Speaker Om Birla Inaugurates National Conference
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Estimates Committees from Parliament and State/UT Legislatures at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan, Mumbai, commemorating 75 years of the Committee on Estimates.
Financial Oversight through Technology & Training
Shri Birla emphasized the importance of strengthening financial oversight using technology, training, and people-centric governance. He said public spending must follow the mantra of efficiency, transparency, and fiscal discipline.
Estimates Committee: A Pillar of Accountability
He highlighted the critical role of the Estimates Committee in examining budgetary provisions and making reform-oriented recommendations. According to Shri Birla, 90–95% of the committee’s suggestions have been implemented by successive governments, leading to impactful changes in railway restructuring, PSU governance, and Ganga rejuvenation.
Not a Forum for Opposition, But Constructive Scrutiny
The Speaker clarified that Parliamentary Committees are not for opposition or allegations but are platforms for in-depth, non-partisan debate and government accountability.
Call for Tech-Enabled Committee Functions
He advocated for integrating digital tools, AI, and data analytics into committee operations for more rigorous and data-driven oversight.
Empowering State Legislatures
Shri Birla urged Estimates Committee chairpersons in states to emulate best practices from Parliament and foster institutional collaboration to improve efficiency in public administration at all levels.
Key Dignitaries Present
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, and senior leaders including Shri Ram Shinde, Shri Rahul Narwekar, and Shri Sanjay Jaiswal participated in the inaugural session.
Looking Ahead: Valedictory Address
The conference continues through June 24, 2025, with Governor Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan scheduled to deliver the Valedictory Address. The theme focuses on using committee oversight to monitor budget execution and promote administrative economy.
Source: PIB
