UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I · Q58 of 100 Polity & Governance medium

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (c)

• The Cabinet Secretariat, headed by the Cabinet Secretary under the PM, prepares the agenda for Cabinet meetings (1), records decisions and follows them up, and provides secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees (2); it also coordinates among ministries.

• Allocation of financial resources to ministries (3) is done by the Finance Ministry through the Budget, not the Cabinet Secretariat.

• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only
Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees is also its function.
(b) 2 and 3 only
Financial allocation is the Finance Ministry's job.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Financial allocation is not a Cabinet Secretariat function.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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