Question map
Which one of the following statements about the Union Executive in India is correct ?
Explanation
According to Article 75(1) of the Constitution of India, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, and other Ministers are appointed by the President specifically on the advice of the Prime Minister [3]. This constitutional mandate ensures the Prime Minister's prerogative in forming the Council of Ministers [3]. Regarding other options: the 91st Amendment Act of 2003 limited the total number of ministers to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha, not 20% [2]. While ministers are typically members of Parliament, a non-member can be appointed as a minister for a period of six months, after which they must secure a seat in either House . Furthermore, the Prime Minister, not the President, determines the ranks and portfolios of the ministers within the parliamentary framework. Therefore, only statement 3 is legally and constitutionally accurate.
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 75-O ther Provisions as to Ministers > p. 213
- [3] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 210
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Article 75-Others Provisions as to Ministers > p. 213