Isabella Carter
The number of cabinet ministers in India is a dynamic figure, dependent on the requirements of the government and the decisions of the Prime Minister. The cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in the country's political and administrative system, and its members are senior ministers who head various key ministries such as Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, and External Affairs. As of 2024, there are 30 cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, 5 Ministers of State with independent charge, and 36 Ministers of State. The Constitution of India, amended in 2003, dictates that the total number of ministers in the council of ministers must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Cabinet Ministers | 20-30, including the Prime Minister |
| Number of Ministers of State | 36 |
| Number of Ministers of State with independent charge | 5 |
| Total number of ministers | Not to exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha |
| Minimum number of ministers in smaller states | 12 |
| Maximum limit for Union Territories of NCT of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir | 10% of the total strength of its Assembly |
| Appointment | Selected by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the President of India |
| Tenure | Coincides with the duration of the Prime Minister's term, which is five years unless an earlier election is called |
| Removal | Can be removed by the Prime Minister or can resign; the President of India can dismiss them on the Prime Minister's advice |
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What You'll Learn
The number of cabinet ministers
The cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in the political and administrative system of India. It is the main policy-making body of the Central Government and is responsible for major policy decisions. The Prime Minister of India is the head of the cabinet and is responsible for leading the executive branch of the Government of India, setting the agenda for cabinet meetings, and coordinating the work of all the ministers.
The cabinet ministers are formally appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister selects individuals to become ministers, often based on political considerations and their confidence in the individual's ability to handle specific portfolios effectively. The tenure of cabinet ministers usually coincides with the duration of the Prime Minister's term, which is typically five years unless an earlier election is called. Cabinet ministers can be removed by the Prime Minister or can resign, and the President of India can dismiss them on the Prime Minister's advice.
The total number of ministers in the council of ministers, including the cabinet ministers, must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha, according to the Indian Constitution. Members of parliament are required to serve as ministers, and if a minister is not a member of either house of parliament for six consecutive months, their ministerial position is automatically revoked.
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The role of cabinet ministers
The Cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in India's political and administrative system. It is the main policy-making body of the Central Government and is responsible for formulating policies and decisions on important national issues. The Cabinet is made up of senior ministers who hold important portfolios such as defence, home affairs, and education.
The Cabinet has a crucial role in legislation, taking the lead in formulating, defending, and presenting bills. They guide the bill through the different legislative procedures, from introduction to ultimate passage. The Cabinet is also responsible for developing and implementing Constitutional Amendments. In the event of a Proclamation of Emergency, the Cabinet, not the Prime Minister alone, has the authority to declare it and suspend Fundamental Rights.
The Cabinet acts as a consultative body to the President, and its recommendations are legally binding. The Cabinet is responsible for all foreign policies and affairs and has the power to appoint constitutional authorities and senior administrators.
The Union Council of Ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the principal executive organ of the Government of India. It serves to aid and advise the President in executing their functions. The Council of Ministers determines the Union's legislative agenda and takes the lead in introducing and passing government legislation. It is responsible for formulating India's foreign policy and preparing the Union Government's budget.
The total number of ministers in the council of ministers must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha, according to the Indian Constitution. Ministers must be members of parliament and are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
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How cabinet ministers are appointed
The appointment of cabinet ministers in India is a crucial aspect of the country's political system. The process ensures that the government has a team of ministers who aid and advise the President and the Prime Minister in executing their functions and making important decisions. Here is a detailed overview of how cabinet ministers are appointed in India:
The Constitution of India outlines the framework for the appointment of cabinet ministers. According to Articles 75 and 163, the total number of ministers in the council of ministers, including cabinet ministers, must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. This provision ensures that the size of the cabinet remains proportional to the legislative body's size.
The process of appointing cabinet ministers typically begins after the formation of a new government or when there is a vacancy in the cabinet due to resignation, death, or removal of a minister. The Prime Minister, who chairs the council of ministers, plays a pivotal role in the appointment process. The Prime Minister selects individuals for cabinet positions based on their expertise, experience, and alignment with the government's policies and agenda.
