UPSC Prelims 2014 Q58: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?
1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Functions of the Cabinet Secretariat
The Cabinet Secretariat works directly under the Prime Minister.
Its head is the Cabinet Secretary, the senior-most civil servant.
| Function | Of the Cabinet Secretariat? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings | Yes | It also keeps the record of decisions |
| 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees | Yes | A core function |
| 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries | No | Done by the Ministry of Finance through the Budget |
Other functions:
| Function | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coordination | Between Ministries; resolves differences |
| Rules of Business | Administers the Transaction of Business Rules, 1961 and Allocation of Business Rules, 1961 |
| Crisis management | Through the National Crisis Management Committee |
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It also gives secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees.
- (b) Incorrect. Allocation of financial resources is the Finance Ministry's job.
- (c) CORRECT. It prepares the Cabinet agenda and assists Cabinet Committees.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; it does not allocate funds to Ministries.
Key point
Cabinet Secretariat (under the PM, headed by the Cabinet Secretary): Cabinet agenda and records, help to Cabinet Committees, inter-ministerial coordination. No financial allocation.
Remember
Cabinet Secretariat = agenda + committees + coordination.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Cabinet Secretariat with the Prime Minister's Office.
- Thinking it allocates money; the Finance Ministry does.
- Mixing up allocation of business (its job) with allocation of funds (not its job).
Exam tip
It allocates 'business' among Ministries, not money.
Sources
- Cabinet Secretariat — Functions
- Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961