UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks 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?

Explanation:

• Council of Ministers includes the three categories of ministers, that is, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. Its size and classification are, however, not mentioned in the Constitution. Its classification into a three-tier body is based on the conventions of parliamentary government as developed in Britain. It has, however, got a legislative sanction. The Salaries and Allowances Act of 1952 defines a ‘minister’ as a ‘member of the council of ministers, by whatever name called, and includes a deputy minister’. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  
  
• The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003 has made provisions to limit the size of Council of Ministers. The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister in the Central Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity| Union Executive