PPT: Central Council of Ministers | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Central Council of 
Ministers
Page 2


Central Council of 
Ministers
Introduction to the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers (CoM) is the highest executive body in India, headed by the Prime Minister.
It aids and advises the President in governance and policy-making as established by Article 74 of the 
Constitution.
The real executive power in India lies with the CoM, not the President.
Page 3


Central Council of 
Ministers
Introduction to the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers (CoM) is the highest executive body in India, headed by the Prime Minister.
It aids and advises the President in governance and policy-making as established by Article 74 of the 
Constitution.
The real executive power in India lies with the CoM, not the President.
Constitutional Basis: Articles 74 & 75
Article 74
Establishes CoM to aid and advise the 
President
Presidential decisions must be based on 
ministerial advice
This advice is binding on the President
Article 75
PM appointed by President
Other ministers appointed on PM's 
advice
Ministers hold office during President's 
pleasure
Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha
Page 4


Central Council of 
Ministers
Introduction to the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers (CoM) is the highest executive body in India, headed by the Prime Minister.
It aids and advises the President in governance and policy-making as established by Article 74 of the 
Constitution.
The real executive power in India lies with the CoM, not the President.
Constitutional Basis: Articles 74 & 75
Article 74
Establishes CoM to aid and advise the 
President
Presidential decisions must be based on 
ministerial advice
This advice is binding on the President
Article 75
PM appointed by President
Other ministers appointed on PM's 
advice
Ministers hold office during President's 
pleasure
Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Total ministers capped at 15% of Lok Sabha strength (91st Amendment, 2003)
Cabinet Ministers
Senior ministers leading critical portfolios
Ministers of State (Independent)
Lead smaller ministries without Cabinet oversight
Ministers of State
Support Cabinet Ministers in their duties
Deputy Ministers
Rarely used junior ministerial position
Ministers must be Parliament members or become so within 6 months
Page 5


Central Council of 
Ministers
Introduction to the Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers (CoM) is the highest executive body in India, headed by the Prime Minister.
It aids and advises the President in governance and policy-making as established by Article 74 of the 
Constitution.
The real executive power in India lies with the CoM, not the President.
Constitutional Basis: Articles 74 & 75
Article 74
Establishes CoM to aid and advise the 
President
Presidential decisions must be based on 
ministerial advice
This advice is binding on the President
Article 75
PM appointed by President
Other ministers appointed on PM's 
advice
Ministers hold office during President's 
pleasure
Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Total ministers capped at 15% of Lok Sabha strength (91st Amendment, 2003)
Cabinet Ministers
Senior ministers leading critical portfolios
Ministers of State (Independent)
Lead smaller ministries without Cabinet oversight
Ministers of State
Support Cabinet Ministers in their duties
Deputy Ministers
Rarely used junior ministerial position
Ministers must be Parliament members or become so within 6 months
Cabinet Ministers: The Core Decision Makers
Senior-most ministers heading important ministries like:
Home Affairs
Finance
Defence
External Affairs
Can hold multiple portfolios simultaneously
Attend Cabinet meetings where major policies are decided
Directly report to the Prime Minister