Question map
Which one of the following is not a correct description of the Union Cabinet ?
Explanation
The Union Cabinet is an executive committee of the Parliament [1]. Under the Indian parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This means the Cabinet remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Parliament; a vote of no confidence leads to the resignation of the entire ministry [1]. Regarding membership, while ministers are typically members of Parliament, Article 75(5) of the Constitution provides an exception: a person who is not a member of either House can be appointed as a minister [3]. However, such a person must secure a seat in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha within a period of six consecutive months, or they cease to be a minister. Therefore, the statement that a person from outside the Parliament can 'never' be appointed is incorrect.
Sources
- [1] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: EXECUTIVE > Size of the Council of Ministers > p. 92
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > 136,(/ Indian Polity > p. 136
- [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > 136,(/ Indian Polity > p. 136