Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Latest News

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticised the Union Ministry of Tourism for the poor implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

About the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

• Established in 1921 (oldest parliamentary committee in India).
• Purpose: Audits the revenue and expenditure of the Government of India to ensure public funds are spent efficiently and legally.
• Key functions:
  • Examines the CAG audit report on government expenditure.
  • Ensures money sanctioned by Parliament is spent properly.
  • Investigates financial irregularities, losses, and inefficiencies in government spending.
• Membership:
  • 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).
  • Chairperson: A Lok Sabha MP, traditionally from the Opposition.
  • Term: One year.
  • Ministers cannot be members of the PAC.

About the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Launched:2015 by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Objective: To develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in India by creating thematic tourist circuits.
• Funding:100% centrally funded scheme.
• Implementation:
  • The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies.
  • Operation & Maintenance (O&M) is the responsibility of the respective State/UT government.
• Key features:
  • Development of theme-based tourism circuits.
  • Infrastructure development such as roads, signage, parking, and public amenities.
  • Eco-tourism and heritage conservation efforts.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) FAQs

Q1. What is the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?

Ans. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a parliamentary committee in India responsible for auditing the revenue and expenditure of the government. It ensures financial accountability and transparency in public spending.

Q2. When was the Public Accounts Committee established?

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Ans. The PAC was first set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.

Q3. Who appoints the Chairman of the PAC?

Ans. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman of the PAC, who is traditionally from the opposition party.

Source: TH