Om Birla Concludes National Estimates Committees Conference, Stresses Fiscal Accountability & Tech-Driven Governance in Mumbai

The two-day National Conference of Chairpersons of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State / UT Legislatures, which was inaugurated by the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, on Monday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan, Mumbai, concluded today.

Addressing the Valedictory Session, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla underscored the importance of fostering institutional synergy, enhancing financial accountability, and embracing technology-driven governance to strengthen democratic processes. 

He highlighted that seamless coordination among various arms of governance is crucial for efficient policy implementation and citizen-centric administration. Emphasizing transparency and fiscal responsibility, the Speaker called for robust mechanisms to ensure prudent use of public funds. 

Furthermore, he advocated for the integration of advanced digital technologies to improve administrative efficiency, promote real-time public service delivery, and uphold the values of good governance in the digital age.

Emphasizing on accountability and innovation in governance, he emphasized that Parliamentary Committees, whether at the Centre or in States, are not opposed to the government but rather act as supportive and corrective instruments, offering constructive guidance. 

By offering well-researched recommendations and acting as a bridge between the executive and the legislature, these committees contribute to transparent, accountable, and effective governance, he added. 

The Speaker urged members to uphold the spirit of collaboration and responsibility, reinforcing the committees’ role as pillars of parliamentary democracy. He also called for coordination between Estimate Committees of Parliament and the states/UTs legislatures.

Advocating for a robust Committee oversight and technology integration in public spending, Shri Birla noted that by leveraging modern technological tools such as AI and data analytics, oversight mechanisms can become more precise and impactful. 

He called for empowering Committees with necessary resources and digital capabilities to monitor expenditures closely, thereby reinforcing fiscal discipline and promoting good governance. Shri Birla stressed that public representatives, given their direct connection with the people, have a deep understanding of ground-level issues and can significantly enhance budget scrutiny through meaningful engagement.

Mentioning that Estimates Committees must ensure that every rupee spent is for people’s welfare, Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that fiscal resources of the country must be utilized efficiently and responsibly.  

He reiterated that the role of Estimates Committees is not just to monitor expenditure but to ensure that welfare schemes are relevant, accessible, and effective for the common citizen, with a special emphasis on social justice and welfare. 

Shri Birla stated that technology-driven governance, such as Direct Benefit Transfers, has reduced pilferage and ensured that benefits reach the intended recipients a goal that Estimates Committees must continue to support.

Reflecting on the purpose and impact of the Conference, Shri Birla said that the platform reaffirmed the collective commitment of legislative institutions to fiscal discipline, transparency, and public accountability. 

Shri Birla also called for wider public engagement with the Committee process and encouraged dissemination of Committee findings to build greater trust in democratic institutions. He suggested that similar conferences be held for other Committees such as the Privileges Committee, Petitions Committee, and the Committee on Empowerment of Women, to encourage inter-legislative dialogue and promote adoption of best practices. 

Shri Birla expressed confidence that the consensus and ideas forged at this conference would translate into more efficient, accountable, and people-centric governance. The Conference unanimously adopted six key resolutions that lay out a forward-looking roadmap for strengthening Estimates Committees.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by the Governor, Maharashtra, Shri Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan. Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; and Chairperson, Committee on Estimates, Parliament of India, Shri Sanjay Jaiswal also spoke on this occasion. 

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, Shri Ambadas Danve delivered the Welcome Address and Deputy Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Anna Dadu Bansode delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Council, Shri Ram Shinde; Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Rahul Narwekar; Members of Committee on Estimates, Parliament of India; Chairpersons of Committees on Estimates in States and Union Territories Legislatures; Members of Maharashtra Legislature and other dignitaries remained present during the Valedictory Session.

Chairpersons and Members of Estimates Committees from 23 States and Union Territories participated in the Conference. The conference, which marks 75 years of the Estimates Committee’s journey, brought together key stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms of financial oversight and improve administrative efficiency in the world’s largest democracy. 

The theme of the Conference was, ‘Role of Estimates Committee in effective Monitoring and Review of Budget Estimates for ensuring Efficiency and economy in Administration’.