Question

The Constitution provides a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President: In this context, answer the following questions:

1. Briefly mention three of their functions.
2. How does the Parliament exercise an effective control over the Council of Ministers?
3. State the Cabinet's role in the formulation of policies of the Government.

Answer 1

1. Three functions of the Council of Ministers are:
   1. Policy Making: The Cabinet develops internal and external policies for the government. Though they enjoy reasonable independence of action, individual ministers must consult the Cabinet on all important issues.
   2. Implementation of Policies: Once the Cabinet decides on any topic, the policy is presented to the Deputy Minister of the relevant Ministry and the Minister of State. They handle the specifics and forward them to the civil servants under that Ministry to carry out the ruling.
   3. Finances of the Government: The Cabinet is in charge of government expenditures, including grants, to fulfil the present need and generate required cash through several channels, including taxation.
2. Parliament guarantees the Cabinet's accountability to the general public and the Parliament overall. The Parliament's chosen methods are:
   1. No-Confidence Vote for the Council of Ministers.
   2. Rejecting a government bill.
   3. Implementing legislation opposed by the government.
   4. Voting to cut the budget.
   5. Adding an amendment to a bill against the government's desires.
   6. Reducing ministers' salary.
   7. Asking questions.
   8. Adjournment motions.
   9. Opposing specific government measures.
3. The Cabinet develops the government's policies, both domestic and external. The government chooses defence, economic policy, security, President's Rule, new state formation, industrial policy, imports, and electoral reform. Ministers have some privacy but must discuss key decisions with the Cabinet.