In a recent development, the Union government of India publicized the structure of eight distinct Cabinet Committees. Among these, two are new additions, namely the Cabinet Committee on Investment and the Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development. Other committees include the Appointments Committee, Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, and Cabinet Committee on Security.
Interestingly, all the mentioned committees, except for the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, are steered by the Prime Minister.
The Emergence of Cabinet Committees: An Insight
Despite their relevance, Cabinet Committees do not find a mention in the Constitution – making them extra-constitutional entities. However, their establishment is hinted at in the Rules of Business. These rules facilitate the functioning of the executive in India under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961.
These regulations stem from Article 77(3) of the Indian Constitution, which implies that the President is authorized to make rules for the more convenient transaction of the Government of India’s business and for the allocation of said business among Ministers.
Role of the Prime Minister in Constituting the Cabinet Committees
The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role in establishing the Standing Committees of the Cabinet. It falls upon him to delineate the specific functions assigned to them. Furthermore, he has the authority to either increase or decrease the number of committees as per requirement.
Table of Cabinet Committees
| Sl.No: | Cabinet Committees: | Headed by: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet | Prime Minister |
| 2 | Cabinet Committee on Accommodation | Not Headed by the Prime Minister |
| 3 | Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs | Prime Minister |
| 4 | Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs | Not Headed by the Prime Minister |
| 5 | Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs | Prime Minister |
| 6 | Cabinet Committee on Security | Prime Minister |
| 7 | Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth | Prime Minister |
| 8 | Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development | Prime Minister |
The Importance and Purpose of Cabinet Committees
The ethos behind these committees lies in their role which is crucial to the administration and governance of the nation. They serve to streamline decision-making processes, allowing for faster and more effective governance. Through these committees, various aspects of national and international policy and issues can be examined in depth, facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of matters at hand before final verdicts are handed down.
