Question

How many categories of ministers are there in the State Council of Ministers?
A. 5
B. 2
C. 6
D. 3

Answer 1

Hint: Categories in the state council of ministers are the same as the categories at the central level. Each category represents a hierarchical place in the council of ministers.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Article 163 of the Indian Constitution requires that for every state there should be a council of ministers aiding the chief minister. Chief minister advises the Governor of that state for the correct functioning of it. Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the chief minister and can also be removed by him. There are three categories in the state council of ministers who all come under the chief minister.
Cabinet Ministers: Hierarchically, these ministers are considered top tier and they individually hold important portfolios. They can attend and participate in all the cabinet meetings.

Ministers of State: This category comes below the Cabinet ministers and depending on their duties, can be classified under two types.
A) Holding individual portfolios who only attend cabinet meetings, when there are matters related to their respective department.
B) Not having individual charges, so they work under cabinet ministers.

Deputy Ministers: This is the bottom tier in the council of ministers. These are subordinate to cabinet ministers and ministers of state with independent charge of the portfolio. their work is decided by the ministers above them.

Thus, option (D) is correct.

Note: This hierarchical model is the same for the central and state-level government and distribution of power is also similar. A minimum number of ministers can be 12 and the maximum number can be $15\% $ of the strength of the Legislative Assembly. The Union Council of Ministers exercises authority over the entire country.