Cabinet Committees in India: All You Need To Know


1. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet holds immense power in Indian politics, as it oversees picks for pivotal posts across the bureaucracy. Charged with selection of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, National Security Advisor, Cabinet Secretary and Service Chiefs, the ACC acts as the final decider on who assumes some of the nation’s most consequential jobs. From tapping the top intelligence officials to greenlighting Principal Secretaries, the committee’s sign-off is needed for the smooth functioning of multiple arms of the government. While operating behind closed doors, the two or three members of the ACC take the crucial call on who gets to helm positions that have a direct hand in policymaking, national security and administration as the cogs that keep India running.

Functions of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

The primary functions of the ACC include:

  1. Appointments to Senior Positions
  • The ACC is responsible for approving appointments to high-ranking positions in the Indian government, such as Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and heads of important public sector enterprises.
  • The committee also oversees appointments to positions such as the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Directors of various intelligence agencies.
  1. Transfers and Promotions
  • The ACC approves the transfer and promotion of officers in the All India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFS) and other key positions.

iii. Appointment of Members to Regulatory Bodies

  • The ACC is involved in appointing members and heads of various regulatory bodies, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Composition of the 2024 Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

The ACC is typically composed of the following members:

  • Prime Minister of India: Shri Narendra Modi
  • Minister of Home Affairs And Minister of Cooperation: Shri Amit Shah

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2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is a key decision-making body within the Indian government, primarily responsible for handling economic policy matters. It plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing economic strategies, managing financial resources, and overseeing major economic projects and reforms.

Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

  1. Policy Formulation
  • The CCEA formulates policies related to economic development, including industrial policy, economic reforms, and fiscal management. It helps in shaping the economic agenda of the government.
  • Approval of Major Economic Projects
    • The committee approves significant economic projects, including infrastructure development, investment proposals, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). This includes decisions on large-scale investments and funding for various projects.
  • Management of Resources
    • The CCEA oversees the allocation and management of financial resources, including the budgetary allocations for various ministries and departments. It ensures that resources are utilized effectively to meet economic goals.
  • Economic Reforms
    • The committee is involved in the approval and implementation of economic reforms, including policy changes and new regulations that impact the economy.
  • Review of Economic Performance
    • The CCEA reviews the performance of key economic sectors and assesses the impact of economic policies. It makes recommendations for adjustments and improvements based on this review.
  • Decision on Subsidies and Support
    • The committee decides on subsidies, financial support, and other economic assistance programs. This includes determining the scope and scale of subsidies for various sectors.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

    The CCEA is typically composed of:

    • Shri Narendra Modi: Prime Minister
    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation
    • Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; and Minister of Rural Development.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: Minister of External Affairs.
    • Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy: Minister of Heavy lndustries; and Minister of Steel.
    • Shri Piyush Goyal: Minister of Commerce and lndustry;
    • Shri Dharmendra Pradhan: Minister of Education.
    • Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh: Minister of Panchayati Raj; and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

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    3. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation

    The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation (CCA) is a specialised committee within the Indian government responsible for overseeing matters related to the allocation of government accommodation. This committee deals primarily with the allocation of residential and official accommodation to ministers, senior officials, and other government functionaries.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation

    1. Allocation of Accommodation:
    • The CCA is responsible for deciding on the allotment of government housing to various dignitaries, including Union ministers, senior bureaucrats, and other high-ranking officials. This includes both residential and official accommodation.
  • Policy Formulation:
    • The committee formulates policies and guidelines regarding the allocation and management of government accommodation, ensuring that these policies are followed consistently.
  • Review and Adjustment:
    • The CCA reviews the existing accommodation arrangements and makes adjustments as necessary. This may involve reallocating or upgrading facilities based on changes in the official’s status or position.
  • Management of Vacant Properties:
    • The committee manages government properties that are vacant or under-utilized, ensuring that they are either allocated appropriately or maintained properly.
  • Handling Disputes:
    • The CCA may also address any disputes or issues related to the allocation or management of government accommodation.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation

    The CCA is typically composed of the following members:

    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Shri Manohar Lal: Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs; and Minister of Power.
    • Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and lndustry.

    Special Invitee:

    Dr. Jitendra Singh: Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the Department of Space.

