Number of Ministers in the Cabinet

The correct answer is option 'B' - 20.

Explanation:

The Cabinet is the highest decision-making body in the government and consists of ministers who are responsible for various departments and ministries. The number of ministers in the Cabinet can vary depending on the country and its governmental structure. In the context of India, the number of ministers in the Cabinet is determined by the Constitution and can be explained as follows:

1. Constitutional Provision:
- Article 75(1) of the Indian Constitution states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President and the other ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Article 75(1) also states that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament).

2. Total Members in Lok Sabha:
- The total number of members in the Lok Sabha is currently 543, as per the Constitution.
- Therefore, the maximum number of ministers in the Council of Ministers can be calculated as 15% of 543.

3. Calculation:
- 15% of 543 = (15/100) * 543 = 81.45.
- Since the number of ministers cannot be in decimals, it is rounded down to the nearest whole number, which is 81.

4. Number of Ministers in the Cabinet:
- Out of the total number of ministers, some are appointed as Cabinet Ministers who hold important portfolios such as Home Affairs, Finance, Defense, etc.
- The remaining ministers are appointed as Ministers of State (MoS) with or without independent charge.
- The number of Cabinet Ministers is usually around 20, and the remaining ministers are Ministers of State.
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'B' - 20.

In conclusion, the number of ministers in the Cabinet is determined by the constitutional provision, and in the case of India, it is currently around 20.