Who are Chief Ministers | General Test Preparation for CUET - CUET Commerce PDF Download

The appointment of the Chief Minister, who serves as the head of the state, is carried out by the Governor in accordance with Article 163 of the Indian Constitution. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, provides advice and assistance to the Governor. This council includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. The Chief Minister steps down only if a majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly oppose them. Serving as the primary representative of the state, the Chief Minister relies on the support of Legislative Assembly members. The Chief Minister's term lasts for five years.

Appointment of Chief Minister

The Chief Minister, designated by the state Governor, serves as the leader of the legislative assembly. While the Governor holds the de jure executive position, the Chief Minister functions as the de facto executive. Following the election, the majority party in the Legislative Assembly assumes governance, and it proposes the cabinet ministers' appointments. If no party secures a clear majority, the Governor retains the authority to appoint the Chief Minister. Typically, the Chief Minister is selected from the lower house, although appointments can also originate from the upper house. However, regardless of the source, the approval of the legislative assembly's majority is required for the Chief Minister's appointment under such circumstances. 

Powers and functions of Chief Minister

The Chief Minister has several powers and functions as the head of state: 

• The Chief Minister communicates with the Governor regarding all the decisions of the Council of Ministers. 
• The Chief Minister acts as the only link between the Governor and Cabinet.
• Vice-chairman of the zonal council
• The Chief Minister is a Member of the National Development Council and Inter-State Council.
• Coordinator, controller, and guide of all the cabinet ministers for the functioning of the cabinet.
• The Chief Minister acts as the chief crisis manager during emergencies, especially for financial matters. 
• He/she can influence the decisions of the council of ministers. 
• The Chief Minister furnishes the information related to the administration of the affairs of the state.

Chief Minister Responsibilities

The Chief Minister has many responsibilities like:

• Formation of the cabinet: The Chief Minister possesses the power to form the cabinet by preparing a list of the ministers. The Governor makes the appointment, and the suitable candidates are selected as a minister.
• Administration of the state: The Council of ministers and the Chief Minister are responsible for the administration of the state. They follow the policies and laws of the legislature. 
• Allotment of portfolios: Allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among the ministers. The Chief Minister of the state possesses the sole right of distributing and changing the departments is with 
• Appointment and removal of the ministers: The Chief Minister possesses the right to appoint and remove the ministers. The Chief Minister advises the Governor to appoint the high dignitaries of the state. 
• After the resignation of the Chief Minister, the government also collapses. 
• Chairman of the state planning board: The Chief Minister is the chairman of the cabinet, thus presides over meetings of the council of ministers, and prepares and controls the agenda of meetings.
• Leadership: Chief Ministers participate in the meetings of both houses. In the absence of the clear view of the cabinet ministers, the Chief Minister can exhibit views in the houses.
• Financial matters: The Chief Minister makes important decisions of the financial matters of the state, including a budget, financial planning, infrastructural and developmental priorities, and economic growth of the state. 
• Law formation: The Chief Minister frames the laws and policies of the state government and approves or rejects the bills introduced by the ministers in the legislative assembly. After the advice of the council of Ministers, the Governor can summon and dissolve the state legislature.

Position of the Chief Minister

The Chief Minister holds the same position in the state as the Prime Minister of the country. All the bills and taxes can be levied only after the approval of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister enjoys more rights and authority in the majority party than in the coalition government. Under such conditions, the Chief Minister needs the support of all the elected members of the party. 

Articles Related to Chief Minister

There are many articles in the constitution related to the rights and responsibilities of the Chief Minister:

• Article 163: The Council of Ministers of the Chief Minister aid and advice the Governor
• Article 164: Other provisions as to minister – The Chief Minister of the state and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the Governor and the advice of the Chief Minister, respectively. 
• Article 166: Conduct of the business of the government of a state – The Governor has all the authority to execute the actions of the state.
• Article 167: Duties of Chief Minister regarding furnishing information to the Governor – To execute all the decisions of the administration of the state, the Council of Ministers communicate to the Governor. 

Conclusion

The Chief Minister of the state, being the head, has several responsibilities. The only connection between the cabinet and the Governor is the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister of Karnataka looks after the financial, organisational, developmental, appointment, allotment, and leadership of the state.