Who among the following is NOT a Cabinet Minister?

Correct option is B

Ans. (b) Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence

Sol. A Minister of State (MoS) is not a Cabinet Minister but a junior minister who assists a Cabinet Minister in a specific ministry. The Cabinet Ministers are senior ministers who head key ministries and are part of the Union Cabinet, which is responsible for major policymaking and administration under Article 75 of the Indian Constitution.

The Council of Ministers is classified into three categories under Article 74 and Article 75:

1. Cabinet Ministers – Senior ministers who head ministries and participate in Cabinet meetings.
2. Ministers of State (Independent Charge) – Handle ministries independently but are not part of the Cabinet.
3. Ministers of State (MoS) – Assist Cabinet Ministers and do not attend Cabinet meetings unless invited.

A Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence works under the Cabinet Minister of Defence, supporting policymaking and administration.

Information Booster:

• Article 74 – The President of India exercises executive power with the advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister.
• Article 75(1) – The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, and other ministers are appointed on the PM’s recommendation.
• Article 75(2) – Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the President.
• Article 75(3) – The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Article 77 – All executive actions of the Government of India are taken in the name of the President.
• Article 78 – Specifies the duties of the Prime Minister, including communication between the President and the Council of Ministers.
• The Cabinet Ministers attend all Cabinet meetings, while Ministers of State do not, unless invited.
• The President administers the oath of office and secrecy to ministers under the Third Schedule of the Constitution.

Additional Information:

• (a) Minister of Home Affairs – A Cabinet Minister responsible for internal security, law and order, and disaster management.
• (c) Minister of External Affairs – A Cabinet Minister in charge of India's foreign policy and international relations.
• (d) Minister of Law and Justice – A Cabinet Minister responsible for legal affairs, constitutional matters, and judicial reforms.