparency and accountability in administration and judicious use of government funds, which will ultimately benefit the common man.
Birla noted that the Estimates Committee has made significant contributions in key areas such as the reorganization of the Secretariat, operational capacity and capacity of railways, public sector undertakings, and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. He also stated that governments have accepted a significant percentage of the Committee's recommendations, ranging from 90 to 95 percent.
Furthermore, Birla mentioned that India will soon establish friendship groups with parliaments of different countries, following the success of all-party delegations that toured across the globe after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. These groups aim to foster communication and share best practices between parliaments.
