Question

State the difference between the ‘cabinet’ and the ‘council of ministers' with reference to their responsibilities in the government.

Answer 1

Hint:The important ministries like defense ministry, home ministry and finance ministry in the central government are headed over by the ministers of cabinet and these ministers of cabinet are included in the council of ministers.

Complete answer:
Some of the differences that distinguish cabinet ministers from the council of ministers are as under:
1.The important portfolios in the central government such as the education ministry, home affairs, finance and defense ministry are all held by the senior ministers of the cabinet,while the council of ministers consists of all the cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and ministers of state.

2.The prime minister seeks advice on important issues from the cabinet because they consist of the most experienced ministers, while consulting with the council of ministers or not to make important decisions is completely up to the prime minister.

3.The collective responsibility of the council is enforced by the cabinet to its ministers, while the collective responsibility of the council is enforced to the lower house of the parliament.

4.In order to formulate policies and to make decisions on matters that are of national importance, the cabinet meets frequently, while the meeting between the council of ministers can be rarely seen.

5.About 15 to 20 ministers constitute the cabinet, whereas about 60 to 70 ministers of the government constitute the council of ministers.

Note:The council of ministers is a constitutional body and after the 44th amendment act was passed in 1978, the cabinet was also conferred with the status of constitutional body. Both cabinet and council of ministers report to the Prime Minister.