Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

The Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee recently directed the government to review the existing rules that decide the toll tax on National Highways (NH). 

• Toll rates are based on NH Fee Rules, 2008, but increased vehicular traffic since then has raised concerns.
• About PAC: Constituted annually by Parliament to examine government expenditure.

o It reviews Appropriation Accounts, Finance Accounts, and other government accounts (except Public Undertakings and Government Companies).

• Composition: Total Members - 22 (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha).

o Members are elected through proportional representation via single transferable vote.

o Chairperson: Appointed by the Speaker from Lok Sabha members.

o Since 1967-68, the Chairperson is from the Opposition.

o Ministers cannot be members; if a member is appointed as a minister, they lose membership.

• Evolution of PAC: Established in 1921; initially, the Finance Member was the Chairperson.

o Till 1950, the Finance Department handled secretarial functions.

o From January 26, 1950, it became a Parliamentary Committee under the Speaker.

o Secretarial functions shifted to Lok Sabha Secretariat.