Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Chief Minister of a State

The Chief Minister (CM) is the real executive authority in a state, equivalent to the Prime Minister at the Union level.

Introduction

The Chief Minister is the de facto head of the state government. While the Governor is the nominal executive, real power is exercised by the CM and the Council of Ministers.

Articles 163 and 164 of the Indian Constitution relate to the Chief Minister.

Appointment of the Chief Minister

  • Appointed by the Governor.
  • Leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly is usually appointed as CM.
  • If no party gets a clear majority, the Governor can appoint a person who is likely to prove majority on the floor of the house.

Tenure

  • No fixed term; remains in office as long as he enjoys the confidence of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Can be removed by passing a no-confidence motion in the assembly.

Powers and Functions

1. Executive Powers

  • Distributes portfolios among ministers
  • Acts as a link between the Governor and Council of Ministers
  • Heads the Council of Ministers

2. Legislative Powers

  • Advises Governor to summon or dissolve the Assembly
  • Announces government policies in the House
  • Plays a key role in policy formulation

3. Administrative Role

  • Coordinates activities of all departments
  • Supervises implementation of government decisions
  • Leads the administration at the state level

Relationship with the Governor

  • Governor appoints CM but works on the advice of CM in most matters
  • CM acts as a bridge between the Governor and the Council of Ministers
  • Governor can dismiss the CM only when he loses majority

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (SSC CGL 2020): Who appoints the Chief Minister?
  • Governor
  • Q2 (HSSC 2022): The real executive power in a state lies with?
  • Chief Minister
  • Q3 (RRB NTPC 2019): Article related to Chief Minister?
  • Article 164
  • Q4 (UPSC 2018): What is the tenure of Chief Minister?
  • Not fixed; depends on Assembly confidence
  • Q5 (SSC CHSL 2021): Can a CM be a member of Rajya Sabha?
  • No, must be a member of State Legislature
  • Q6 (HPSC 2021): Who presides over Council of Ministers?
  • Chief Minister
  • Q7 (RRB Group D 2018): Can the Governor remove a CM?
  • Yes, if CM loses majority in Assembly
  • Q8 (SSC GD 2022): Which article deals with appointment of Ministers?
  • Article 164
  • Q9 (UPSC 2020): CM is collectively responsible to whom?
  • State Legislative Assembly
  • Q10 (SSC MTS 2019): Chief Minister is a part of which body?
  • Council of Ministers
  • Q11 (RRB ALP 2018): Minimum age to become CM?
  • 25 years (to be MLA)
  • Q12 (SSC CPO 2020): Who advises the Governor to dissolve Assembly?
  • Chief Minister
  • Q13 (HSSC JE 2019): CM is the head of?
  • State Government
  • Q14 (SSC CGL 2019): What is the CM's role in administration?
  • Coordinates the functioning of ministries
  • Q15 (UPPSC 2022): CM must prove majority within?
  • Specified time decided by Governor

Conclusion

The Chief Minister holds the key to state governance. While the Governor is ceremonial, the CM is the real center of power and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the state government.

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