Question

How long can a minister stay in office?

Answer 1

Hint: A minister is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. Before a Minister enters upon his office, the President also administers to him the oaths of office and of secrecy. This provision has been mentioned in the third schedule.

Complete step by step answer: A minister is appointed by the president and therefore the tenure or period of service is also at the pleasure of the president. Article 75 of the Indian constitution very well states that “The Minister shall hold office during the pleasure of the President”. A minister has to become a member of any house of the parliament either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. In case a minister fails to comply with this rule within a period of six months, he/she ceases to be a minister altogether. There is a council of such ministers and this council is responsible to the house of people, collectively.

Note: The council of ministers is headed by the prime minister. This council is considered a supreme organ of the executive. It consists of a cabinet as well as junior ministers which are also known as ‘deputy ministers’.