COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
WHO ARE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS?
- In a Parliamentary system, Government is run not by an individual but a group of individuals collectively
- These Individuals collectively are known as Council of Ministers
HOW DO COUNCIL OF MINSTERS RUN THE GOVERNMENT?
- The Constitution mentions that Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister shall aid and advise the President in exercise of his functions and
- The President shall act in accordance with such advise
WHO APPOINTS THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS?
- Initially President appoints the Prime Minister
- Formally, a leader who has the support of the majority is appointed by the President as Prime Minister
- Later, President on the advice of Prime Minister appoints the other council of Ministers
WHO CAN BECOME A MINISTER?
- Any Member of Lok Sabha or one with a qualification to be a member of Lok Sabha can become the Minister
WHAT IS THE ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS?
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha
- Collective responsibility implies that a vote of no confidence even against a single minister leads to the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers
- It also indicates that if a minister does not agree with a policy or decision of the cabinet, he or she must either accept the decision or resign
WHO CAN REMOVE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS?
- It is essential that the Council of Ministers has the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha, the moment this support of the majority is lost, the Council has to resign
- The death or resignation of the Prime Minister automatically brings about the dissolution of the Council of Ministers
- Prime Minister can ask a minister to resign or advise the President to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion