The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 13th June 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

High Expectations

Why in News?

With Telugu Desam Party leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu having taken oath as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister for a record fourth time, the expectation is that this will bring to an end the vacillations over several policy decisions that have plagued the State and its economy. The grand ceremony saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several National Democratic Alliance partners in attendance.

• Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are part of Indian Constitution. Chief Minister is the head of the state government in India. Usually the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the state legislative assembly. CM is responsible for forming a cabinet and overseeing the functioning of the government. He acts as the principal executive authority at the state level and represents the state in various forums and interactions. Council of Ministers constitutes ministers chosen by the Chief Minister to head different government departments. Ministers collectively responsible for policy decisions and governance. Council of Ministers assists the Chief Minister in the administration and decision-making. Includes portfolios such as finance, health, education, and others, each managed by a minister.

Who is the Chief Minister?

• The Chief Minister (CM) is the primary authority responsible for running the state government.
• They appoint ministers to manage various government departments.
• The CM ensures all ministers and government programs operate cohesively.
• They formulate policies and plans for state development.
• The CM oversees the allocation of money and resources for government programs.
• They represent the state's interests to the central government.
• The CM acts as a spokesperson for the state's citizens, ensuring the government serves the people effectively.
• They maintain law and order in the state with the assistance of police and security forces.
• Elected by the citizens, the CM is accountable to both the public and lawmakers for their performance.

What are the Council of Ministers?

• The Council of Ministers is the collective body of ministers appointed by the governor of the state on the advice of the chief minister.
• This council forms the executive branch of the state government and is responsible for implementing policies and programs.
• The Council of Ministers assists and advises the chief minister on all policy matters and the general administration of the state.
• Each minister heads a specific department related to key functions of the state government, such as finance, public works, home affairs, health, education, etc.
• The chief minister coordinates and supervises the activities of the different ministers and departments to ensure effective governance and progressive development of the state.
• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the state legislative assembly. If the assembly expresses a lack of confidence in the council, the ministers may be required to resign.

How is a Chief Minister Appointed?

Chief Minister's Relation with the State Legislature

• The Chief Minister is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly, commanding the support of most MLAs, enabling him to form the government.
• The Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the state legislature and can remain in office only as long as they have the assembly's confidence.
• The Chief Minister guides and leads the legislative agenda and policies of the state government, with all important bills introduced in the assembly requiring his approval.
• He responds to questions posed by MLAs, provides information about government operations, and makes statements on key issues and policies in the assembly.
• The Chief Minister may seek a vote of confidence from the assembly to prove his majority if there are doubts about the government's stability.
• If he loses the assembly's confidence, the Chief Minister can advise the Governor to dissolve the assembly, leading to fresh elections.

Chief Minister's Relations with the Governor

• The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, who typically appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly.
• While the CM and the Council of Ministers are responsible to the assembly, they are not accountable to the Governor.
• The Chief Minister aids and advises the Governor in exercising his functions, with the Governor usually acting on the CM's advice.
• The CM sends reports to the Governor on state administration and proposes policies and programs for implementation.
• The Chief Minister recommends appointments to various state government offices to the Governor.
• Bills passed by the assembly require the Governor's assent to become laws, and the Governor acts on the advice of the CM and the Council of Ministers.
• The Governor can request the CM to reconsider policy advice, but the final decision rests with the CM.
• Disagreements between the Governor and the CM are resolved following constitutional conventions and norms.
• The CM keeps the Governor informed about the political and administrative situation in the state and the government's major decisions and policies.
• The Governor can ask the CM to prove his majority in the assembly if there are doubts about the government's stability.

Conclusion

• The Chief Minister leads the state government, with ministers assisting in running government programs.
• Together, they work to solve problems and improve conditions for citizens, fostering the state's growth and development through teamwork.