New Delhi: The government is reportedly considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from the current one-year term to two years, aiming to enhance continuity and allow for more thorough scrutiny of bills, reports, and policy issues. The existing committees’ terms are due to expire on 26 September.

This proposal holds particular significance for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who chairs the External Affairs Committee. An extension would enable him to retain his position for an additional two years, despite recent tensions within his party.

Parliamentary standing committees are permanent bodies made up of a fixed number of MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. They play a vital role in examining legislation, reviewing government policies, scrutinising budget allocations, and holding ministries accountable through inquiries and evidence gathering.

When Parliament is not in session, these committees act as “mini-parliaments,” allowing MPs to conduct detailed oversight of policy and legislation without waiting for full parliamentary sessions.

Currently, committees are reconstituted annually. However, numerous MPs, including those from opposition parties, have called for extending the term to at least two years, arguing that a single year is insufficient for comprehensive examination of complex subjects.

While it is unlikely that committee chairs will change, the tenure of new members may be doubled to provide greater continuity and enable committees to focus more effectively on their legislative and policy work.