Question

What are the powers and functions of the Chief Minister?

Answer 1

1. The leader of the majority party or majority group in the state Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor.
2. The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the state administration.

• The Powers and Functions of the Chief Minister:

1. Relating to the council of Ministers
2. Relating to the Governor
3. Relating to the State Legislature
4. Other functions and powers

• Relating to the Council of Ministers:

1. The Chief Minister recommends a person who can be appointed as Minister by the Governor.
2. He allocates the portfolios to the Ministers
3. He shuffles and reshuffles his ministry
4. He presides over the cabinet meetings and influences its decisions,
5. In case of difference of opinion, he can ask a minister to resign or advises the Governor to dismiss him,
6. If the Chief Minister resigns the council of Ministers is also should resign.
7. He guides, directs, controls, and coordinates the activities of all the Ministers.

• Relating to the Governor:

1. The Chief Minister is the link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers.
2. He advises the Governor in relation to the appointment of Advocate General of the state, State Election Commissioner, Chairman and members of the State Planning Commission, State Public Service Commission, and the State Finance Commission.

• Relating to State Legislature:

1. On the advice of the Chief Minister Governor officially summons & prorogues the sessions of the state legislature.
2. He announces the government policies on the floor of the house.
3. He can introduce the bills in the Legislative Assembly.
4. Recommend for the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly to the Governor any time.

• Other function and powers:

1. As the leader of the party he has to control the party and develop the disciplines.
2. To consider the demands of the different sections of the people.
3. As the political head supervise control and co-ordinate the secretaries of various departments in the state level.
4. For the smooth functioning of the state, he has to develop a good rapport with the Central (Union) Government for good Centre-State relation.