Govt plans two-year term for parliamentary panels, Shashi Tharoor likely to benefit

The Central government is considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from the current one year to two years, in what could mark a significant shift in the way Parliament conducts legislative and policy oversight. Sources said the move is intended to ensure continuity, deepen scrutiny of bills and policies, and allow MPs more time to conduct comprehensive studies.

The current terms of the committees are set to expire on September 26. If approved, the change could carry notable political weight, particularly for Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who chairs the influential External Affairs Committee. Despite recent strains with his party leadership, Tharoor could retain the post for another two years under the proposed extension.

Parliamentary standing committees, comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, are seen as the backbone of legislative scrutiny. They examine bills, review government policies, assess budget allocations and hold ministries accountable. When Parliament is not in session, these panels effectively function as “mini-parliaments”, enabling lawmakers to carry out detailed oversight.

Currently, the committees are reconstituted annually, a process many MPs have criticised as too short for substantive work. Opposition members and several ruling party MPs have argued that a two-year term would allow panels to function with greater stability and deliver more in-depth reports.

While the government is unlikely to reshuffle committee chairs mid-term, the proposed reform could double the tenure of current members, providing panels with time and consistency to sharpen their scrutiny.

The final decision, insiders said, is expected soon, and could have both administrative and political ramifications for parliamentary functioning over the next few years.