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State Council of Ministers and Chief Minister

State Council of Ministers and Chief Minister क्या है?

The real executive authority in a state, headed by the Chief Minister, which aids and advises the Governor in the exercise of his functions. It operates on the principle of collective responsibility to the State Legislative Assembly.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The concept of a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister in states is derived from the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy, adopted in India post-independence. This ensures responsible government where the executive is accountable to the elected legislature.

मुख्य प्रावधान

10 points
  • 1.

    Appointment of CM: The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister (Article 164).

  • 2.

    Appointment of Ministers: Other ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister (Article 164).

  • 3.

    Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly (Article 164(2)). This means they stand or fall together.

  • 4.

    Individual Responsibility: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor, meaning the Governor can remove a minister on the advice of the Chief Minister (Article 164(1)).

  • 5.

    Oath and Salaries: Ministers take oaths of office and secrecy. Their salaries and allowances are determined by the state legislature.

  • 6.

    Functions of CM: Principal advisor to the Governor, presides over cabinet meetings, allocates portfolios, coordinates policy, and acts as the link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers (Article 167).

  • 7.

    Functions of CoM: Formulates and implements state policies, prepares the state budget, proposes legislation, and oversees the administration of the state.

  • 8.

    Size of CoM: The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, limited the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total strength of the State Legislative Assembly (with a minimum of 12 ministers).

  • 9.

    Role in Governance: Drives the legislative agenda, manages state finances, and ensures the smooth functioning of the state administration.

  • 10.

    Relationship with Governor: The CM communicates all decisions of the CoM relating to the administration of the affairs of the state and proposals for legislation to the Governor (Article 167).

हालिया विकास

5 विकास
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Rise of coalition governments in states, leading to complex power-sharing dynamics and challenges in maintaining collective responsibility.

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Increased focus on cooperative federalism, with state CMs playing a crucial role in national policy discussions (e.g., NITI Aayog Governing Council).

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Debates over the Governor's role in appointing the Chief Minister, especially in hung assemblies.

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Emphasis on good governance, transparency, and accountability in state administrations.

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Challenges related to defections and anti-defection law impacting the stability of state governments.

स्रोत विषय

15-Foot Vajpayee Statue Unveiled in Amaravati on Good Governance Day

Polity & Governance

UPSC महत्व

Highly important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Questions frequently cover the powers and functions of the CM and CoM, their relationship with the Governor, and the principles of parliamentary democracy at the state level.