Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Option (a):
Statement 1 is correct. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. By convention, the Chairman is usually selected from among the members of the opposition party to ensure effective scrutiny of government expenditure.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Committee on Public Accounts consists exclusively of Members of Parliament. It comprises 22 members: 15 elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members, and 7 elected by the Rajya Sabha from amongst its members. There is no provision for the inclusion of eminent persons from industry, trade, or any other external domain in the Committee.
Option (b) is incorrect because Statement 2 is factually inaccurate regarding the composition of the Public Accounts Committee.
Option (c) is incorrect as Statement 2 is not correct.
Option (d) is incorrect because Statement 1 is a correct assertion regarding the appointment of the PAC Chairman.