The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of a new Cabinet Secretary with a 2-year tenure starting from August 30, 2024.
About Cabinet Secretary (CS)
- The Cabinet Secretary (CS) is the senior-most IAS officer in India and the head of all civil services.
- Appointment: Appointed by the ACC based on seniority-cum-merit.
- Residence: The official residence is 32, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi.
- Salary: Paid at the 18th level pay scale.
Historical Background:
- The role of the Cabinet Secretary dates back to the pre-independence era.
- The first CS of India was N.R. Pillai.
- The current CS, before the new appointment, has been Rajiv Gauba since 2019.
Powers and Responsibilities:
- Senior-Most Officer: The CS is the most senior and prominent IAS officer, directly accountable to the Prime Minister.
- Head of Civil Services: The CS leads all civil services and ensures their unbiased and disciplined functioning.
- Liaison Role: Acts as a crucial link between various government ministries, departments, and the Prime Minister’s Office, facilitating smooth communication and resolving inter-ministerial disputes.
- Communication Channel: Responsible for passing all major decisions and information from the Cabinet to the Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President.
- Ex-Officio Roles: The CS is the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board (CSB) and plays a key advisory role to the Cabinet and Prime Minister on various government positions.
Functions:
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Ensures effective coordination among ministries and departments, resolving differences and ensuring smooth governmental operations.
- Administrative Oversight: Oversees the administration of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, and the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961.
- Advisor: Advises the Cabinet and Prime Minister on important issues, making recommendations on various governmental matters.
- Ex-Officio Chairman: Serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board (CSB).
- Primus Inter Pares: Although a senior figure, the CS is considered “first among equals” among Union Government secretaries, with no direct authority over specific working departments.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the role of the Cabinet Secretary in India?
The senior-most IAS officer, responsible for leading civil services and coordinating inter-ministerial communication.
Who appoints the Cabinet Secretary in India?
Appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on seniority and merit.
What are the key responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary?
The Cabinet Secretary’s key responsibilities include leading civil services, ensuring coordination among ministries, and advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
What historical significance does the position of Cabinet Secretary hold?
The role dates back to the pre-independence era, with N.R. Pillai being the first Cabinet Secretary of independent India.
What is the official residence of the Cabinet Secretary?
The official residence is 32, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi.