Which one of the following statements is correct? The Prime Minister of India
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- Ais free to choose his ministers only from among those who are members of either House of the Parliament
- Bcan choose his cabinet colleagues after due counselling by the President of India in this regard
- Chas full discretion in the choice of persons who are to serve as ministers in his cabinetCorrect
- Dhas only limited powers in the choice of his cabinet colleagues because of the discretionary power vested with the President of India
Explanation
The correct answer is C because under the Indian Constitution, the Prime Minister has the absolute authority to decide who will be part of the Council of Ministers. While the President formally appoints the ministers, he can only do so on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President has no discretionary power in this matter and must follow the Prime Minister's recommendations.
Regarding the other options, A is incorrect because a person who is not a member of either House can be appointed as a minister for up to six months. Options B and D are incorrect because the President does not counsel the Prime Minister on these appointments nor does the President have discretionary powers to limit the Prime Minister's choice. Therefore, the Prime Minister enjoys full discretion in selecting his team.
Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
If the number of seats allocated to a state in the Lok Sabha is 42, then the number of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes in that state will be
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
In the Indian context the term De-notified tribes refers to
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
According to the World Health Organisation, the disease which causes the death of the largest number of people today is
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
Which one of the following first mooted the idea of a constituent assembly to frame a constitution for India?
- Prelims 1996GS1polity-and-governance
When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to