The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, led by Chairman Nishikant Dubey, is set to convene on February 13, 2025. The primary agenda is to gather oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications concerning the Demands for Grants for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Demands for Grants are detailed budgetary requests presented by various ministries, outlining their projected expenditures and financial requirements for the upcoming fiscal year. These documents are crucial as they provide a comprehensive breakdown of how ministries plan to allocate funds to achieve their objectives. The committee’s role is to scrutinize these demands, ensuring that the proposed allocations are justified and align with the nation’s priorities.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has submitted its Detailed Demands for Grants, which can be accessed on the ministry’s official website.

This document outlines the ministry’s financial plans, including allocations for various departments and initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s information dissemination and broadcasting infrastructure.

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology is one of the 24 departmentally related standing committees in the Indian Parliament. Established under Rule 331C of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the committee’s jurisdiction encompasses the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its primary function is to examine matters related to these ministries, including their Demands for Grants, ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.

The upcoming meeting is pivotal as it provides a platform for the committee to engage directly with ministry representatives, seeking clarifications and justifications for their budgetary requests. Such interactions ensure transparency and accountability in governmental financial planning. The insights gained from these discussions will inform the committee’s recommendations, which play a crucial role in shaping the final budgetary allocations approved by Parliament.

Following the recess commencing on February 13, 2025, both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to reconvene on March 10, 2025. This interlude allows standing committees to meticulously examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments, facilitating informed and comprehensive discussions upon Parliament’s reconvening.

Key Highlights:

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology will meet on February 13, 2025, to review the Demands for Grants for the fiscal year 2024-25.
• The session will involve oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Posts.
• Demands for Grants are detailed budgetary requests that outline a ministry’s projected expenditures and financial needs.
• The committee’s evaluation ensures that proposed allocations are justified and align with national priorities.