COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

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Context: The Central Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, includes Cabinet Ministers, MoS (Independent Charge), and MoS assisting senior ministers in governance and policy-making.

Central Council of Ministers

• The Central Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister, is a crucial component of the government responsible for policy-making and governance. Comprising different categories of ministers, their roles and responsibilities are defined by the Indian Constitution and various statutes.
• The Union Council of Ministers, also known as the Union Cabinet, is the principal executive organ of the Government of India and serves as the senior decision-making body of the executive branch.
• The council is subject to the Parliament of India and is responsible collectively to the lower house of the Indian parliament, the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
• If a bill introduced by a minister in the Lok Sabha is not approved by it, the entire council of ministers is responsible, not the minister.

Under the provision of "Collective Responsibility" under Article 75, the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers resign if a Vote of No Confidence is passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.

Council of Ministers Composition

• Prime Minister: The head of the Central Council of Ministers, responsible for decision-making on policy issues and overseeing key ministries. The Prime Minister chairs the Cabinet meetings and plays a pivotal role in the administration of the country.
• Cabinet Ministers: Senior-most members after the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers oversee important ministries such as Home Affairs, Finance, Defence, etc. They participate in policy formulation, attend Cabinet meetings, and are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Ministers of State (Independent Charge): These ministers administer specific ministries or departments independently, without direct oversight from Cabinet Ministers. They have the authority to make decisions within their assigned portfolios and are accountable directly to the Prime Minister.
• Ministers of State (MoS): Assist Cabinet Ministers in their duties, handling specific responsibilities as delegated by their respective ministers. They provide support in policy implementation, participate in parliamentary proceedings, but do not have independent administrative authority over a ministry.

The total number of ministers in the Council of Ministers must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha, and ministers must be members of parliament. A minister who is not a member of either house of parliament for six consecutive months is automatically stripped of their ministerial post.

Duties of the Council of Ministers

• Policy Formulation and Implementation: The Council of Ministers is responsible for formulating policies and implementing government programs across various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, etc.
• Parliamentary Responsibilities: Ministers participate in parliamentary sessions, debates, and committee meetings. They represent their ministries, answer questions raised by legislators, and contribute to legislative processes.
• Administrative Oversight: Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State oversee the functioning of their ministries, ensuring efficient administration and adherence to government policies. They may intervene in matters concerning their ministries' operations and strategic planning.
• Collective Responsibility: As per Article 75 of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. They are accountable for the decisions taken by the government and must resign collectively if they lose the confidence of the lower house of Parliament.

Difference Between MoS and MoS with Independent Charge

• Minister of State (MoS): Assists Cabinet Ministers in their responsibilities, handles specific tasks as assigned, and supports policy implementation. MoS does not have independent administrative authority over a ministry.
• Minister of State (Independent Charge): Empowered to administer a ministry or department independently, without oversight from Cabinet Ministers. They have significant decision-making authority within their respective portfolios and report directly to the Prime Minister.

Conclusion

• The Central Council of Ministers in India operates under the framework of the Constitution and statutory provisions, ensuring effective governance and policy implementation. With distinct roles and responsibilities, Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State contribute to the administration's functioning, parliamentary duties, and policy-making processes. Their collective efforts are crucial in addressing national challenges, fostering development, and maintaining governance integrity across the country.

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The principle of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers implies: A) All ministers are responsible for all government decisions, even if they disagree with some. B) Ministers are individually accountable to the President for their department. C) The Council functions as a unified team, presenting a common front to the public. D) The Prime Minister can overrule any dissenting minister's decision. Answer: A