1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers Into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Solution:Article 74(1) says that there shall be a council of ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President Thus, the council of ministers is a constitutional body. In the Indian constitution, there is no provision for the classification of ministers. It is based on British Parliamentary tradition However, in the Indian parliamentary system at present time, instead of Prime Minister, there are the Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Minister of State and Deputy Ministers. As per Article 75(1A) inserted through the 91st Constitutional Amendment, 2003, total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the council of ministers shall not exceed 15% of total strength of Lok Sabha. Similar amendments were also made under Article 164, inserted clause 1A, which says that total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, in the council of ministers in a state shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of that state.