Question
Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of SCs and STs:
1. Its Chairperson is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. Twenty members are elected by Rajya Sabha and ten by Lok Sabha.
3. No Minister, except the Union Minister of Social Justice, is eligible for membership.
4. Members are elected for a fixed two-year term.
Which conclusion is correct?
Explanation
The Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is a parliamentary committee that examines measures taken for the welfare of SCs and STs. Its composition and tenure are important for understanding the given statements.
Statement 1 — Incorrect: The Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among the Committee’s members, not by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Statement 2 — Incorrect: The Committee has 30 members—20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
Statement 3 — Incorrect: A Minister cannot be a member of the Committee. If a member is appointed as a Minister, they cease to be a Committee member. This rule applies to all Ministers, including the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Statement 4 — Incorrect: The Committee has a one-year term and is reconstituted annually, rather than having a two-year tenure.
Therefore, all four statements are incorrect.