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    4. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

    The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs oversees coordinating between the government’s executive branch and the legislature to facilitate an efficient lawmaking process. Namely, this specialised panel is tasked with managing parliamentary undertakings and maintaining fluid cooperation between the two governmental divisions. However, its responsibilities extend beyond surface-level logistics as the division acts as a liaison between the bodies, working to remedy disconnects through open communication. Overall, the committee plays a pivotal role in oiling the cogs of India’s representative democracy by bridging potential gaps between lawmakers and law executors.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

    1. Legislative Agenda:
    • The committee is involved in planning and scheduling the legislative agenda for the Parliament. It helps in setting priorities for the passage of bills, discussions, and debates.
  • Coordination with Parliament:
    • The committee coordinates with various parliamentary parties and leaders to ensure effective communication and collaboration. It works to resolve any issues or disputes that may arise in Parliament.
  • Management of Parliamentary Sessions:
    • It assists in organizing parliamentary sessions, including the timing and duration of sessions. The committee ensures that sessions are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
  • Handling Legislative Business:
    • The committee oversees the business conducted in Parliament, including the introduction of bills, motions, and resolutions. It helps in streamlining the legislative process.
  • Consultation with Ministers:
    • The committee consults with ministers and other officials regarding their parliamentary responsibilities and ensures that their legislative needs are met.
  • Addressing Issues and Disputes:
    • It addresses any issues or disputes related to parliamentary procedures and works to resolve conflicts between different political parties or between the government and opposition.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs

    The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs typically includes:

    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda: Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Gorporate Affairs.
    • Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh: Minister of Panchayati Raj; and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
    • Dr. Virendra Kumar: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu: Minister of CivilAviation.
    • Shri Jual Oram: Minister of Tribal Affairs.
    • Shri Kiren Rijiju: Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of Minority Affairs.
    • Shri C R Patil: Minister of Jal Shakti.

    Special lnvitees:

    • Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal: Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
    • Dr. L. Murugan: Minister of State in the Ministry of lnformation and Broadcasting; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Atfairs.

    5. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA)

    The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs of the Central Government of India handles issues involving relations between the national and state governments, examines economic and societal matters requiring a comprehensive view, and addresses international matters lacking internal or external security repercussions. Known also as the ‘super cabinet,’ its assemblage incorporates most of the principal Cabinet ministers. On occasion, perplexing problems straddling multiple concerns demand the committee’s combined acumen and experience to discern responsive actions of meaningful impact without unintended repercussions.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs

    1. Internal Security and Law and Order:
    • The CCPA deals with issues related to internal security, law and order, and public safety. It formulates policies and strategies to address security challenges and maintain peace and stability.
  • Political Strategy and Planning:
    • The committee is involved in strategizing and planning on various political matters, including election strategies, political alignments, and coalition management.
  • Handling Political and Social Issues:
    • The CCPA addresses significant political and social issues affecting the country, including issues related to communal harmony, regional conflicts, and public protests.
  • Policy Decisions on Major Political Matters:
    • The committee makes decisions on major political issues that require high-level intervention, such as the imposition of President’s Rule in states, and other critical political decisions.
  • Coordination with State Governments:
    • The CCPA coordinates with state governments on political matters and provides guidance on handling state-level political issues.
  • Strategic Decisions:
    • It takes strategic decisions related to national and international political affairs, ensuring that the government’s political actions are aligned with its overall strategy.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs

    The CCPA is composed of:

    • Shri Narendra Modi: Prime Minister.
    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda: Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Shri Piyush Goyal: Minister of Commerce and lndustry.
    • Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi: Minister of Micro, Smalland Medium Enterprises.
    • Shri Sarbananda Sonowal: Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
    • Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu: Minister of CivilAviation.
    • Shri Bhupender Yadav: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • Smt. Annpurna Devi: Minister of Women and Child Development.
    • Shri Kiren Rijiju: Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of Minority Affairs.
    • Shri G. Kishan Reddy: Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines

    6. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

    The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is led by the Prime Minister and includes the Ministers of Defence, Home Affairs, Finance, and External Affairs. Its key responsibilities include shaping national security and defense policies, overseeing defense procurement, and guiding the country’s strategic posture, particularly in nuclear and missile programs. The CCS also focuses on counter-terrorism efforts by coordinating intelligence and security agencies. The committee convenes as needed to address urgent and strategic security issues concerning India.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Security

    1. National Security Policy:
    • The CCS formulates and reviews national security policies and strategies, ensuring that they align with the country’s defense and security objectives.
  • Defense and Security Issues:
    • The committee deals with major defense and security issues, including military strategy, defense procurement, and defense preparedness.
  • Crisis Management:
    • The CCS is responsible for making decisions during national emergencies or crises, such as wars, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters that have security implications.
  • Internal Security:
    • It addresses issues related to internal security, including counter-terrorism measures, insurgency management, and law enforcement strategies.
  • Strategic Decisions:
    • The CCS makes strategic decisions on security-related matters, including border management, intelligence operations, and defense alliances.
  • Coordination with Defense Agencies:
    • The committee coordinates with various defense and intelligence agencies to ensure a unified approach to national security.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Security

    The CCS includes:

    • Narendra Modi: Prime Minister
    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: Minister of External Affairs.

