Cabinet committees are set up by the Prime Minister according to the exigencies of the time and requirements of the situation. Hence, their number, nomenclature, and composition vary from time to time.
What are Cabinet Committees?
Cabinet committees are extra-constitutional in nature. They are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, These are established under the Rules of Business.
- Cabinet committees are of two types–standing and ad hoc. Standing committees are of a permanent nature, while the latter is of a temporary nature. Ad hoc committees are established from time to time to deal with special problems.
- They not only sort out issues and formulate proposals for the consideration of the Cabinet but also make decisions. However, the Cabinet can review their decisions.
- They are an organizational device to reduce the enormous workload of the Cabinet. They also facilitate in-depth examination of policy issues and effective coordination. They are based on the principles of division of labour and effective delegation.
Formation of Cabinet Committees
Once the Union Cabinet is sworn in and ministerial portfolios are allocated, the next step would be the formation of the high-profile Cabinet committees.
The Prime Minister sets up these committees with selected members of the Cabinet and assigns specific functions to these committees. The Prime Minister may change the numbers of committees, and modify the functions assigned to them.
The membership of each committee varies from three to eight. Usually, only Cabinet ministers are members of these committees. However, it is not unheard of for non-Cabinet ministers to be members or special invitees to committees. If the Prime Minister himself is a member of any such committee, he acts as the head of that committee.
The committees resolve issues and formulate proposals for the consideration of the Cabinet and take decisions on matters assigned to them. The Cabinet is empowered to review such decisions.
There are eight Cabinet committees at present —
1. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
3. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
4. Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth
5. Cabinet Committee on Security
6. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
7. Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development
8. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation.
With the Prime Minister helming it, the CCS has the ministers for Finance, Defence, Home Affairs and External Affairs as its members. It is responsible for debates, discussions and appointments of/ in the national security bodies.
Major decisions with respect to the significant appointments, issues of national security, defence expenditure of India are taken by CCS.
Besides dealing with defence related issues, the CCS also brainstorms on issues relating to law and order and internal security, and policy matters concerning foreign affairs on security-related issues. It also considers matters relating to atomic energy.
Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2022)
1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2022)
1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Who among the following constitute the National Development Council? (UPSC CSE, 2013)
1. The Prime Minister
2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
4. Chief Ministers of the States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Who among the following constitute the National Development Council? (UPSC CSE, 2013)
1. The Prime Minister
2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
4. Chief Ministers of the States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q) Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:(2017)
(a) An arrangement for minimizing criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
(b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
(c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
(d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Q) Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:(2017)
(a) An arrangement for minimizing criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
(b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
(c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
(d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? (2014)
- Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
- Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
- Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? (2014)
- Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
- Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
- Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
What is a Shadow Cabinet?
Shadow Cab is a unique institution of the British cabinet system. It is formed by the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office. There is no such institution in India.
What is a Kitchen Cabinet?
The cabinet, a small group made up of the Prime Minister as its leader and several key Ministers, is the highest decision-making body in a formal sense.
However, an even smaller group known as the “Inner Cabinet” or “Kitchen Cabinet” holds significant power and influence.
This informal group comprises the Prime Minister and a few trusted colleagues with whom he can discuss important issues and make crucial decisions.
It may also include outsiders such as friends and family members of the Prime Minister. Almost every Prime Minister in India has had a close group of advisors in the past.
