Question : COMPLIANCE OF CABINET DECISIONS

(a) whether it is mandatory for all departments of Government of India to comply with the decisions of the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees;

(b) if so, the manner in which the cabinet ensures that its decisions are being complied with and the action taken against the department, if any, which acts to the contrary;

(c) whether the reasons cited in a cabinet note for arriving at such a decision also forms a part of the decision; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the same?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS, AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)

(a) The decisions taken by the Cabinet/ Cabinet Committees are to be implemented by the Ministries/Departments concerned, and in cases where a change in any such decision is considered necessary, the matter is required to be placed for consideration of the Cabinet, or the Cabinet Committee concerned.

(b) In terms of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961, the primary responsibility for disposal of the business is that of the Ministry/Department to whom the business has been allocated. The matters are brought up before the Cabinet by the Ministries/Departments concerned for seeking decisions/directions. However, as stated above, the Ministries/ Departments are required to place for consideration of the Cabinet, if any change in any such decision is considered necessary.

(c) No, Sir. The material/information contained in the note(s) for the Cabinet forms part of the background, in the context of which decisions are taken by the Cabinet. Such background/information including reasons, if any, included in the note(s) do not form part of the decision taken by the Cabinet.

(d) The Cabinet takes a decision after due consideration of all the material/information contained in the note(s) placed for its consideration along with any other information that becomes available during such consideration.