Topic 1: Overview of Cabinet Committees

Key Points:

  • Cabinet Committees are essential for managing the workload of the Cabinet.
  • They play a role in sorting out issues, formulating proposals, and taking decisions.

Explanation:

  • Cabinet Committees are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution but are established under the Rules of Business. Their purpose is to handle the vast responsibilities of the Cabinet by focusing on specialized areas.

Example:

  • An example of a Cabinet Committee is the Emergency Committee, which was set up after the 1962 Chinese invasion.

Topic 2: Types of Cabinet Committees

Key Points:

  • There are two main types of Cabinet Committees: Standing and Ad Hoc Committees.

Explanation:

  • Standing Committees are permanent in nature and deal with ongoing issues.
  • Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and are created to address specific problems; they are disbanded once the task is completed.

Example:

  • The Ad Hoc Committees, such as those formed during emergencies or special issues, highlight the flexibility of the Cabinet Committee system.

Topic 3: Formation and Composition

Key Points:

  • The Prime Minister has the authority to establish committees as per the needs of the time.
  • The composition of the committees varies and can include both Cabinet and non-Cabinet Ministers.

Explanation:

  • Cabinet Committees are set up based on the Prime Minister’s discretion. The structure, membership, and leadership can change depending on the situation.

Example:

  • In many cases, the Prime Minister heads these committees, but other senior Cabinet Ministers may also serve as chairpersons.

Topic 4: Key Cabinet Committees

Key Points:

  • There are eight major Cabinet Committees currently in operation.

Explanation:

  1. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs: Handles domestic and foreign policy matters.
  2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs: Coordinates governmental economic activities.
  3. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet: Decides high-level appointments in the central government and public enterprises.
  4. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs: Manages government business in the Parliament.
  5. Cabinet Committee on Security: Focuses on defense, law and order, and atomic energy.
  6. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation: Manages allotment of government accommodations.
  7. Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth: Focuses on policies aimed at boosting capital inflows and improving business conditions.
  8. Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development: Handles policies related to workforce skills and increasing employment, particularly among women.

Example:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is considered the most powerful and often referred to as a “Super-Cabinet.”

Topic 5: Functions of Cabinet Committees

Key Points:

  • Each Cabinet Committee has a specific role related to government policy and decision-making.

Explanation:

  • For example, the Cabinet Committee on Security deals with national security issues, while the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs focuses on overseeing economic policies and strategies.

Example:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development looks into increasing the employability of the workforce through skill-building initiatives.

Topic 6: Groups of Ministers (GoMs)

Key Points:

  • GoMs are ad hoc bodies formed to handle emerging issues and provide recommendations to the Cabinet.

Explanation:

  • GoMs help coordinate between ministries and can either provide recommendations or make decisions. However, overuse of GoMs can delay decision-making.

Example:

  • The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2005-2009) recommended more selective use of GoMs to prevent delays and ensure better coordination.