The Ruling party in Lok Sabha will retain control of the key portfolios of Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs to maintain its influence over the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

About Cabinet Committees

• Constitutional Provisions: Under Article 77 of the Constitution, the President possesses the authority to establish rules for the smooth conduct of Union Government business and the distribution of work among ministers. Accordingly, the President has issued two sets of rules:
  • Allocation of Business Rules: These rules govern the distribution of subjects among various ministries and departments.
  • Transaction of Business Rules: These rules dictate the handling of ministries, inter-departmental consultations, Cabinet committees, consultations with the Prime Minister and President, etc.
    • As per the Transaction of Business Rules, the Prime Minister has the power to form or dissolve Standing Committees of the Cabinet and allocate their functions.

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Features of Cabinet Committees

• Extra Constitutional Body: Cabinet committees are extra-constitutional bodies, meaning they are not specified in the Constitution.
• Established by the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister establishes Cabinet Committees based on the current needs and demands of the situation, leading to variations in their number, names, and composition over time.
• Constitutional Status: Cabinet Committees emerge outside the constitutional framework, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Their establishment, however, is provided for in the Rules of Business.
• Organizational Purpose: Cabinet Committees function as organizational tools to alleviate the extensive workload of the Cabinet.
  • They enable in-depth examination of policy matters and promote effective coordination, aligning with the principles of division of labor and efficient delegation.
• Types of Committees: Cabinet Committees fall into two categories: standing and ad hoc. Standing committees are permanent, while ad hoc committees are temporary and form as needed, disbanding upon completing specific tasks.
• Membership Composition: Membership typically ranges from three to eight members, primarily comprising Cabinet Ministers. Non-Cabinet Ministers are not excluded from participation.
• Inclusive Representation: Cabinet Committees include not only Ministers responsible for relevant subjects but also other senior Ministers.
• Leadership Dynamics: While predominantly chaired by the Prime Minister, other Cabinet Ministers, such as the Home Minister or Finance Minister, may act as Chairman. If the Prime Minister is a member, he presides over the committee.
• Decision-Making Authority: Cabinet Committees not only address issues and propose considerations to the Cabinet but also possess decision-making authority. However, the Cabinet retains the power to review their decisions. 

Functions of various Cabinet Committees

• Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (headed by PM): Addresses issues related to Centre-state relations. Examines political matters requiring a broader perspective but lacking internal or external security implications.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (headed by PM): Reviews economic trends and problems, shaping a consistent and integrated economic policy. Coordinates activities requiring high-level policy decisions.
  • Deals with pricing of agricultural produce, essential commodities, investment proposals exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, industrial licensing policies, rural development, and the Public Distribution System.
• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (headed by PM: Makes appointments to top military positions, chiefs of Air and Army Commands, and key defence-related positions. Decides on important empanelments and shifts of officers on Central deputation.
• Cabinet Committee on Security: Addresses law and order, internal security, and policy matters in foreign affairs with security implication. Considers capital defense expenditure exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.
  • Reviews issues related to the Department of Defence Production, Department of Defence Research and Development, and procurement of security-related equipment.
• Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs: Formulates Parliament session schedules. Monitors government business progress, scrutinizes non-government business, and decides on official Bills and resolutions.
• Cabinet Committee on Accommodation: Determines guidelines for government accommodation allotment.
  • Decides on allotment to non-eligible persons, rent charges, and allocation from the General Pool to Members of Parliament. Considers proposals for relocating Central Government Offices.
• Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth: Identifies key projects for time-bound implementation involving investments of Rs. 1,000 crore or more. Prescribes time limits for approvals and clearances, monitoring project progress.
• Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development: Directs policies, programs, and initiatives for skill development to enhance workforce employability. 
  • Works towards closing gaps between skill availability and sector requirements. Sets targets for speedy implementation and periodically reviews progress. 

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