Structure and Leadership:
- Directly under the Prime Minister.
- The Cabinet Secretary serves as the administrative head and ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
- “Cabinet Secretariat” is listed in the First Schedule of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its committees.
- Implements the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules and the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
- Ensures the smooth transaction of business in ministries and departments by adhering to these rules.
- Facilitates decision-making by ensuring inter-ministerial coordination, resolving differences, and promoting consensus through standing and ad-hoc committees.
- Keeps the President, Vice President, and Ministers informed of major activities in ministries/departments via monthly summaries.
- Manages major crises and coordinates the activities of various ministries during such situations.
Support to Cabinet Committees:
- Convenes meetings of the Cabinet on the Prime Minister’s orders.
- Prepares and circulates the agenda and related papers.
- Records discussions and circulates the approved records.
- Monitors the implementation of Cabinet decisions.
- Custodian of Cabinet meeting papers.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination:
- Resolves inter-ministerial difficulties, sorts out differences, overcomes delays, and ensures administrative actions align with policies.
- While each ministry acts independently for policy implementation, they seek the Cabinet Secretariat’s assistance for inter-ministerial cooperation.
- Inter-ministerial issues are addressed in Committee of Secretaries (COS) meetings, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
- COS meetings discuss specific matters and proposals, promoting consensus and mutual support.
- COS also monitors and promotes new policy initiatives, ensuring effective coordination among ministries.
