State Council of Ministers in India

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Questions and Answers

What must a minister do if he/she disagrees with a decision made by the Council of Ministers?

Continue to support the decision in secret

Remain silent and not take any action

Resign from their post if unable to defend the decision (correct)

Request the Governor to intervene

Under what condition can a Governor remove a minister?

Without any advice from the Chief Minister

On the advice of the Chief Minister (correct)

If the Council of Ministers loses confidence

When the Governor personally disagrees with a minister's actions

What does Article 164 emphasize regarding ministerial responsibility?

Ministers can be held legally responsible for their decisions

Ministers can be dismissed without the Chief Minister's involvement

Ministers do not need to support collective decisions

Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Governor (correct)

What is true about the nature of the advice given by ministers to the Governor according to Article 163?

It is confidential and cannot be enquired by any court Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Council of Ministers from the Cabinet?

The Council of Ministers consists of a greater number of members Signup and view all the answers

In what situation can the Chief Minister ask a minister to resign?

Due to a difference of opinion or dissatisfaction with performance Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Governor play regarding the advice of the State Council of Ministers?

Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers except in discretionary areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is incorrect regarding legal responsibility of ministers in India?

There exists a system of legal responsibility for ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the State Council of Ministers in the context of legislative matters?

It deals with all major legislative and financial matters. Signup and view all the answers

What principle defines the collective responsibility of the State Council of Ministers to the State Legislative Assembly?

Article 164. Signup and view all the answers

In case of a No-Confidence Motion, what happens to the ministers of the State Council of Ministers?

All ministers must resign. Signup and view all the answers

Who acts as the advisory body to the Governor of the State?

State Council of Ministers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the State Council of Ministers during emergencies?

To act as Chief Crisis Managers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of responsibility do ministers in the State Council of Ministers not have?

Legal Responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

When might the State Council of Ministers advise the Governor to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly?

When it does not represent the views of the electorate faithfully. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding decisions made by the State Council of Ministers?

All decisions bind the entire council, regardless of individual opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Role of State Council of Ministers (CoM)

Serves as the highest decision-making authority in a state's politico-administrative framework.
Functions as the principal policy-formulating body for the state government.
Acts as the supreme executive authority, coordinating various state administration aspects.
Advises the Governor of the state on significant matters and issues.
Takes charge of crisis management during emergencies, providing leadership and direction.
Responsible for addressing major legislative and financial matters affecting the state.
Exercises oversight on higher appointments, including constitutional positions and senior administrators.

Responsibility of Ministers

Ministers in the CoM have both collective and individual responsibilities, but no legal accountability.

Collective Responsibility

Article 164 enshrines the principle that the CoM is accountable to the State Legislative Assembly.
A No-Confidence Motion against the CoM requires all ministers to resign, including those from the Legislative Council.
The CoM can suggest to the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly if it is deemed unrepresentative.
Decisions made by the Cabinet are binding on all ministers; dissent must be publicly supported or else resignation is required.

Individual Responsibility

Individual ministers serve at the Governor's pleasure, allowing removal by the Governor on the Chief Minister's advice.
The Chief Minister can request a minister’s resignation or recommend dismissal to ensure collective accountability is upheld.

No Legal Responsibility

No legal accountability for ministers exists at the central or state levels.
Orders from the Governor for public acts do not necessitate countersigning by ministers.

Nature of Advice by State Council of Ministers

Article 163 provides that the CoM aids and advises the Governor in non-discretionary functions.
The Governor's decision on matters of discretion is final and cannot be legally questioned.
The Supreme Court reinforces that the Governor operates based on the CoM’s aid and advice, except in areas requiring personal discretion.

Council of Ministers vs. Cabinet

Council of Ministers:
- Comprises a larger body of 60 to 70 ministers.
- Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers, reflecting a wider representation.
Cabinet:
- A smaller group consisting of 15 to 20 key ministers.
- Typically handles more confidential and critical government decisions.

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Description

Explore the critical role of the State Council of Ministers in India. This quiz covers its functions, responsibilities, and its significance in the political and administrative framework of the state. Understand how this council influences decision-making and governance.