What are powers of Chief Ministers?

Q.  Which of the following is/are true regarding the powers of the CM in relation to Council of Ministers?

1) CM allocates portfolios among the ministers.
2) CM announces government policies on the floor of Lok Sabha.
3) He can advise the Governor to dismiss a minister in case of difference of opinion.
- Published on 06 Mar 17

a. 2, 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above

ANSWER: 1, 3
 
  • Before the Chief Minister enters upon his office, the governor administers to him the oaths of office and secrecy.

  • The form of oath of office and secrecy for the Chief Minister is similar to that for any state minister.

  • The term of the Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.

  • However, as long as the CM enjoys the majority support in the legislative assembly, he cannot be dismissed by the Governor.

  • However, if he loses the confidence of the legislative assembly, he must resign or the Governor can dismiss him.

    • The powers and functions of Chief Minister in relation to Council of Ministers -

    1. The Chief Minister is the head of the council of ministers.

    2. The Governor can appoint only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.

    3. He allocates and reshuffles various portfolios among the ministers.

    4. He can ask a minister to resign or advise the Governor to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.

    5. He presides over the meeting of council of ministers and influences its decisions.

    6. He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.

    7. He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office.

    8. Since the Chief Minister stands at the head of the council of ministers, his resignation or death automatically dissolves the Council of Ministers.

    9. The resignation or death of any other minister, on the other hand, merely creates a vacancy which the Chief Minister may or may not likely fill.

    Powers in relation to State Legislature -

    1. The Chief Minister is the leader of the Legislative Assembly.

    2. In this capacity, he advises the President with regard to summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the State Legislature.

    3. He can recommend dissolution of the Legislative Assembly to Governor at any time.

    4. He announces government policies on the floor of the House.

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