Cabinet Committees enable strategic agility but pose risks of centralised decision-making. Discuss.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government.
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government.
Q3. Cabinet Committees enable strategic agility but pose risks of centralised decision-making. Discuss. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question: The recent CCS-led retaliatory steps post-Pahalgam attack, there is growing debate over Cabinet Committees’ strategic utility and concerns around centralised executive functioning. Key demand of the question: The question requires discussing how Cabinet Committees promote quick, efficient governance (strategic agility), while also examining risks of power concentration and proposing measures to ensure accountability and democratic balance. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the growing reliance on Cabinet Committees in high-stakes policy domains and the tension between speed and democratic consultation. Body Strategic agility through Cabinet Committees: Explain how committees enable rapid decision-making, policy coordination and crisis response. Risks of centralised decision-making: Show how limited membership, opacity and PM-led dominance can undermine collective cabinet functioning. Ensuring accountability in committee governance: Suggest reforms like statutory backing, parliamentary briefings, wider participation and internal review systems. Conclusion Assert that while Cabinet Committees are vital for statecraft, their institutional architecture must evolve to preserve democratic legitimacy.
Why the question: The recent CCS-led retaliatory steps post-Pahalgam attack, there is growing debate over Cabinet Committees’ strategic utility and concerns around centralised executive functioning.
Key demand of the question: The question requires discussing how Cabinet Committees promote quick, efficient governance (strategic agility), while also examining risks of power concentration and proposing measures to ensure accountability and democratic balance.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the growing reliance on Cabinet Committees in high-stakes policy domains and the tension between speed and democratic consultation.
• Strategic agility through Cabinet Committees: Explain how committees enable rapid decision-making, policy coordination and crisis response.
• Risks of centralised decision-making: Show how limited membership, opacity and PM-led dominance can undermine collective cabinet functioning.
• Ensuring accountability in committee governance: Suggest reforms like statutory backing, parliamentary briefings, wider participation and internal review systems.
Conclusion Assert that while Cabinet Committees are vital for statecraft, their institutional architecture must evolve to preserve democratic legitimacy.