The correct option is To supervise the work of various departments, their budget, and expenditure.
Explanation
Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) are permanent parliamentary committees constituted to ensure detailed scrutiny of the Executive's functioning. Their primary objective is to secure more accountability of the Executive to the Parliament, particularly regarding financial and legislative matters.
Option A
- To supervise the work of various departments, their budget, and expenditure. is Correct: The core functions of DRSCs include considering the Demands for Grants of concerned Ministries/Departments, examining Bills referred to them by the Presiding Officers, and reviewing Annual Reports. They scrutinize the budget proposals and expenditure of departments in detail during the recess of Parliament, ensuring financial oversight.
- To organize the election campaigns of political parties. is Incorrect: Organizing election campaigns is an internal function of political parties and is unrelated to the constitutional or procedural duties of Parliamentary committees.
- To mediate disputes between the Centre and the States. is Incorrect: The resolution of disputes between the Centre and the States falls under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Article 131) or is addressed through the Inter-State Council.
- To appoint the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House. is Incorrect: The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves, not appointed by any standing committee.
Key Takeaway: The Departmental Standing Committees facilitate parliamentary control over the executive by scrutinizing departmental budgets (Demands for Grants), bills, and policies in a detailed manner that is not possible on the floor of the House.