Cabinet Committees are groups within the council of ministers, usually comprising cabinet ministers, which are tasked with addressing specific policy issues or areas of governance. They are an integral part of the administrative machinery of the government and play a significant role in streamlining and coordinating the work of various ministries and departments.
Features of Cabinet Committees:
- Extra-constitutional: Cabinet Committees are not mentioned in the Constitution, but are established according to the Rules of Business.
- Types: There are two types of committees: standing committees, which are permanent, and ad hoc committees, which are temporary and set up to handle specific issues.
- Formation and Composition: They are established by the Prime Minister based on the needs of the time and situation. Their number, names, and composition can vary.
- Membership: Committees typically include cabinet ministers, with membership ranging from three to eight. Non-cabinet ministers can also be members.
- Chairperson: Cabinet Committees are usually chaired by the Prime Minister, although other senior ministers such as the Home or Finance Minister can also serve as chair.
- Policy Focus: Committees often include ministers responsible for the subjects under discussion and other senior ministers to provide expertise and coordination.
Important Cabinet Committees:
➤ Political Affairs Committee:
- Focuses on policy matters related to domestic and foreign affairs.
- Chaired by the Prime Minister.
- Considered the most powerful committee, often referred to as the "Super-Cabinet."
➤ Economic Affairs Committee:
- Directs and coordinates economic policy and activities of the government.
- Chaired by the Prime Minister.
➤ Appointments Committee:
- Decides on higher-level appointments in the central secretariat, public enterprises, banks, and financial institutions.
- Chaired by the Prime Minister.
➤ Parliamentary Affairs Committee:
- Manages the progress of government business in Parliament.
- Typically chaired by the Home Minister.
These Cabinet Committees help facilitate efficient decision-making and policy coordination across various government departments and ministries. They allow the Prime Minister and other senior ministers to focus on specific areas of governance and policy implementation while maintaining overall coherence and unity within the government.
