Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four rank 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?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect: The constitution mentions the word ‘council of ministers’, however it doesn’t classify ministers into 4 categories. Generally, the Prime Minister and other Ministers are collectively known as the Council of Ministers. Statement 2 is correct: As per 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, the total number of Central Council of Ministers/State Council of Ministers including Prime Minister/ Chief Minister should not be more than 15% of total strength of Lok Sabha. It aimed at curbing the growing size of Cabinets at both the Union and State levels, which had often led to inefficient governance, excessive expenditure, and political instability. The goal was to promote good governance, encourage coalition politics, and reduce the influence of “buying loyalty” by offering ministerial positions. SUPER HINT For S1, Trap Alert: “The Constitution classifies...” UPSC loves to trap you with “Constitution does this” when in reality it’s convention, rule, or practice. Hence likely false, eliminates options A and C. 155

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