Speaker Om Birla Urges Tech-Enabled Oversight at Estimates Committee Conference

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the National Conference of Chairpersons of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislatures at the historic Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan today, marking the Platinum Jubilee of the Committee on Estimates of the Parliament of India. In a forward-looking address, Shri Birla emphasized the urgent need for financial oversight mechanisms that are transparent, technologically empowered, and rooted in people-centric governance.

Strengthening Oversight through “Technology, Training, and People-Centric Governance”

In his keynote address, Speaker Birla called for the integration of advanced digital tools, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in the functioning of Estimates Committees. He underlined that efficiency, transparency, and fiscal discipline should be the guiding principles—or the "mantra"—of all public expenditure.

“Governance,” he said, “must remain focused on the needs of the people. Financial oversight mechanisms must be inclusive, effective, and responsive to citizen concerns.”

Shri Birla stressed that financial discipline is not just an accounting practice, but a cornerstone of democratic accountability. He encouraged the use of modern technology to make committees more agile and evidence-driven in their scrutiny of budget estimates and implementation.

75 Years of Impact: Celebrating Legacy and Evolution

The event commemorates 75 years of the Committee on Estimates—one of India’s most influential financial oversight bodies. Speaker Birla released a special Souvenir marking the Platinum Jubilee and reflected on the Committee’s evolution into a powerful force for democratic governance and administrative efficiency.

“The Estimates Committee is not merely a financial auditor,” he noted, “but a change agent that brings about systemic reforms, promotes fiscal prudence, and enhances public service delivery.”

He cited landmark contributions of the Committee in areas such as Secretariat reorganization, railway capacity development, public sector reform, and even environmental initiatives like the rejuvenation of the Ganga River. Notably, governments have accepted 90 to 95% of the Committee's recommendations, underscoring its credibility and influence.

Parliamentary Committees: Forums of Dialogue and Reform

Shri Birla redefined the role of parliamentary committees, saying they should be viewed not as political battlegrounds, but as platforms for in-depth, constructive, and bipartisan policy deliberation. “The essence of these Committees,” he said, “lies in dialogue, consensus, and expertise—not in opposition for opposition’s sake.”

He emphasized that State Estimates Committees, like their parliamentary counterpart, must function as stewards of fiscal responsibility and custodians of public trust. As key pillars of federal democracy, they should emulate successful practices, engage in inter-state learning, and actively collaborate for nation-wide improvements.

Acknowledging the Challenges of Modern Governance

The Speaker highlighted several emerging challenges, including increased public expenditure, the complexity of government schemes, and rapid technological changes. He urged the Estimates Committees to align budgetary scrutiny with broader national development goals and to ensure optimal use of taxpayer funds.

“The Committee must be future-ready,” Shri Birla asserted, “capable of navigating complexity through innovation and equipped with tools for real-time oversight and adaptive policy evaluation.”

A Call for Forward-Looking Strategies and Action Plans

Looking ahead, Shri Birla called upon the conference participants to formulate a roadmap for strengthening Estimates Committees across all levels of governance. He expressed confidence that the deliberations over the next two days would produce actionable strategies to enhance the impact, agility, and citizen focus of these oversight bodies.

“The Platinum Jubilee,” he remarked, “is not just a reflection on past achievements—it’s a call to action. We must reaffirm our collective commitment to democratic accountability, institutional integrity, and fiscal transparency.”

Eminent Leaders Join in Celebration

The conference saw the presence of key dignitaries and senior leaders from Maharashtra and the central government. Among those addressing the inaugural session were:

• Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra

• Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra

• Shri Ram Shinde, Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Council

• Shri Rahul Narwekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

• Shri Sanjay Jaiswal, Chairperson, Committee on Estimates, Parliament of India

Also in attendance were Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri Ambadas Danve, Members of the Estimates Committee of Parliament, State and UT Committee Chairpersons, and legislators from across the country.

Thematic Brainstorming for the Future

During the two-day conference, participants will engage in intensive discussions on the theme: “Role of Estimates Committee in Effective Monitoring and Review of Budget Estimates for Ensuring Efficiency and Economy in Administration.”

The conference aims to identify best practices, capacity-building strategies, and technology enablers that can make Estimates Committees more effective agents of reform and public accountability.

The Valedictory Address will be delivered by Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, on June 24, 2025.