UPSC Prelims 2009 Q94: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about creating and assigning Union Ministries
These statements examine the actual constitutional process for forming ministries and assigning them to ministers.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ministries created by the PM on the Cabinet Secretary's advice | Incorrect | Ministries/Departments are created by the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister — not on the Cabinet Secretary's advice |
| 2. Each Ministry assigned to a Minister by the President, on the PM's advice | Correct | This accurately reflects the constitutional process: the President assigns portfolios, acting on the Prime Minister's advice |
Correcting the first claim:
| Point | Correct detail |
|---|---|
| Ministry creation | By the President, on the PM's advice (not the Cabinet Secretary's) |
| Portfolio assignment | By the President, on the PM's advice — accurate as stated |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Ministries are created by the President on the PM's advice, not the Cabinet Secretary's, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. Portfolio assignment by the President, on the PM's advice, is an accurate description of the process.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Ministries/Departments are created by the PRESIDENT on the PRIME MINISTER'S advice (not the Cabinet Secretary's) — but each Ministry's assignment to a specific Minister, by the President on the PM's advice, is accurately described.
Remember
Ministries/Departments are created by the President on the PM's advice (not the Cabinet Secretary's); portfolio assignment also follows this President-PM process.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Cabinet Secretary's administrative/coordinating role with the actual constitutional authority (President, on PM's advice) for creating ministries.
- Not distinguishing ministry creation from portfolio assignment, two related but distinct processes.
- Assuming both statements must share the same source of authority when only one correctly identifies it.
Exam tip
Ministries are created by the President on the PM's advice — NOT the Cabinet Secretary's advice. Portfolio assignment, however, correctly follows the President-on-PM's-advice process.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 77 (conduct of business of the Government of India)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (President)