Question

Enumerate the functions of the Council of Ministers. 

Answer 1

The Council of Ministers is appointed and headed by the Prime Minister to aid and advise the President. It is the real executive authority. It implements the decision taken by the Cabinet. Its functions are determined by the Cabinet. Being a central executive body of the government, the council performs wide-ranging functions, which make its role critical and decisive. A few functions of the council are listed below:

1. It forms public policies to be executed, which will lead to progress and development.
2. Preparation and monitoring of legislative agenda.
3. It exercises executive control over administration through appointments and rulemaking.
4. It reviews the work of planning and planning commission.
5. It operates funds like contingency funds of India and consolidated funds.
6. It is collectively responsible to the lower house of the Parliament.
7. It implements the decision taken by the cabinet.
8. It helps in coordination among various ministers and other organs of the government.
9. Its financial function is to manage the economy through fiscal control and operation of funds.