Cabinet Committees
Cabinet committees are not mentioned in the constitution therefore they are extra-constitutional bodies. Their establishment is mentioned in the Rule of Business. Cabinet committees are of two types: Standing and ad hoc committees. Standing committees are permanent in nature and ad hoc committee are temporary in nature and are formed from time to time.to deal with the specific situation. All these committees are set up by the Prime minister according to the demand of the situtaion. Therefore, the composition, number of the committee varies from time to time.
The cabinet committees not only sort out the issues and formulates proposals but also take decisions. They can also review their decisions. They are based on the divison of labour and effective delegation and help reduce the workload of the cabinet.
Classification of Cabinet Committees
There is a total of eight cabinet committees which are as listed below:
- Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth.
- Cabinet Committee on Security.
- Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
- Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development.
- Cabinet Committee on Accommodation.
Composition – Members of Committee
The number of members in the committe varies from three to eight and usually include cabinet ministers. Non cabinet ministers may also be appointed. Most of the committees are headed by the Prime minister but in other situation, other Cabinet ministers such as the Home Minister or the Finance Minister can also chair the committee.
Currently, all committees except Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs are mainly chaired by the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation is chaired by the Home Minister and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is chaired by the Defence Minister.
Cabinet System in India
Cabinet System in India: The Cabinet System in India forms an important part of the parliamentary form of government. It consists of Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is the highest decision-making body in the government and is responsible for formulating policies and making important decisions on various issues. The principle of collective responsibility and individual responsibility are a cornerstone of the cabinet form of government and the Lok Sabha, as the lower house of Parliament, holds the Cabinet accountable through debates and discussions.
In this article, you will read about the cabinet system in India, the cabinet form of government, functions of the cabinet system, cabinet committees, composition and classification of cabinet committees.
Table of Content
- Cabinet System in India
- Cabinet Form of Government
- Responsibility of Ministers
- Difference Between Cabinet and Council of Ministers
- Functions of the Cabinet System
- Kitchen Cabinet
- Cabinet Committees