Consultative committees are associated with different ministries or departments of the Central Government. They include members from both Houses of Parliament, and the Minister or Minister of State in charge of the respective ministry serves as the chairman of the consultative committee for that ministry.
These committees provide an opportunity for informal discussions between ministers and parliament members on government policies and programs, as well as their implementation.
Key points about consultative committees:
- Constitution and Governance: These committees are established by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, which formulates guidelines for their composition, functions, and procedures. The Ministry also organizes meetings for these committees during and between parliamentary sessions.
- Membership: The committees include both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. Membership is voluntary and decided by the members and party leaders. Committees can have a maximum of 30 members and a minimum of 10.
- Duration and Reconstitution: Consultative committees are formed after each new Lok Sabha is constituted following General Elections. They dissolve upon the dissolution of each Lok Sabha and are reconstituted when a new Lok Sabha is formed.