Which one of the following statements about the Union Executive in India is correct?
According to the Constitution of India, the total number of members of the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 20% of the total number of Members of the House of the People.
The rank of the different Ministers is determined by the President.
The Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Only a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as a Minister.
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
Statement B is incorrect. While the Ministers are appointed by the President, their rank (Cabinet Minister, Minister of State, etc.) and portfolios are determined by the Prime Minister, who heads the Council of Ministers.
Statement C is correct. Article 75(1) of the Constitution explicitly states, “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.”
Statement D is incorrect. Article 75(5) states that a person who is not a member of either House of Parliament can be appointed as a Minister, but they must become a member of either House within six consecutive months, failing which they cease to be a Minister. Therefore, being a member at the time of appointment is not mandatory.