Consider the following statements:
- The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
- The total number of ministers in the Union Government/including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
This question tests knowledge about the classification of ministers and the constitutional limits on the size of the Council of Ministers.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Constitution of India does not classify ministers into four ranks. The classification into Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State, and Deputy Minister is based on parliamentary convention and practice, not constitutional provisions. The Constitution only mentions 'Ministers' and 'Prime Minister' without prescribing specific ranks.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 inserted Article 75(1A) which states that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
📝 Short Notes: Council of Ministers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | Articles 74 and 75 deal with the Council of Ministers |
| Classification (Convention) | Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with Independent Charge, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers (not constitutional) |
| Size Limit | Not more than 15% of Lok Sabha strength (91st Amendment, 2003) |
| Collective Responsibility | Council of Ministers collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)) |
| Appointment | Ministers appointed by President on advice of Prime Minister (Article 75(1)) |
| Disqualification | A disqualified MP cannot be appointed as minister (91st Amendment) |
Question 1 of 5 Council of Ministers
Practice PYQ questions from this topic across all years
First question in this topic
With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: N. Gopa...