3.4 Chief Minister and Council of Ministers: Functions

 


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

The Chief Minister (CM) is the real executive head of the State, while the Governor is only a constitutional head.
According to Articles 163 and 164, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor and is the leader of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly.

The CM heads the Council of Ministers, which is the central decision-making body at the state level.
Together, the CM and Council of Ministers run the administration and implement laws, policies, and development programs.

1. Chief Minister: Functions

The Chief Minister performs executive, legislative, financial, and leadership functions similar to the Prime Minister at the central level.

1.1 Executive Functions

  1. The CM allocates portfolios to ministers and can change them anytime.

  2. Supervises the functioning of all ministries and departments.

  3. Advises the Governor on the appointment of ministers.

  4. Acts as the main link between the Governor and Council of Ministers.

  5. Ensures policies, laws, and programs are implemented effectively in the state.

Keyword: Executive functions of Chief Minister

1.2 Legislative Functions

  1. Advises the Governor to summon or prorogue the Legislative Assembly.

  2. Plays a major role in introducing government bills and policies.

  3. Guides the legislative agenda of the government.

  4. Answers questions in the Legislative Assembly on state issues.

  5. Addresses the Assembly on policy matters and development programs.

Keyword: Legislative role of CM

1.3 Financial Functions

  1. Supervises preparation of the State Budget.

  2. Controls state financial policies and expenditure plans.

  3. Ensures implementation of schemes funded by the State or Centre.

  4. Works with the Finance Minister to manage taxation and revenue generation.

Keyword: Financial powers of CM

1.4 Leadership Functions

  1. Acts as the leader of the majority party in the Assembly.

  2. Provides overall direction to the state government.

  3. Maintains unity and coordination within the Council of Ministers.

  4. Represents the state at national meetings (e.g., NITI Aayog).

  5. Handles crises, disputes, and major administrative decisions.

2. Council of Ministers: Structure

The Council of Ministers assists the CM in running the state administration.

The Council generally consists of:

  1. Cabinet Ministers – senior ministers handling major departments

  2. Ministers of State – assist Cabinet Ministers

  3. Deputy Ministers (rare today)

The Cabinet is the most powerful group within the Council.

3. Functions of the Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers plays a vital role in administration, legislation, finance, and policy-making.

3.1 Executive Functions

  1. Implements laws, policies, and programs of the state government.

  2. Administers various departments such as education, health, finance, police, transport, etc.

  3. Frames administrative rules and government orders.

  4. Ensures welfare schemes reach people effectively.

Keyword: Executive role of Council of Ministers

3.2 Legislative Functions

  1. Introduces and pilots bills in the State Legislature.

  2. Guides the discussions on state policies.

  3. Responsible to the Legislative Assembly under collective responsibility (Article 164).

  4. Must resign if the Assembly passes a no-confidence motion.

Keyword: Legislative duties of Council of Ministers

3.3 Financial Functions

  1. Prepares the State Budget with the Finance Department.

  2. Manages expenditure on development projects.

  3. Imposes or modifies state taxes with legislative approval.

  4. Ensures economic development and financial stability.

3.4 Policy-Making Functions

  1. Formulates policies for development in sectors like health, education, transport, agriculture.

  2. Discusses public issues and prepares action plans.

  3. Advises the Chief Minister on all major matters.

3.5 Collective Responsibility

  • The entire Council is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

  • This means if one minister fails, the whole Council may have to resign.

Relationship Between Chief Minister and Council of Ministers

  1. CM is the head of the Council of Ministers.

  2. CM selects ministers and assigns them work.

  3. Ministers work under the guidance and supervision of the CM.

  4. CM can demand resignation of any minister.

  5. CM represents the Council in front of the Governor and Legislature.

This makes the CM the most powerful authority in the state government.

Conclusion

The Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers form the real executive authority at the state level.
The CM provides leadership, coordination, and vision, while the Council manages administration, legislation, finances, and policy implementation.
Together, they ensure efficient governance, accountability, and the development of the state.





For Full Chapter  --->  22IMC7Z2 CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Unit-wise



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

Your simple, smart guide to understanding the Indian Constitution.




— Aivette-COI

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