Group of Ministers in the Indian Government: An Overview


Introduction

GoM is an important topic to the study of Indian Polity. Government of India can create and dismantle the GoM as per their need. Usually, a GoM is created for in-depth examination of an issue or mandate. It suggests it recommendations to the Cabinet headed by The Prime Minister of India.

This is why it's important for gain knowledge about GoM Entirely. If you are here for the same, then please read this article to the end for gaining all the related information.

So, Let's start-

What is Group of Ministers in the Indian Government?

A Group of Ministers (GoM) in the Indian Government is a committee comprising several Ministers who are appointed to look into a specific issue or policy matter and make recommendations to the Cabinet. The GoM is typically formed when there is a need for a more in-depth examination of an issue or when the issue crosses the mandate of multiple ministries.

What is it?

The GoM functions as a high-level advisory body to the Cabinet and is tasked with making recommendations on policy matters related to the issue at hand. The GoM does not have the power to take decisions or implement policies but makes suggestions that the Cabinet may accept or reject.

Created by Whom?

The GoM is constituted by the Prime Minister or the Cabinet and is typically chaired by a senior Cabinet Minister. The composition of the GoM depends on the issue at hand, and members are drawn from relevant ministries and departments.

What's its role?

The GoM meets periodically to discuss and deliberate on the issue assigned to it. It may also seek the inputs of experts, stakeholders, and other interested parties to arrive at its recommendations.

The recommendations of the GoM are presented to the Cabinet for consideration, and the Cabinet may choose to accept or reject them, or modify them as it deems fit. If accepted, the recommendations may be implemented by the relevant ministries and departments.

Features of Group of Ministers

We have listed a few of most important Features of GoM below-

  • Group of Ministers (GoM) are formed to handle a specific task or issue of national importance that requires collective decision-making by several ministries.
  • GoMs are temporary bodies and are dissolved once their task is completed.
  • The number of members in a GoM may vary depending on the issue at hand and the ministries that need to be involved.
  • GoMs are usually chaired by a senior cabinet minister who has expertise in the subject matter of the issue.
  • GoMs have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the government and their decisions are binding.
  • The decisions taken by a GoM are usually implemented by the concerned ministries and departments.
  • GoMs may also consult with experts and stakeholders from outside the government to arrive at a decision.
  • The formation of a GoM is usually based on the recommendation of the concerned minister or department, or at the direction of the Prime Minister.
  • GoMs are accountable to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for their decisions and actions.
  • GoMs may also be asked to provide periodic reports on the progress of their work to the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.

Functions of Group of Ministers

We have listed a few of most important functions of GoM below-

  • To analyze and provide recommendations on specific policy issues that require inter-ministerial coordination and decision-making.
  • To resolve conflicts between different ministries or departments on important policy matters and suggest ways to resolve them.
  • To examine and suggest ways to address issues related to law and order, internal security, and national defense.
  • To review and evaluate the performance of various government programs and policies and recommend changes or improvements as needed.
  • To provide expert advice and guidance on specific issues and challenges that require in-depth knowledge and expertise.

Formation of Group of Ministers

The formation of a Group of Ministers (GoM) is done by the Prime Minister or the Cabinet to deal with specific policy issues that require the attention of multiple ministries. The formation of a GoM can be initiated by a minister, a group of ministers or the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) itself.

The process of forming a GoM typically involves the following steps-

Identification of The Issue

The first step is to identify the issue that requires the formation of a GoM. This could be done by the Prime Minister or any other minister.

Composition of the GoM

Once the issue has been identified, the Prime Minister or Cabinet decides on the composition of the GoM. The GoM usually consists of a group of ministers who are experts in the field related to the issue at hand.

Appointment of the Chairman

The Prime Minister or Cabinet also appoints a Chairman for the GoM. The Chairman is usually a senior minister or someone with expertise in the field related to the issue being addressed.

Terms of Reference

The GoM is given specific terms of reference outlining the scope and purpose of its work. This helps to ensure that the GoM stays focused on the issue at hand.

Meetings and Reports

The GoM meets periodically to discuss the issue and provide recommendations. The GoM is also responsible for preparing reports and submitting them to the Prime Minister or Cabinet for review and action.

Disbandment of the GoM

Once the issue has been resolved or adequately addressed, the GoM is disbanded.

Abolition of Group of Ministers

The Group of Ministers (GoM) can be abolished by the authority that constituted it, typically the Prime Minister or the Cabinet. The GoM may be disbanded once its task is completed, or if the need for its services is no longer required.

GoM's may be abolished if the government changes or if there is a change in the portfolio or ministry responsible for the subject matter of the GoM. In some cases, the GoM may be replaced by a new committee or task force with a similar mandate but different membership.

We also want to put this into your notice that, the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), which had a higher level of authority than GoMs, was abolished in 2014 by the new government. The EGoMs were replaced with a new system of decision-making, under which Cabinet Committees were given greater responsibility for handling policy issues.

Updated on: 05-May-2023

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