Q. Consider the following statements about Central Government:
1) Ministries and Departments are formed by the Prime Minister with consultation of the Cabinet Secretary.
2) Every Minister is allocated Ministry by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Out of these :
a) Only 1 is correct
b) Only 2 is correct
c) 1 and 2 are correct
d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Correct Answer : b) Only 2 is correct
Question from BPSC PT 71, 2025
Correct Answer: b) Only 2 is correct
Explanation:
– Statement 1 is incorrect. Creation/merger/abolition of Ministries and Departments and allocation of business is done through Presidential rules (Government of India Allocation of Business Rules) made under Article 77(3), on the advice of the Prime Minister/Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Secretary only coordinates administratively; there is no constitutional requirement that the PM “forms” them in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary.
– Statement 2 is correct. Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister (Article 75), and the allocation of portfolios among Ministers is done by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice under Article 77(3). In practice, the PM decides and the President formalizes it.
