Which position within the Union Council of Ministers of India is immediately below the Prime Minister in hierarchy?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Cabinet Minister

Explanation:

• The Cabinet Minister is the senior-most rank after the Prime Minister in the Union Council of Ministers.

• Cabinet Ministers are in charge of important ministries and are part of the Union Cabinet, the central decision-making body.

• The functioning and structure of the Council of Ministers are provided under Article 74 (Council to aid and advise the President) and Article 75 (Appointment, tenure, and responsibility of Ministers).

• The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 clarified that the President must act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers.

• The Cabinet is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, as mandated by Article 75(3) of the Constitution.

Information Booster:

• Three tiers in the Council:

  1. Cabinet Ministers – senior-most, lead key ministries

  2. Ministers of State – with or without independent charge

  3. Deputy Ministers – assist senior ministers

• Cabinet Ministers are members of Cabinet Committees, e.g., Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

• The maximum number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, is capped at 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

• Cabinet decisions are taken collectively, and individual ministers must support them publicly (collective responsibility).

Additional Information:

• Option B – Parliamentary Secretary: Not part of the Union Council of Ministers. This post has faced disqualification issues under the Office of Profit clause (Article 102).

• Option C – Minister of State: Junior to Cabinet Ministers; may have independent charge or assist a Cabinet Minister.

• Option D – Deputy Minister: Has the lowest rank; assists MoS or Cabinet Ministers; not part of the Cabinet.