Centre Reconstitutes Cabinet Committees, BJP Allies Gain Key Positions

Delhi, July 5, 2024 – The Union government has reconstituted eight crucial Cabinet committees, incorporating members from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies into key panels such as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA). This strategic inclusion reflects the enhanced role of allies in the current administration.

Key Appointments and Changes

The reconstitution of these committees, effective from Wednesday, sees significant additions and reshuffling among the members:

1. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): This remains unchanged, continuing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
2. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA): New members include Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy from the Janata Dal (Secular) and Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry Minister Lalan Singh of the Janata Dal (United). This committee, led by PM Modi, is pivotal in making decisions related to industrial policies, major infrastructure projects, and key economic issues.
3. Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA): The inclusion of MSME Minister Jitin Ram Majhi of HAM and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party marks a return of allies to this critical panel. This committee handles the government’s major political decisions.

Other Notable Changes

• Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC): This remains unchanged with PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as its only members.
• Cabinet Committee on Accommodation: Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal replaces Hardeep Singh Puri.
• Parliamentary Affairs Committee: The panel’s strength has increased from nine to ten members, now including Nadda, Lalan Singh, Naidu, Jual Oram, and CR Patil.
• Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth: Expanded from eight to eleven members, with new inclusions such as Pralhad Joshi, Giriraj Singh, Hardeep Puri, and Chirag Paswan.
• Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment and Livelihood: Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat joins, while Nitin Gadkari is no longer part of this panel. Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Jayant Chaudhary is a special invitee.

Impact and Implications

The reconstitution of these panels highlights the NDA’s strategy to integrate allies more significantly into the governance framework, thereby strengthening the coalition’s unity and operational efficiency. A senior government official emphasized that this inclusion was necessary to maintain a cohesive alliance, especially in the face of shifting political dynamics and the departure of former allies like the Akali Dal and Shiv Sena (UBT).

The last major reshuffle of these committees occurred in December 2023. This recent reconstitution aligns with the Modi government’s ongoing efforts to adapt and optimize its executive machinery, ensuring robust and inclusive governance.

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