Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
🏛️ What is CCEA?
CCEA is one of the eight Cabinet Committees under the Government of India.
It is an extra-constitutional body (not mentioned in the Constitution) but plays a key role in economic policymaking.
Constituted under the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961.
Chaired by the Prime Minister and composed of key Cabinet Ministers related to the economy, infrastructure, and national growth.
🧩 Objectives of Cabinet Committees (including CCEA)
Reduce the workload of the Union Cabinet.
Allow in-depth examination of complex issues before placing them in the Cabinet.
Promote division of labour and effective delegation.
Frame policy proposals and sometimes take direct decisions (subject to Cabinet review).
🏗️ List of Cabinet Committees
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth
Cabinet Committee on Security
Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development
Cabinet Committee on Accommodation
Note: All committees except (i) Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and (ii) Cabinet Committee on Accommodation are headed by the Prime Minister.
👥 Composition of CCEA
⚙️ Role & Importance of CCEA in Economic Growth
Final approving authority for large-scale economic projects.
Reviews and clears infrastructure projects, subsidies, price policy, investment clearances.
Plays a decisive role in India’s economic trajectory, including PM Gati Shakti and Make in India initiatives.
Acts as the top body for:
Strategic disinvestment decisions (e.g., BPCL, Air India)
Export-import policy direction
Major subsidies and procurement decisions
🚆 Role of CCEA in Indian Railways
Approves major rail infrastructure projects like:
New lines
Doubling
Electrification
Station Redevelopment
Examples:
July 2025 – Sanctioned ₹11,169 crore for 4 multi-tracking projects across 6 states.
June 2025 – Cleared ₹6,405 crore for Ballari–Chikjajur and Koderma–Barkakana doubling.
Jiribam–Imphal Line (₹12,000+ crore)
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) (₹80,000+ crore)
Enhances freight movement, decongestion, and supports national logistics plans.
💰 Financial Sanction Thresholds
Defined as per the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DoE, 2024)
📜 Legal vs. Non-Legal Standing
Despite being non-constitutional, Cabinet Committees like CCEA wield great practical influence.
🧭 Summary Table
Key points for MCQ - CCEA
CCEA stands for Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
An extra Constitutional body
Constituted under the Govt of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961
Chaired by Prime Minister of India
One among 8 Cabinet Committees
Projects - Up to Rs. 100 Crores - Railway Board sanction
Projects - Rs.100 Crores to Rs.500 Crores - Finance Ministry sanction
Projects - Rs. 500 Crores and above - CCEA sanction
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