Overview
The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, facilitating smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government by ensuring adherence to these rules. The Secretariat assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/ Departments and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/ adhoc Committees of Secretaries. Through this mechanism new policy initiatives are also promoted.
The Secretariat Building houses the following ministries:
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Ministry of Finance (MoF)
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
The Secretariat Building consists of two buildings: the North Block and the South Block. Both the buildings flank the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- The South Block houses the Prime Minister Office, Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs.
- The North Block primarily houses the Ministry of Finance and the Home Ministry.
The terms 'North Block' and 'South Block' are often used to refer to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of External Affairs respectively.
Read more about this topic: Cabinet Secretariat