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

State Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers at the state level is the real executive authority, headed by the Chief Minister. It helps in governance and policy-making for the state.

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 163: Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor.
  • Article 164: Deals with appointment, tenure, and responsibility of ministers.

Composition of State Council of Ministers

  • Headed by the Chief Minister.
  • Consists of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (with/without independent charge), and Deputy Ministers.
  • All ministers must be members of the state legislature within 6 months of appointment.

Types of Ministers

  • Cabinet Ministers: Hold important portfolios and form the core decision-making body.
  • Ministers of State: May have independent charge or assist Cabinet Ministers.
  • Deputy Ministers: Help both Cabinet and State Ministers in administrative work.

Powers and Functions

  • Formulates state policies and implements laws passed by the legislature.
  • Advises the Governor in all administrative matters.
  • Prepares the budget and other key documents for Assembly approval.
  • Coordinates the work of various departments.
  • Handles law and order, education, health, and other public services.

Relationship with the Governor

The Council of Ministers aids and advises the Governor. The Governor is bound to act according to this advice in most matters.

  • The Governor appoints the CM and on their advice, appoints other ministers.
  • The Council is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (SSC CGL 2020): Which Article provides for the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Governor?
  • Article 163
  • Q2 (HSSC 2022): Who is the head of the State Council of Ministers?
  • Chief Minister
  • Q3 (RRB NTPC 2019): Ministers hold office during the pleasure of?
  • Governor
  • Q4 (SSC CHSL 2021): Which type of ministers can hold independent charge?
  • Ministers of State
  • Q5 (UPSC 2020): Collective responsibility of State Council of Ministers is to?
  • Legislative Assembly
  • Q6 (HPSC 2021): What is the maximum number of ministers allowed in a state?
  • 15% of total members of the Legislative Assembly
  • Q7 (RRB Group D 2018): Who allocates portfolios among ministers?
  • Chief Minister
  • Q8 (SSC GD 2022): Which type of minister is not a part of the Cabinet?
  • Deputy Minister
  • Q9 (UPSC 2019): The State Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to?
  • State Legislative Assembly
  • Q10 (SSC MTS 2018): Who is part of the executive at state level?
  • Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister

Conclusion

The State Council of Ministers is a key part of the state's executive structure. It ensures effective implementation of laws, governance, and development policies under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

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