The statement announcing the abolition of EGoMS and GoMs termed it as "major move" to empower the ministries and departments.
Former Defence Minister A K Antony used to head most EGoMs. The panels were formed to take decisions on issues like corruption, inter-state water disputes, administrative reforms and gas and telecom pricing.
EGoMs had the power to take decisions before such matters were to be considered by the union cabinet. The recommendations of the GoMs were placed before the cabinet to take the final call.
