With reference to the Council of Ministers in the Union Executive of India, which of the following statements accurately specifies the constitutional limitation on the maximum size of the Union Council of Ministers?
- The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the House of the People (Lok Sabha), as mandated by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.Answer
- BThe total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the combined strength of both Houses of Parliament, as introduced by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978.
- CThe total number of ministers, excluding the Prime Minister, is restricted to 10 percent of the elected membership of the Lok Sabha under the original provisions of Article 75.
- DThe numerical strength of the Council of Ministers is fixed at the sole discretion of the President of India on the recommendation of the Election Commission of India.
Answer
The total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Union Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha, introduced by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
The provision capping the size of the Union Council of Ministers was added to Article 75 by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. It stipulates that the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, cannot exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Size limitation of the Union Council of Ministers under Article 75(1A) via the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
Estimated Time:1m 0s