Cabinet Committees

Cabinet Committees stand as pivotal pillars within the framework of Indian governance, shaping policy formulation, decision-making processes, and governmental functioning. These committees, constituted by the Prime Minister and comprising key Cabinet Ministers, play a crucial role in deliberating on vital issues, fostering inter-ministerial coordination, and ensuring effective governance. Understanding the structure, functioning, and significance of Cabinet Committees is essential for comprehending the dynamics of policymaking and governance in India.

A Cabinet Committee comprises ministers from the cabinet who possess the authority to make significant decisions pertaining to specific subjects. Serving as organizational tools within the Indian government, these committees aid in alleviating the workload of the union government by delegating tasks among cabinet members. This facilitates comprehensive scrutiny of schemes and policies, ensuring effective coordination in governance.

Constitutional status

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 introduced the term ‘cabinet’ into Article 352 of the Constitution. Initially absent from the Constitution’s original text, Article 352 referred to the Cabinet as “the council consisting of the Prime Minister and other Ministers of Cabinet rank appointed under Article 75”, without detailing its powers and functions. The influence and functions of the cabinet within the political and administrative system are rooted in the parliamentary government traditions established in Britain.

Role and Function of Cabinet committees

The Cabinet is the highest decision-making authority within India’s political and administrative system.
It plays a central role in formulating government policies at the Central level.
As the ultimate executive authority of the central government, it holds significant power.
The Cabinet serves as the primary coordinator of the Central administration.
It provides advisory guidance to the President, and its advice holds binding authority.
The Cabinet is tasked with managing crisis situations and addressing emergencies.
It oversees important legislative and financial matters.
The Cabinet exercises control over key appointments, including those for constitutional positions and senior secretariat administrators.
Responsibility for all foreign policies and affairs falls under the purview of the Cabinet.

Kitchen Cabinet

The cabinet, consisting of the Prime Minister as its leader and key Ministers, serves as the highest formal decision-making body.
However, an informal subset referred to as the “Inner Cabinet” or “Kitchen Cabinet” wields considerable power and influence.
This smaller group includes the Prime Minister and a select few trusted associates, facilitating discussions on significant matters and making pivotal decisions.
Occasionally, outsiders like friends and family members of the Prime Minister may also be part of this group.
Throughout Indian history, nearly every Prime Minister has relied on such a close circle of advisors.

Principles of Cabinet form of government in India

Principle of Collective Responsibility

The principle of collective responsibility is fundamental in the cabinet system of governance. According to this principle, all members of the cabinet, being part of the Council of Ministers, share joint responsibility to the Lok Sabha. This entails working collaboratively and collectively taking accountability for their actions as a unified group.
If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no confidence against the council of ministers, including the cabinet, all members must tender their resignations.
Moreover, the principle of collective responsibility dictates that all cabinet ministers, as well as other ministers, are obliged to adhere to decisions made by the Cabinet, even if they may have expressed disagreement during Cabinet deliberations.

Principle of Individual Responsibility

Aside from the principle of collective responsibility, Article 75 of the Constitution also encompasses the principle of individual responsibility.
Individual responsibility signifies that cabinet ministers serve at the discretion of the President and can be dismissed by the President irrespective of whether the council of ministers retains the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
However, such dismissal would only take place upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister holds dissenting views or is dissatisfied with a cabinet minister’s performance, he/she may request the resignation of the cabinet minister or advise the President to remove him/her from office.