Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b) Lok Sabha
As per Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution, the Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of Parliament.
Key Points:
Collective Responsibility:
- The principle of collective responsibility means that all ministers in the Council of Ministers stand as a single entity.
- If a vote of no-confidence is passed in the Lok Sabha against the Council of Ministers, all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are required to resign.
Accountability to the Lok Sabha:
- The Lok Sabha has the power to question, debate, and hold the Council of Ministers accountable for its actions and policies.
- Ministers must answer questions and defend their decisions in the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha:
- While some ministers may be members of the Rajya Sabha, the Council of Ministers is not collectively responsible to this house.
President:
- The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President in the exercise of their functions, but they are not responsible to the President.
Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
- The Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha and ensures the smooth conduct of proceedings but does not hold the Council of Ministers accountable.
Additional Information:
This system of collective responsibility ensures the parliamentary form of government operates effectively, with the Council of Ministers being directly accountable to the elected representatives of the people in the Lok Sabha.