UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?

1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 
2. Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees 
3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries
   
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Explanation: 

• The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister. The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
  
  
• The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the facilitating smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments. The Secretariat assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/Departments, and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/ad hoc Committees of Secretaries.
  Management of major crisis situations in the country and coordinating activities of various ministries in such a situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.
  
  
• Some key functions are:  
  • Allocation and disposal of Government Business, involving agenda setting for cabinet meetings. So, point 1 is correct. 
  • Support to Cabinet Committees. So, point 2 is correct. 
  • Promotion of Inter-Ministerial Coordination. It does not allocate financial resources to them. So, point 3 is not correct.
    
    

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer. 

Subject: Polity | Union Executive