Source: HT
Subject: Polity
Context: Prime Minister chaired the second special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review India’s preparedness and mitigation strategies amid the escalating West Asia conflict.
About Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
What It Is?
- The Cabinet Committee on Security is the topmost decision-making body in India regarding matters of national security, defense expenditure, and foreign affairs. It is one of the specialized committees of the Union Cabinet that handles sensitive strategic issues requiring high-level governmental intervention.
Chaired By: The CCS is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Members:
The committee traditionally consists of the senior-most ministers of the Union Cabinet:
- Prime Minister (Chair)
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Home Affairs
- Minister of External Affairs
- Minister of Finance
Aim: The primary aim of the CCS is to ensure national security by reviewing and approving major defense acquisitions, formulating strategies to counter internal and external threats, and managing diplomatic and economic responses to global crises that affect India.
Functions:
- Crisis Management: Reviewing and directing measures during international conflicts, such as the current West Asia crisis, to protect national interests.
- Supply Chain Security: Ensuring the stability of essential commodities like LPG, LNG, and fertilisers during global volatility.
- Defense Procurement: Assessing and approving high-value capital acquisitions for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Economic Mitigation: Discussing interventions across sectors like agriculture, shipping, aviation, and MSMEs to mitigate emerging global challenges.
- Internal Security: Formulating policies to handle domestic issues such as terrorism, insurgency, and law and order.
- Public Communication: Underlining the need for the timely flow of authentic information to prevent misinformation and rumour-mongering during crises.
Significance:
- It provides a centralized platform for the highest level of leadership to make rapid, coordinated decisions on sensitive security matters.
- By reviewing fuel duty reductions and supply diversification, the CCS plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of domestic prices and essential supplies.
