Among the inter-Ministerial matters, the coordination is required for

Among the inter-Ministerial matters, the coordination is required for:

(i) Removing difficulties;

(ii) Removing differences;

(iii) Overcoming delays;

(iv) Coordination in administrative action

(v) Coordination of policies.

While each Ministry is responsible for acting on its own for expeditious implementation of Government policies, plans and programmes, where inter-Ministerial cooperation is involved, they often seek the| assistance of the Cabinet Secretariat.

The inter-Ministerial problems are dealt with in the meetings i the Committees of Secretaries (COS). Committees are constituted for discussing specific matters and proposals emanating from various Secretaries to the Government and meetings are held under the] chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary. These committees have been able to break bottlenecks or secure mutually supporting inter-Ministerial action.

The discussions of the COS takes place on the basis of a paper formulated by the principal| Department concerned and the Department with a different point of view, if any, providing a supplementary note.

The decisions or recommendations of the COS are unanimous. These proceedings are also circulated to and are followed up by the departments. There are other important functions which it discharges, via,

1. Monitoring

2. Coordination

3. Promoting new policy initiatives

The Cabinet Secretariat is seen as a useful mechanism by the departments for promoting inters- Ministerial coordination since the Cabinet Secretary is also the head of the civil services. The Secretaries felt it necessary to keep the Cabinet Secretary informed of developments from time to time. The Transaction of Business Rules also requires them to keep the Cabinet Secretary informed of developments from time to time, especially if there are any departures from these rules.