OLIVE

PRINT
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUCCESS
FOR CDS/NDA
 CABINET COMMITTEES
Cabinet Committees, chaired by the Prime Minister, focus on key policy matters and facilitate informed
decision-making. These committees consist of senior ministers who deliberate on specialized issues, ensuring
timely and efficient governance.
Key responsibilities include:
Overseeing promotions, transfers, and central deputation of officers.
Managing appointments requiring the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approval,
facilitated by the E.O. Division.
The Establishment Officer serves as Secretary to the ACC for these tasks.
These committees streamline governance by addressing complex issues in smaller, focused groups.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA): This is the most important committee dealing
with economic issues like monitoring infrastructure projects, reviewing import-export policy, foreign
direct investments and industrial policy.
Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA): This committee decides the government's
legislative agenda, allocates business to different ministers and discusses strategies to counter
Opposition in Parliament.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): This deals with issues relating to internal and external
security, intelligence and policy matters related to defence of India. The Home Minister, Defence
Minister and External Affairs Minister are permanent members.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC): This committee makes appointments to higher
offices like the Comptroller and Auditor General, Lokpal, Election Commissioners etc. The Prime
Minister and Home Minister are members.
Cabinet Committee on Accommodation: Allocates government residential accommodations to
eligible functionaries. Formulates policies regarding allotment, rent and maintenance of government
houses and bungalows.
Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth: Reviews investment and growth related issues.
Monitors infrastructure projects and public private partnerships. Examines measures to boost
investment, industry and economic growth.
Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development: Reviews issues related to employment
generation and skill development. Examines policies and programmes aimed at enhancing livelihood
opportunities and vocational training. Oversees different skill development schemes.
 PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
Parliamentary committees are small groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of the
Legislative Assembly (MLAs) formed to perform specific tasks. This includes scrutinizing legislation,
examining government policies, conducting inquiries, and overseeing the functioning of various
departments and ministries.

A. Financial Committees
Estimates Committee (EC):
Members: 30 (All from Lok Sabha).
Tenure: 1 year.
Chairperson: Appointed by the Lok Sabha
Speaker.
Purpose: Examines budget estimates and
suggests policies for efficiency.
Eligibility: No Union Minister can be a
member.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
Members: 22 (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from
Rajya Sabha).
Tenure: 1 year.
Chairperson: Usually from the Opposition.
Purpose: Audits revenue and expenditure,
reviews CAG reports.
Eligibility: No Union Minister can be a
member.
Committee on Public Undertakings:
Members: 22 (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from
Rajya Sabha).
Tenure: 1 year.
Purpose: Examines accounts and reports on
public undertakings, ensuring efficiency.

B. Department-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs):

Total Committees: 24. DO IT YOURSELF
Members: 31 (21 from Lok Sabha, 10 from Rajya Sabha).
Tenure: 1 year. Write a short note on
Nomination: By Speaker (Lok Sabha) and Chairperson AdHoc Committee
(Rajya Sabha).

C. Other Standing Committees:

Examples include Business Advisory Committee, Committee
on Privileges, Committee on Petitions, Rules Committee,
and Committee on Empowerment of Women.
 FEDERAL SYSTEM IN INDIA
Federalism is a system of governance where power is divided between the national and
regional governments, ensuring autonomy at both levels. The Indian federal system is
unique as it blends features of both federal and unitary systems.

The term 'federation' is not explicitly

mentioned in the Indian Constitution,
although it incorporates federal
principles. Instead, India is described as
a "Union of States" under Article 1.
Inspired by the Canadian model,
India's federal structure is marked by a
strong central government.

Federal Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Dual Polity: Powers are shared between the Centre and states.
2. Written Constitution: Clearly defines the roles and powers of the Centre and states.
3. Division of Powers: Categorized into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists (Seventh Schedule).
4. Constitution Supremacy: Constitution is the supreme law; the Supreme Court ensures its authority.
5. Independent Judiciary: Unified judiciary with independent functioning to uphold federal principles.
6. Rigid Constitution: Amendments involving federal provisions require state and central consensus.
7. Bicameral Legislature: Rajya Sabha represents states, ensuring their voice in national decisions.

Unitary Features of the Indian Constitution

1. Strong Centre: Union List holds more subjects, having dominance in Concurrent and Residuary subjects.
2. State Reorganization: Article 3 empowers Parliament to create or alter states.
3. Emergency Powers: Centre assumes overriding authority during emergencies.
4. Single Citizenship: Promotes national unity by offering only Indian citizenship.
5. Integrated Judiciary: Unified judicial system headed by the Supreme Court.
6. All India Services (AIS): Centrally recruited officials serve both Centre and states.
7. Governors: Appointed by the President, acting as Centre’s representatives in states.
8. Veto on Bills: President can withhold assent to state bills reserved by the Governor.
9. Unified Audit: CAG audits Centre and state accounts.