Parliamentary committees (membership): How are members of the committees of Parliament constituted? Focus on the appointing/electing authority and the source pool of members. Choose the correct rule.

Given data

• Topic: Constitution of Department-related and other Parliamentary Committees.

Concept/ApproachCommittees are appointed by the Presiding Officer (Speaker/Chairman) or elected by the House, and their membership is drawn from among Members of Parliament, not outsiders.

Common pitfallsAssuming party leaders or the Prime Minister nominate members as a matter of rule; or that non-MPs are routinely appointed to Parliamentary Committees (they are not).

Final AnswerAppointed by the Speaker or elected by the House from among its own members