Parliament – Key Committees Review Skill Development, Economy and CBSE Concerns
Parliament – Several important parliamentary committees are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Thursday, with discussions expected to focus on government programmes, economic conditions, defence-related audits, and concerns surrounding recent CBSE examination processes.
Public Accounts Committee to Review Audit Findings
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will convene at 11 a.m. within the Parliament complex. One of the major items on its agenda is a presentation from audit officials, followed by discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Committee members are expected to examine the findings of a performance audit related to skill development initiatives carried out under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The review is based on observations made in reports submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The meeting aims to assess the effectiveness of the programme and address issues highlighted during the audit process.
Defence Matters Also on the Agenda
Apart from skill development, the PAC will consider draft reports prepared by its Defence and Non-Compliance sub-committees. The panel is expected to discuss several issues raised in previous audit reports.
Among the matters under review are delays associated with the production of the upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Dhanush artillery gun system, financial losses amounting to ₹62.10 crore linked to the replacement of defective ammunition supplied to the Army, and concerns regarding the administration of defence offset obligations. These subjects have been highlighted in reports prepared by the national auditor.
The committee will also examine a draft report addressing delays in the submission of Action Taken Notes related to audit observations and instances of excess expenditure. Congress MP KC Venugopal currently serves as the chairman of the PAC.
Finance Panel to Assess Economic Situation
At the same time, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance is also scheduled to hold a meeting at the Parliament premises.
During the session, officials from the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, along with the Chief Economic Adviser, will brief members on the overall economic landscape of the country. The discussion is expected to cover major economic indicators, ongoing policy developments, and current financial trends affecting the national economy.
Education Committee Raises Questions on CBSE Processes
Earlier this week, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education examined concerns related to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examination system.
According to sources, lawmakers questioned CBSE officials regarding difficulties faced by Class 12 students due to issues linked with the On-Screen Marking (OSM) process. Members reportedly stressed the importance of identifying responsibility wherever procedural lapses may have occurred.
The committee, which oversees matters related to education, women, children, youth and sports, received briefings from senior officials, including the Secretary of the Department of School Education and the CBSE Chairperson.
Focus on Evaluation System and Language Policy
During the meeting, committee members reviewed the implementation of the OSM system in Class 12 examinations and discussed complaints raised by students after the declaration of results.
The panel also sought information regarding the implementation of the three-language formula in Classes 9 and 10. The discussion formed part of a broader review of school education policies and examination management practices.
CBSE has recently come under increased scrutiny following reports of technical issues affecting its post-result services and concerns over discrepancies identified in digitally evaluated answer sheets. These developments have prompted closer examination by parliamentary committees seeking greater transparency and accountability.