UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 45
Consider the following statements :
- 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.
- 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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 only)
Explanation: The Constitution limits the size of the Union Council of Ministers to 15% of Lok Sabha membership, but does not enumerate four ministerial ranks.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. False / does not qualify - Cabinet, MoS and deputy-minister distinctions are conventions/administrative classifications, not four constitutional ranks.
2. True / qualifies - Article 75(1A), added by the 91st Amendment, limits ministers including PM to 15% of Lok Sabha strength.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes 1 even though Cabinet, MoS and deputy-minister distinctions are conventions/administrative classifications, not four constitutional ranks.; omits 2 even though Article 75(1A), added by the 91st Amendment, limits ministers including PM to 15% of Lok Sabha strength.
B. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.
C. Incorrect-includes 1 even though Cabinet, MoS and deputy-minister distinctions are conventions/administrative classifications, not four constitutional ranks.
D. Incorrect-omits 2 even though Article 75(1A), added by the 91st Amendment, limits ministers including PM to 15% of Lok Sabha strength.