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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is wrong: the Constitution does not classify ministers into ranks; the four-tier hierarchy of Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers is a matter of convention and executive practice (Article 74 refers only to the Council of Ministers).
• Statement 2 is correct: Article 75(1A), inserted by the 91st Amendment Act, 2003, caps the total number of Union ministers including the Prime Minister at 15% of the strength of the Lok Sabha.
• The same 15% ceiling (minimum 12) applies to State Councils of Ministers under Article 164(1A).
• Hence 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: ministerial ranks are conventional, not constitutional.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Statement 2 is correct: the 15% cap is in Article 75(1A).
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.