Central Council of Ministers

Central Council of Ministers

  • Parliamentary System is based on British pattern
  • Article 74 : Council of Ministers to aid President
    • Deals with the status of Council of Ministers
    • There shall be Council of Ministers with PM at head to aid and advice the President 
    • President shall act in accordance with such advice 
    • Advice shall not be inquired into any court
  • Article 75 : Other Provisions as to Ministers
    • Deals with appointment, qualification, tenure, oath, salaries of ministers
    • PM appointed by President
    • Other ministers by President on advice of PM
    • Total Ministers = 15% strength of LS (including PM) given in 91st CAA
    • Member disqualified can’t become Minister (91st CAA)
    • Minister hold office in pleasure of President 
    • CoM is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha
    • Salary and Allowances declared by Parliament 
    • A person not a member of either of house of Parliament, if appointed as Minister for 6 months
      • Should become member within 6 months
  • Article 77 : Conduct of Business of Government of India
    • All executive actions in name of President 
    • President shall make rules for more convenient transactions of business of GOI
    • Orders and other instruments made and executed in name of Presidents shall be authenticated
      • Validity of order shall not be questioned on ground that it is not made by President
  • Article 78 : Duties of PM
    • Communicate all decision of CoM
    • Furnish such information related to administration as President may call for
    • Advise President on important appointments 
  • Article 88 : Rights of Ministers respect to House
    • Every minister shall have right to speak and take part in proceedings in either house, Joint sitting, any committee of Parliament 
      • But can’t vote in other one
  • Nature of Advice
    • Advice of CoM is binding on President 
    • Can’t be inquired into any court 
    • Even after dissolution of Lok Sabha, CoM doesn’t cease to hold office
    • President can’t exercise Executive power without advice of CoM
  • Appointment of Ministers
    • Ministers are appointed by President on advice of PM
  • Oath
      • To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution 
      • To uphold the Sovereignty and Integrity of India
        • No unity
      • To faithfully discharge the duties of his House
      • To do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and law without fear
    • Oath of Secrecy 
  • Responsibility 
    • Collective 
      • Article 75 says CoM is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha
    • Individual
    • No legal
 
Cabinet
  • Higher decision making body
  • Chief policy formulating 
  • Supreme executive authority 
  • Chief crisis manager
  • All major legislative and financial matters
  • Control over higher appointments 
 
Kitchen Cabinet
  • Informal body : PM and 2-4 influential colleagues 
  • To advise PM
  • It can compose outsiders like friends and family 
  • More efficient decision making body
  • Reduces authority of cabinet 
  • Exist in USA and Britain 

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