Question

Discuss about the Chief Minister's relationship with the Council of Ministers.

Answer 1

As head of the Council of Ministers, Chief Minister enjoys the following powers in relation to the Council of Ministers:

i) Formation of the ministry: The ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has a free hand in preparing the list of his colleagues. the portfolios are assigned by the chief ministers.

ii) Removal of ministers: The ministers hold office till the Chief Minister has faith in them. In fact, the Chief Minister can reconstruct the Ministry as and when he or she likes. He or she may ask anyone of his or her colleagues to resign. If he or she declines he or she will be dismissed by the Governor.

iii) The Chief Minister presides over the meetings: The Chief Minister presides over the cabinet meetings and decides its agenda. He or she may reject or accept proposals for cabinet discussion.