Prime Minister and Council of Minsters Flashcards
The constitution of India proivdes for
Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advicse the president
Why is PM and Council of Ministers most powerful institution in Indian polity?
The president may require the COM to reconsider their advice but he shall act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.
Type of Government:
Parliamentary form of government
President as Nominal head.
Appointment of PM:
PM is appointed by the Pres.
President invites the leader of the majority party or group in the LS to form the gov.
When no single party secures absolute majority:
The pres. may have some option in the appointment of the PM.
That person who can prove that he has the support of some smaller group or parties to have majority in house
Article 75:
“The PM shall be appointed by the Pres and the other min shal be appointed by the Pres on the advice of the PM”
Can Non-Member of parliament be ministers:
He must be elected or Nominated -> Within 6 months from date of appointment.
Resign from post - > Failing this
3 Kinds of Ministers:
- Cabinet Ministers
- Ministers of State
- Deputy Ministers:
- Cabinet Ministers:
Most important members of COM.
Important Portfolios: Defence, Finance, EXternal affairs and Railways.
Right to attend meetings of Cabinet.
Determine policy and programme of gov.
- Ministers of States:
2nd category of Ministers. May or may not hold an independent charge of any portfolio.
The OM may or may not consult them
DONT participate in the cabinet meetins
Department discussion
- Deputy Ministers:
Assists cabinet ministers and council of ministers.
Junior ministers under senior ministers.
No part in cabinet discussions
Council of Ministers:
Comprise the PM and a number of other mnisters apoointeed by the president on the advice of the PM.
Size of Council of Ministers:
15% of strenght of LS and SL.
Max number of ministers allowes in 12 for small states
Why should size of council of ministers be controlled:
- Defections check
2. Curb gov expenditure on account og jumbo size ministries.
What is a cabinet:
Composed of small but important body of senior leaders of the party who are included in the council of ministers.
Important portfolios and decide major pp of gov.
Cabinet and other ministers:
Takes important decisions. Communicated to other ministers and they have to follow -?> even tho they might not have been a party to such decisions
Appointment of Cabinet:
PM selects his senior and trustworhy colleagues and advises the pres to appoint them as cabinet ministers.
Term of Office:
Holds office during the pleaure of president
Remain in office so long as they enjoy the majority support in LS.
If LS Passes a vote of NoConfidence -> Resign collectively
Oath for a minister is administered by:
President
2 Oaths:
Oath of Office and Secrecy
Salaries and allowance of Minister:
Such as parliament from to time by law determines
Distinction between council of Ministers and teh cabinet:
- Composition
- Consulting
- Meetings
- President
- Composition:
Council of Minister
Consists of all categories of Ministers:
- Cabinet Ministers
- Minister of State
- Deputy Ministers
- Composition:
Cabinet
Small group of consisting of senior ministers holding important portfolios such as defence, finance, home etc.
- Consulting:
COM:
May or may not consult the other mnisters below the rank of cabinet ministers
- Cosulting:
Cabinet
MOost trusted colleagues of PM. The PM always consults them. The decision of Cabinet are binding on all the ministers