COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Conditions of service

• It is composed of all Union Ministers – the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers
• The council is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister
• A Minister must be a member of either House of Parliament, or be elected within 6 months of assuming office

Collective Responsibility

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha
• A vote of no confidence even against a single Minister means the entire Council must resign
• Each Minister is also responsible for his department and can be removed from office by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister

Functions of the Council of Ministers

• Formulates policies of the country on the basis of which administration is carried out
• Introduces all important Bills in Parliament and oversees their passage
• Presents the Budget to the Parliament
• Determines foreign policy
• Approves international agreements and treaties
• Render advice to the President regarding proclamation of war or emergency

CATEGORIES OF MINISTERS

  Cabinet Minister
• Senior minister in charge of a particular Ministry
• May hold additional charges of other Ministries (if no other Cabinet Minister is appointed)
• Cabinet Ministers must belong to either House of Parliament

         Minister of State (Independent Charge)

• In charge of a particular portfolio
• Is not under the oversight of a Cabinet Minister

         Minister of State

• A minister with a specific responsibility in a particular Ministry
• Reports to the concerned Cabinet Minister