Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Central Secretariat forms the administrative core of the Union Government in India. It serves as the permanent executive arm, responsible for formulating and implementing policies. Rooted in the Government of India Act, 1935, and further refined by the Constitution of India, the Central Secretariat is envisioned as the nodal agency for administering Union subjects – those listed in the Union List (List I, Seventh Schedule) – and crucially, for establishing coordination among the diverse activities of the government. This coordination is vital for effective governance in a federal structure like India.
Structure and Composition of the Central Secretariat
The Central Secretariat comprises various Ministries and Departments, each headed by a Cabinet Minister or Minister of State. Each Ministry is further divided into Departments or Wings, headed by a Secretary to the Government of India, a senior civil servant. The Secretariat is staffed by civil servants, technical experts, and supporting personnel.
Functions Related to Union Subjects
The Central Secretariat is responsible for the substantive work of administering the Union subjects. This includes:
- Policy Formulation: Ministries formulate policies within their respective domains. For example, the Ministry of Finance formulates fiscal policy, while the Ministry of External Affairs formulates foreign policy.
- Legislation: Drafting and piloting Bills in Parliament related to Union subjects. The Ministry of Law and Justice plays a crucial role in this.
- Implementation of Laws: Ensuring the effective implementation of laws passed by Parliament. This often involves setting up implementing agencies and monitoring their performance.
- Budgeting and Financial Control: Preparing budgets for their respective Ministries and exercising financial control over expenditure.
- Rule Making: Framing rules and regulations under the powers delegated by Acts of Parliament.
Coordination Role of the Central Secretariat
The Central Secretariat’s coordinating role is paramount. It operates on multiple levels:
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: The Cabinet Secretariat, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, plays a key role in coordinating the activities of different Ministries. Committees like the Group of Ministers (GoMs) and Inter-Ministerial Committees (IMCs) are frequently constituted to address issues requiring coordination across Ministries.
- Centre-State Coordination: The Central Secretariat interacts with State Governments on matters relating to Union subjects, particularly those where implementation involves State agencies. Mechanisms like the Inter-State Council and zonal councils facilitate this coordination.
- Coordination with Constitutional Bodies: The Secretariat interacts with bodies like the Election Commission, the Union Public Service Commission, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- Coordination with Field Organizations: Ministries maintain coordination with their field organizations (e.g., offices of the Income Tax Department, Customs Department) to ensure effective implementation of policies.
Constitutional and Legal Basis
Article 74 and 75 of the Constitution provide for the Council of Ministers and their collective responsibility to Parliament. The Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1966, lay down the rules and procedures governing the functioning of the Central Secretariat. These rules define the allocation of business among Ministries and Departments, and the procedures for submitting proposals to the Cabinet.
Challenges and Reforms
Despite its importance, the Central Secretariat faces challenges such as bureaucratic delays, lack of transparency, and inadequate use of technology. Recent reforms, including the adoption of e-governance initiatives like e-Office and the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, aim to address these challenges and improve the efficiency and accountability of the Secretariat.
Conclusion
The Central Secretariat remains the cornerstone of the Indian administrative system, effectively administering Union subjects and fostering crucial coordination across government functions. While challenges persist, ongoing reforms focused on digitalization, transparency, and accountability are vital to enhance its effectiveness. Strengthening the Secretariat’s coordinating role is essential for ensuring cohesive governance and achieving national development goals in a complex federal structure.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.