In the ministerial hierarchy in India, Ministers of State generally have:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) secondary rank within the portfolios assigned to Cabinet Ministers

Explanation:

• Ministers of State in India are appointed to assist Cabinet Ministers in the functioning of specific portfolios.
• They generally hold a secondary rank within the portfolios assigned to Cabinet Ministers, meaning they are responsible for specific tasks but under the direction and authority of the Cabinet Minister.
• While they do have certain responsibilities, they do not have the same level of decision-making power as Cabinet Ministers.

Information Booster:

• Ministers of State are usually assigned to assist with particular departments or areas within a ministry, but their decisions typically require approval from the Cabinet Minister in charge.
• The role of Ministers of State is to provide support and manage specific functions within their assigned portfolio, without having the overall authority of a Cabinet Minister.
• The rank and authority of Ministers of State are usually below that of Cabinet Ministers, making them secondary in rank within the portfolios.

Additional Knowledge:

• Option A: Ministers of State do have executive responsibility within their specific areas but under the supervision of Cabinet Ministers.
• Option C: They do not have authority over the entire Cabinet portfolio; they assist the Cabinet Ministers.
• Option D: Ministers of State do not have equal standing with Cabinet Ministers in their assigned portfolios. They function as junior ministers.