    7. Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth

    The Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth holds an important role within the Indian government. Tasked with propelling the economy forward through strategic investments, its goals are ensuring development and lasting expansion. This specialised body is crucial for shaping policies and decisions that attract investment and fuel growth. It analyzes perplexing investment and growth-related problems. Additionally, the committee closely tracks ambitious infrastructure initiatives and public-private collaborations to solve challenges. With focus on evaluating bold actions to stimulate investment, commerce, and economic advancement, it explores solutions for sustained improvement.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth

    1. Investment Promotion:
    • The committee formulates policies and strategies to attract both domestic and foreign investments. It aims to create a favorable investment climate by addressing barriers and incentivizing investment.
  • Economic Growth Strategies:
    • The committee is involved in devising strategies to stimulate economic growth across various sectors. This includes identifying key areas for investment and development that can drive overall economic progress.
  • Approval of Major Investment Projects:
    • It reviews and approves major investment projects, particularly those that have significant economic implications or require substantial government support.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    • The committee focuses on the development of infrastructure projects, recognizing their importance in facilitating investment and supporting economic growth.
  • Policy Coordination:
    • The committee coordinates with different ministries and agencies to ensure that policies related to investment and growth are implemented effectively and align with the government’s overall economic objectives.
  • Addressing Investment Challenges:
    • It addresses challenges and obstacles faced by investors, including regulatory issues, land acquisition problems, and other barriers to investment.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth

    The 2024 composition of the committee includes:

    • Shri Narendra Modi: Prime Minister.
    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Shri Piyush Goyal: Minister of Commerce and lndustry.
    • Shri Pralhad Joshi: Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of New and Renewable Energy.
    • Shri Giriraj Singh: Minister of Textiles.
    • Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw: Minister of Railways; Minister of lnformation and Broadcasting; and Minister of Electronics and lnformation Technology.
    • Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia: Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region.
    • Shri Hardeep Singh Puri: Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
    • Shri Chirag Paswan: Minister of Food Processing lndustries

    Special lnvitees:

    • Rao lnderjit Singh: Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation; Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning: and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture
    • Shri Prataprao Jadhav: Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    8. Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment & Livelihoods

    The Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment & Livelihoods holds significant responsibility in the Indian administration centred around improving skill cultivation, expanding work chances, and bettering maintenances nationwide. This board plays a pivotal part in both the framing and supervision of competencies instruction, occupation generation, and financial enablement programs. While the committee has encountered a few hindrances in totally accomplishing its destinations because of the tremendous size and assorted needs of the population, it has demonstrated progress in mobilizing bureaucratic assets and developing cooperative ties with private division partners to take its objectives forward in a steady, step-by-step way.

    Functions of the Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment & Livelihoods

    1. Skill Development Programs:
    • The committee formulates and implements policies related to skill development and vocational training. It aims to enhance the employability of the workforce by providing relevant skills and training.
  • Employment Generation:
    • It develops strategies to generate employment opportunities, including initiatives to boost job creation in various sectors, particularly in high-unemployment areas.
  • Livelihood Improvement:
    • The committee works on policies and programs aimed at improving livelihoods, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities. This includes supporting small-scale enterprises, agriculture, and rural development.
  • Coordination with State Governments:
    • The committee coordinates with state governments to ensure the effective implementation of skill development and employment programs at the local level.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • It monitors and evaluates the impact of skill development, employment, and livelihood programs, ensuring they meet their objectives and deliver results.
  • Policy Formulation and Oversight:
    • The committee is responsible for formulating policies that address the challenges related to skill gaps, employment, and livelihood issues. It also oversees the implementation of these policies.

    Composition of the Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment & Livelihoods

    The composition of the committee generally includes:

    • Shri Narendra Modi: Prime Minister
    • Shri Raj Nath Singh: Minister of Defence.
    • Shri Amit Shah: Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.
    • Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.
    • Shri Piyush Goyal: Minister of Commerce and industry.
    • Shri Dharmendra Pradhan: Minister of Education.
    • Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw: Minister of Railways; Minister of Information and Broadcasting; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.
    • Shri Bhupender Yadav: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Minister of Culture; and Minister of Tourism.
    • Shri Hardeep Singh Puri: Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
    • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya: Minister of Labour and Employment; and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

    Special invitee:

    • Shri Jayant Chaudhary: Minister of State (lndependent Charge) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.

    Significance of Cabinet Committees

    Cabinet Committees are significant for several reasons:

    1. Streamlined Decision-Making: By delegating specific tasks to these committees, the Cabinet can focus on more pressing and broader issues.
    2. Specialisation: Cabinet Committees allow for specialised handling of issues, ensuring that experts in relevant fields are making key decisions.
    3. Efficient Governance: These committees enable quicker responses to emerging situations and challenges, leading to more efficient governance.
    4. Policy Continuity: Standing committees ensure that there is continuity in policy implementation, even with changes in the Cabinet or government.

    Cabinet Committees in India are a vital part of the administrative structure, ensuring that the government functions smoothly and efficiently. They enable the delegation of work, allow for detailed deliberations, and facilitate quick decision-making on crucial matters. Understanding the roles and functions of these committees provides insight into how governance is managed at the highest levels in India.

    As India continues to evolve and face new challenges, the role of Cabinet Committees will likely expand, making them even more integral to the nation’s governance.

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