UPSC Prelims PYQ 2022: Classification and Strength of Council of Ministers
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 The 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?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- The Constitution does not classify the members of the Council of Ministers into different ranks, viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State, and Deputy Minister.
- All this has been done following the British practice and in view of administrative convenience.
- Section 2 of the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952, has, however, accorded legislative sanction to such classification in the Indian context.
Statement 2 is correct
- Number of Council of Ministers at Union & State Level After 91st CAA, 2003:
- Art 75 (1A): The total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed fifteen per cent.
- Art 164 (1A): The minimum strength of the council of ministers, including the CM, in a state as per the Constitution, is 12, and the maximum is 15 per cent of the strength of the Legislative Assembly.
- In the case of smaller States like Sikkim, Mizoram, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh, having 32, 40 and 40 members in the Legislative Assemblies, respectively, a minimum strength of 7 ministers is prescribed.
Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium
