All questions of Central Council of Ministers for UPSC CSE Exam

Ministers of State are not members of the cabinet and do not attend cabinet meetings unless specially invited when matters related to their ministries/departments are under consideration. They may be given independent charge of ministries/departments or be attached to cabinet ministers, assisting in their administrative and parliamentary duties.

44th Amendment Act
The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 made significant changes to the Indian Constitution, one of which was making the advice of ministers binding on the President. This particular amendment aimed to restore the Constitution to its original form after it had been extensively amended during the period of Emergency in India.
Key Points:
- The 44th Amendment Act reversed some of the changes made during the Emergency period, restoring the balance of power between the President and the Council of Ministers.
- Prior to this amendment, the President could act contrary to the advice of the Council of Ministers in certain situations. However, after the 44th Amendment Act, the President was required to act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- This amendment strengthened the principles of parliamentary democracy by ensuring that the President, who is the head of state, acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, who are responsible to the Parliament.
- The 44th Amendment Act played a crucial role in upholding the democratic principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, ensuring that the executive powers are exercised in accordance with the will of the elected representatives of the people.
In conclusion, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 was a significant milestone in Indian constitutional history as it made the advice of ministers binding on the President, thereby reinforcing the principles of parliamentary democracy in the country.

The maximum number of ministers that can be part of the Council of Ministers in India is 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha. This was specified by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, which aimed to limit the size of the Council of Ministers and promote efficient governance.

A minister in India takes the "Oath of Secrecy," which pledges that they will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal sensitive information that comes under their consideration as a Union minister. This oath ensures the confidentiality of government affairs and sensitive matters.

Understanding the Inner Cabinet or Kitchen Cabinet
The Inner Cabinet, often referred to as the Kitchen Cabinet, plays a vital role in the Indian government, particularly in the context of decision-making processes. Here’s a detailed explanation of its purpose:
Composition and Structure
- The Inner Cabinet is typically composed of a select group of senior ministers, often from the Cabinet, who are trusted by the Prime Minister.
- This group is smaller and more informal than the full Cabinet, allowing for more focused discussions.
Advisory Role
- The primary function of the Inner Cabinet is to assist the Prime Minister in critical decision-making.
- It provides a platform for discussing complex issues that require quick resolutions or sensitive negotiations.
Decision-Making Efficiency
- By having a smaller group, the Inner Cabinet can deliberate on matters more efficiently than the larger Cabinet.
- This allows for more streamlined communication and faster consensus on policies and strategies.
Policy Formulation
- The Inner Cabinet often engages in the formulation of policies and strategies that are later presented to the larger Cabinet for approval.
- This process ensures that only well-thought-out proposals reach the full Cabinet, enhancing the quality of governance.
Impact on Governance
- The effectiveness of the Inner Cabinet can significantly influence the overall efficiency of the government.
- It helps in addressing urgent issues promptly and facilitates smoother implementation of government policies.
In conclusion, the Inner Cabinet or Kitchen Cabinet is essential for assisting the Prime Minister in crucial decision-making, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the Indian government.

When the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the council of ministers, all the ministers, including those who are members of the Rajya Sabha, have to resign. This collective responsibility ensures that the government remains accountable to the elected representatives and the legislature.

The primary duties of the Prime Minister as mentioned in Article 78 include communicating to the President all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the Union's affairs and proposals for legislation. Additionally, the Prime Minister must furnish information to the President when required and submit matters for the consideration of the Council of Ministers.

The fundamental principle underlying the working of the parliamentary system of government is the principle of collective responsibility. This means that all the ministers own joint responsibility to the Lok Sabha for all their acts of omission and commission. They work as a team and are collectively accountable for their actions. This principle ensures that the Council of Ministers works in harmony and is accountable to the legislature.

The main role of the cabinet in the parliamentary system of government is to make legislative decisions. The cabinet is the chief policy formulating body of the central government and exercises supreme executive authority. It deals with major legislative matters, financial decisions, and policy formulation, ensuring effective governance and decision-making.

Article 77 of the Indian Constitution deals with the conduct of business in the Government of India. It outlines that all executive actions of the government are taken in the name of the President. Orders and instruments executed in the President's name are authenticated in a manner specified by the President. Additionally, this article empowers the President to make rules for the transaction of government business and its allocation among ministers.