The newly-created Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth (CCIG) has convened its inaugural meeting to address concerns linked to the economic slowdown. The discussions also touched upon the dwindling Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, which has descended to a six-year low of 4.5% due to falling investments, exports, and consumption levels nationwide. The meeting comes at an opportune time, mirroring the establishment of a Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development in tackling the increasing joblessness rates in India.
Unfolding Unemployment in India
The rise of unemployment has become a pressing issue in India. It has instigated the creation of the Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development. A recent report by the Periodic Labour Force Survey revealed that the overall unemployment rate in the country reached 6.1% in 2017-18, a troubling statistic that spurred the government into action.
Understanding Cabinet Committees
In the Indian governance system, Cabinet Committees play a crucial role. These committees, notably not referenced in the Constitution, are formed through the Rules of Business, which, in turn, are derived from Article 77(3) of the Constitution. This extract gives the President the authority to establish rules for facilitating government transactions and ministerial allocations.
There are two types of Cabinet Committees: standing and ad hoc. The former are characterized by their permanency, while the latter are temporary and established for addressing specific issues. Once the task at hand is taken care of, these ad hoc committees are dissolved.
The Prime Minister constitutes Standing Committees of the Cabinet and determines the specific function assigned to them. The number of committees can be increased or decreased as per the Prime Minister’s will. Notably, all Cabinet Committees, with the exception of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, are headed by the Prime Minister.
Key Facts Related to Cabinet Committees
| Committee Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standing Committee | Permanent in nature, they are constituted by the Prime Minister and undertake specific functions. | Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth |
| Ad Hoc Committee | Tends to be temporary and established to handle special problems. They are disbanded once their task is completed. | Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development |
Conclusion
In summary, the formation of the Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth and the Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development marks a significant government effort aimed at mitigating the impact of the economic slowdown and high unemployment rate in the country. The responsible use of constitutional mechanisms for administrative convenience and issue resolution proves the resiliency and flexibility of the Indian governance structure.
