The Council of Ministers: Composition and Accountability
Understanding the Council of Ministers is crucial for mastering UPSC Polity and Constitution. This body, headed by the Prime Minister, is the real executive authority in India. Its composition and accountability mechanisms are key to grasping the functioning of the Indian parliamentary system.
Composition of the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers is a body of ministers appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. It is a collective body, and its members are drawn from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Council is broadly divided into three categories:
| Category | Role and Status | Number of Ministers |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Ministers | Hold important portfolios, attend Cabinet meetings, and are the principal advisors to the Prime Minister. They are members of the Cabinet. | Typically around 25-30. |
| Ministers of State (Independent Charge) | Can attend Cabinet meetings when invited, but are not members of the Cabinet. They are assigned independent charge of ministries or departments. | Variable, usually a smaller number. |
| Ministers of State | Attached to Cabinet Ministers and assist them in their work. They do not attend Cabinet meetings unless specifically invited. | Variable, generally the largest group. |
The Prime Minister is the linchpin of the Council of Ministers.
The Prime Minister selects, allocates portfolios, and can reshuffle or dismiss ministers. Their leadership shapes the council's effectiveness.
The Prime Minister plays a pivotal role in the formation and functioning of the Council of Ministers. They are responsible for advising the President on the appointment of ministers, allocating portfolios among them, and can even ask a minister to resign. The Prime Minister also presides over Cabinet meetings and is the chief coordinator of government policy. The strength of the Council of Ministers is determined by the Prime Minister, though it is subject to a constitutional limit (not exceeding 15% of the total membership of the House of the People).
Accountability of the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers is collectively and individually accountable to the Parliament, specifically the Lok Sabha. This accountability is a cornerstone of the parliamentary system.
The Lok Sabha.
Collective responsibility means that the Council of Ministers, as a body, is responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council, the entire Council, including the Prime Minister, must resign. This ensures that the government maintains the confidence of the majority in the lower house.
The principle of collective responsibility means that a minister's individual actions or failures are considered the responsibility of the entire government.
Individual accountability is also crucial. Each minister is accountable to the Prime Minister for the administration of their ministry. Furthermore, ministers are accountable to Parliament for the actions of their ministries. This accountability is exercised through various parliamentary devices such as questions, debates, adjournment motions, and the question hour.
Parliamentary Devices for Accountability
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These parliamentary devices allow members of Parliament to scrutinize the actions of the executive, seek information, and hold ministers accountable for their performance and policy decisions. The question hour, in particular, is a vital period where ministers answer questions posed by MPs, shedding light on government functioning.
The relationship between the Council of Ministers and Parliament can be visualized as a feedback loop. Parliament (Lok Sabha) provides oversight and can withdraw confidence, leading to the Council's resignation. The Council, in turn, provides information and justification for its actions through parliamentary procedures. This dynamic ensures that the executive remains answerable to the legislature.
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Learning Resources
Directly access the constitutional articles pertaining to the Council of Ministers, providing the foundational legal framework.
An insightful overview of the mechanisms through which the Indian Parliament holds the executive accountable, including the Council of Ministers.
A comprehensive video explaining the structure, functions, and powers of both houses of the Indian Parliament, crucial for understanding accountability.
A detailed video lecture specifically tailored for UPSC aspirants, covering the composition and role of the Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister.
Explains the procedure and significance of a no-confidence motion, a key tool for parliamentary accountability.
Provides a broad understanding of the Prime Minister's position and influence within the Indian political system, including their role in the Council of Ministers.
Details the different types of questions asked in Parliament and their importance in scrutinizing government actions.
While not a direct URL, this is the most authoritative book for UPSC Polity. Referencing its chapter on the Union Executive is essential for in-depth understanding.
A scholarly work that often delves into the nuances of constitutional provisions, including the executive and legislative relationship.
The official rulebook for the Lok Sabha, detailing parliamentary procedures, including how questions and motions are handled.