The Prime Minister may consult with senior members of their political party, allies, and other stakeholders during the selection process. The chosen individuals are then formally appointed as cabinet ministers by the President of India, who acts on the advice of the Prime Minister. The appointed cabinet ministers take an oath of office, pledging to uphold the Constitution and faithfully perform their duties.
It is important to note that cabinet ministers must be members of parliament. If a minister is not a member of either house of parliament for six consecutive months, their ministerial position is automatically revoked, as per Articles 75 and 164. This provision ensures that cabinet ministers remain accountable to the legislative branch of the government.
The cabinet ministers, once appointed, play a crucial role in governing the country. They head various ministries and departments, overseeing the implementation of policies and programmes. The cabinet meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on important national issues, formulate policies, and coordinate the work of different ministries. The Cabinet Secretariat, functioning directly under the Prime Minister, provides secretarial assistance and helps in decision-making by ensuring inter-ministerial coordination.
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How cabinet ministers can be removed
The number of cabinet ministers in India has varied over time, with sources stating that the cabinet can consist of around 15 to 20 ministers, while others state that the Union Council of Ministers, which includes the cabinet, can consist of 60 to 70 ministers. As of 2024, there are 30 cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, 36 ministers of state, and 5 ministers of state with independent charge.
Now, moving on to the removal of cabinet ministers, there are a few ways in which this can occur. Firstly, according to Articles 75(3) and 2, the Council of Ministers, including the cabinet, is responsible to the lower house of the Indian parliament, the Lok Sabha. If the council loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, it must resign to allow for the formation of a new council. This is one way for cabinet ministers to be removed, as they would have to resign en masse.
Secondly, according to Articles 0, 6, and 8, a minister must be a member of either house of parliament. If a minister is not a member of either house for six consecutive months, their ministerial position is automatically revoked. This provision ensures that cabinet ministers remain actively involved in the legislative process.
Thirdly, the Prime Minister plays a significant role in the removal of cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister has the prerogative to decide on the composition of the cabinet and can recommend the removal of a minister to the President. The President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, then issues an order for the removal of the minister. Typically, the Prime Minister asks the concerned minister to resign, and the minister follows this request.
Additionally, in March 2020, the Supreme Court of India, under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, removed a minister serving in the state of Manipur. This was the first instance of the Supreme Court exercising its powers to remove a minister.
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The history of the number of cabinet ministers
The number of cabinet ministers in India has varied over time, with the size of the Council of Ministers (COM) expanding and contracting depending on the decisions of the Prime Minister and the needs of the government. The Indian Constitution, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003, limits the total number of ministers in the council, including the Prime Minister, to 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. This provision ensures that the number of ministers remains proportional to the size of the legislature and prevents the cabinet from becoming unwieldy.
Historically, the first COM at the time of India's independence in 1947 had only 15 ministers, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Following the first general elections in 1952, Nehru expanded his council to around 30 ministers. Over the subsequent decades, the size of the COM gradually increased, with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's COM reaching 74 ministers in 1999. However, the large size of the COM during this period was criticised as being unwieldy and difficult to manage.
In response to these concerns, the National Commission to review the working of the Constitution, established in February 2000, proposed a ceiling of 10% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha for the number of ministers. Subsequently, the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003 set the limit at 15%, providing flexibility while still ensuring a proportional representation.
As of 2024, the Narendra Modi government's COM consists of 30 cabinet ministers, 5 ministers of state with independent charge, and 36 ministers of state, for a total of 71 members, including the Prime Minister. This number is within the constitutionally mandated limit and reflects the current requirements of the Indian government.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Indian Constitution, the total number of ministers in the council of ministers must not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The current strength of the 18th Lok Sabha is 543 members, so the Council of Ministers cannot include more than 81 people. The number of ministers in the cabinet varies, but it typically consists of 20-30 ministers. As of 2024, Narendra Modi's Cabinet comprises 30 Cabinet Ministers, 36 Ministers of State, and 5 Ministers of State (Independent Charge).
The cabinet ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet ministers are senior ministers who head various key ministries such as Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, and External Affairs. They are involved in major policy decisions and are crucial to the functioning of the government.
