Q. Consider the following statements regarding Groups of Ministers (GoMs):
1. These bodies remain in the ministries until a new cabinet is formed.
2. The Cabinet at its discretion can review decisions taken by GoM.
3. The 2nd ARC recommended the abolition of GoMs.
How many statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
Groups of Ministers(GoMs) are formed to give recommendations to the cabinet on certain emergent issues and critical problem areas.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Groups of Ministers(GoMs) are ad-hoc bodies. These are not permanent in nature. Ministers heading the concerned ministries are inducted into the relevant GoMs and when the advice is crystallised they are disbanded.
Statement 2 is correct: Any decision taken by a Standing or Ad hoc Committee may be reviewed by the Cabinet’. Therefore decisions in a matter taken by GoMs remain subject to review by the Cabinet at the latter’s discretion.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The 2nd ARC did not recommend that abolition of GoMs . The 2nd ARC observed that large number of GoMs are not able to meet regularly and thus lead to delays. It also recommended that GoMs should take decision within a prescribed time limit.
