Consider the following statements:

1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India.
3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Legislation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct

• Article 75 of the Indian Constituiton: The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and the other ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister;
  • The ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the president; and
  • The council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

Statement 3 is correct

• Article 78 of the Indian Constitution: It shall be the duty of the Prime Minister:
  • to communicate to the President all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation;
  • to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation as the President may call for; and
  • if the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the council of ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the council.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy