UPSC Prelims 2022 Q14: Indian Polity – Council of Ministers
Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister
of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not
exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Council of Ministers — what the Constitution says
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Constitution classifies ministers into four ranks | Wrong | The Constitution does not rank ministers. The categories come from convention and the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act, 1952 |
| 2. Total ministers including PM ≤ 15% of Lok Sabha | Correct | Article 75(1A), added by the 91st Amendment, 2003 |
Categories of ministers (by practice):
| Rank | Note |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Minister | Heads major ministries; attends Cabinet meetings |
| Minister of State (Independent Charge) | Runs a ministry without a Cabinet Minister above |
| Minister of State | Assists a Cabinet Minister |
| Deputy Minister | Assists senior ministers; rarely used now |
The word 'Cabinet' entered the Constitution only through the 44th Amendment (1978), in Article 352.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; ministerial ranks come from convention, not the Constitution.
- (b) CORRECT. The 15% cap comes from Article 75(1A); the four ranks are not in the Constitution.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' fails.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true under the 91st Amendment (2003).
Key point
Ministerial ranks = convention, not the Constitution. 91st Amendment (2003): ministers ≤ 15% of Lok Sabha (Art 75(1A)).
Remember
The Constitution caps ministers at 15% of the Lok Sabha but does not rank them.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Constitution lists ministerial ranks because they are used officially.
- Counting Rajya Sabha strength in the 15% cap; it is 15% of the Lok Sabha only.
- Forgetting that 'Cabinet' appears only in Article 352 after the 44th Amendment.
Exam tip
The Constitution sets limits (15%), convention sets ranks. Don't confuse the two.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 75(1A)
- Constitution (Ninety-first Amendment) Act, 2003
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Council of Ministers)