Yes, parliamentary committees are considered extremely useful and, in fact, indispensable for the effective functioning of parliamentary work. Modern legislatures, especially in large democracies like India, deal with a vast volume of complex legislation, financial matters, and policy issues. It is practically impossible for the entire Parliament to scrutinize every detail effectively. Committees provide a mechanism for detailed examination, expert consultation, and continuous oversight that the full house cannot achieve.

Usefulness of Parliamentary Committees:

1. Detailed Scrutiny: Committees allow for a thorough and in-depth examination of bills, budgetary proposals, and policy matters, which is not possible in the limited time available in the full parliamentary session.
2. Expert Consultation: They can invite experts, stakeholders, and public opinion on specific issues, bringing specialized knowledge and diverse perspectives to policy-making.
3. Reduced Burden on Parliament: By handling the detailed work, committees free up the time of the full House for broader policy debates and legislative approvals.
4. Non-Partisan Approach: Committees often work in a less confrontational environment than the full House, allowing for more consensus-building and bipartisan cooperation on complex issues.
5. Accountability and Oversight: They play a crucial role in holding the executive accountable by scrutinizing government expenditure, performance of ministries, and implementation of policies.
6. Continuity of Work: Committees continue their work even when Parliament is not in session, ensuring continuous legislative and oversight functions.
7. Public Participation: In some cases, committees provide a platform for citizens to directly engage with the legislative process through petitions or submissions.

Role of the Estimate Committee:

The Estimates Committee is one of the three financial standing committees of the Indian Parliament (the other two being the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Public Undertakings). It is a Lok Sabha committee, meaning its members are drawn exclusively from the Lower House. It consists of 30 members, elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members every year according to the principle of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

Its primary role is to examine the 'estimates' included in the budget presented to Parliament, with a view to suggesting economies in public expenditure. It is often referred to as a 'continuous economy committee'.

Specifically, the functions of the Estimates Committee include:

1. Examining Estimates: To examine the estimates presented in the budget and suggest economies, improvements in organization, efficiency, and administrative reform consistent with the policy underlying the estimates.
2. Reporting on Policy: To report what economies, improvements in organization, efficiency, or administrative reform consistent with the policy underlying the estimates may be effected.
3. Suggesting Alternative Policies: To suggest alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in administration.
4. Examining Expenditure: To examine whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates.
5. Presenting Reports: To suggest the form in which the estimates shall be presented to Parliament.

Key Characteristics and Impact:

• Post-Budget Scrutiny: Unlike the Public Accounts Committee which examines past expenditure, the Estimates Committee scrutinizes the estimates before they are voted upon, though its reports often come out after the budget has been passed. This means its recommendations are primarily for future guidance rather than immediate changes to the current budget.
• Focus on Economy and Efficiency: Its core mandate is to ensure that public money is spent judiciously and efficiently, identifying areas where waste can be reduced and better value for money can be achieved.
• Advisory Nature: The recommendations of the Estimates Committee are advisory and not binding on the government. However, they carry significant moral authority and often influence government policy and administrative practices.
• Continuous Review: It conducts a continuous review of government expenditure, examining the estimates of various ministries and departments throughout the year, rather than just during the budget session.

In essence, the Estimates Committee acts as a financial watchdog, helping Parliament to exercise control over the executive's spending proposals and promoting accountability and efficient use of public funds. Its work, alongside other parliamentary committees, is vital for ensuring democratic oversight and good governance.