What are Cabinet Committees?
- Extra-constitutional bodies: Not mentioned in the Constitution.
- Established under the Rules of Business of the Government of India (Transaction of Business Rules, 1961).
- They are part of the executive structure, facilitating effective governance.
Nature and Types
- Two types of Cabinet Committees:
- Standing Committees: Permanent in nature, deal with regular functions.
- Ad hoc Committees: Temporary, created for specific tasks or crisis management.
Purpose and Role
- Reduce Cabinet workload: Handle detailed policy formulation before issues are taken to full Cabinet.
- Ensure in-depth scrutiny and inter-ministerial coordination.
- May take decisions on behalf of the Cabinet, but Cabinet retains the right to review such decisions.
- Function on the principle of division of labour and delegated authority.
Who Sets Up Cabinet Committees?
- Set up by the Prime Minister based on administrative exigency and political needs.
- Their number, name, and composition vary depending on the priorities of the government.
Composition of Cabinet Committees
- Typically include 3–8 members, all of whom are Cabinet Ministers.
- Non-Cabinet Ministers (e.g., Ministers of State with Independent Charge) can also be appointed.
- Senior Ministers not directly handling the subject may still be included for broader coordination.
- The Prime Minister usually chairs the committees.
- Exception: In some committees, other senior ministers (Home or Defence) may chair.
- If the PM is a member, they automatically head the committee.
Current Cabinet Committees (as of 2024–25)
| Cabinet Committee | Chaired By | Function / Domain |
| Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) | PM | Senior appointments in civil services and PSUs. |
| Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) | PM | Economic policy, price controls, investment clearances. |
| Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) | PM | Political coordination, Centre-State issues. |
| Cabinet Committee on Investment & Growth | PM | Fast-tracking large investments and growth strategies. |
| Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) | PM | Defence, internal security, atomic energy, space. |
| Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs | Defence Minister | Parliamentary agenda, coordination with opposition. |
| Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Dev. | PM | Job creation, labour skilling programs. |
| Cabinet Committee on Accommodation | Home Minister | Allotment of government accommodation to officials. |
Why are Cabinet Committees Important?
- Allow for faster decision-making in specialized areas.
- Enable inter-ministerial coordination without burdening the entire Cabinet.
- Maintain secrecy, confidentiality, and flexibility in sensitive policy matters.
- Essential for coalition management or divided responsibilities in large Cabinets.
Comparison: Cabinet vs Cabinet Committees
| Aspect | Cabinet | Cabinet Committees |
| Constitutionality | Mentioned in Article 74 | Not mentioned (Extra-constitutional) |
| Size | Large – includes all Cabinet Ministers | Small – usually 3 to 8 ministers |
| Role | Policy approval, collective responsibility | Specific tasks, delegated decision-making |
| Chairperson | Always the PM | Usually PM; sometimes senior ministers |
| Accountability | Entire Cabinet is accountable to Parliament | Decisions reviewed by full Cabinet |