Central Council of Minister

What is the role of the Council of Ministers as per Article 74?

The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, advises the President, who must act accordingly.

Can the President reconsider the advice of the Council of Ministers?

Yes, the President can ask for reconsideration, but the advice is binding after the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendments.

Is the advice of the Council of Ministers open to judicial review?

No, after the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendments, the advice is binding and cannot be inquired by the courts.

Who appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers?

The President appoints the Prime Minister, and other ministers are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

What is the maximum strength of the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers should not exceed 15% of the strength of the Lok Sabha, as per the 91st Constitutional Amendment, 2003.

How long do ministers hold office?

Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President.

What is the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha for their actions. If a No-Confidence motion is passed, all ministers must resign.

What happens if the Council of Ministers advises the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

The Council of Ministers can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha if it does not truly represent the people.

What is individual responsibility for ministers?

Ministers are individually responsible for their actions. The President can dismiss a minister, or the Prime Minister can ask them to resign.

Is there any provision for legal responsibility of ministers?

There is no provision in the Constitution for the legal responsibility of ministers. The advice of the Council of Ministers cannot be questioned by the courts.

What is the composition of the Council of Ministers?

The Council consists of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Parliamentary Secretaries.

What is the role of a Cabinet Minister?

Cabinet Ministers head important ministries, such as Home, Defence, and External Affairs, and play a key role in decision-making.

What is the role of a State Minister?

State Ministers may have independent charge or assist Cabinet Ministers.

What is the role of a Deputy Minister?

Deputy Ministers assist Cabinet or State Ministers in their duties.

What is the role of a Parliamentary Secretary?

Parliamentary Secretaries assist other ministers but do not have any significant role in decision-making. No Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed after Rajiv Gandhi’s government.

Does the Council of Ministers hold office after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

Yes, the Council of Ministers continues to hold office even after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, as established in 1947 by the Supreme Court.

What does Article 75 say about the conduct of business of the government?

All executive actions of the government are taken in the name of the President, as per Article 77.

What is the duty of the Prime Minister in relation to the President, as per Article 78?

The Prime Minister is responsible for furnishing information to the President regarding the administration and decisions of the government.

What rights do members of Parliament have in proceedings, according to Article 88?

Members of Parliament have the right to speak and take part in proceedings, but they cannot vote in joint sittings unless they are members of that House.

What is the size of the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers consists of 60 to 70 ministers.

What is the size of the Cabinet?

The Cabinet consists of 15 to 20 ministers.

How does the Council of Ministers relate to the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is a smaller, more focused subset of the Council of Ministers.

Does the Council of Ministers meet as a body?

No, the Council of Ministers does not meet as a body to transact government business.

How often does the Cabinet meet?

The Cabinet meets frequently, usually once a week.

Who determines the functions of the Council of Ministers?

The functions of the Council of Ministers are determined by the Cabinet.

What role does the Cabinet have in the government?

The Cabinet supervises and controls the implementation of decisions made by the Council of Ministers.

Who is collectively responsible for the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Who is collectively responsible for the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is collectively responsible to the Council of Ministers in the Lok Sabha.

What is the role of the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is the highest decision-making body, formulating policies, managing crises, and handling foreign affairs.

What is the "Kitchen Cabinet"?

The Kitchen Cabinet is a small, powerful body consisting of the Prime Minister and 15 to 20 important ministers.

When was the term "Kitchen Cabinet" used?

The term was used during Indira Gandhi's era to refer to her small, influential decision-making group.

What are the merits of the Kitchen Cabinet?

The Kitchen Cabinet is efficient, can meet frequently, and helps the Prime Minister maintain secrecy.

What are the demerits of the Kitchen Cabinet?

It reduces the authority of the full Cabinet and circumvents legal procedures, allowing outsiders to have influence.