Question

Under what condition can a non-member of Parliament be made a Minister?

Answer 1

Hint: A minister is responsible for heading a ministry, making and implementing decisions on policies with or without consulting the other ministries. In some jurisdictions, the head of government is also a minister and is designated the ’prime minister’, ’chief minister’, ’chancellor’, or another title.

Complete step by step answer:
In the schemes of the Parliamentary system of government, the President is the nominal executive authority (de jure executive) and the Prime Minister is the real executive authority (de facto executive). Article 75 of the Indian Constitution specifies the manner in which the union Ministers are appointed. The Prime Minister of India is generally appointed by the honorable President of India. Further, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the President appoints other ministers. It means only those persons can be appointed who are recommended by the Prime Minister. The constitution of India clearly states that a person who is appointed as a minister cannot continue to be a minister after six months of his appointment as a minister. Another way of saying that, a non-member may be appointed as a minister, but he/she will have to get elected to either house within six months. The Constitution of India requires the Prime Minister to head the Council of Ministers. He is required to assign and change various portfolios among the Ministers. When any difference of opinion occurs, the PM can ask any minister to resign. He can advise the president as well to dismiss him. He guides, controls, directs, and coordinates the activities of all the ministries.

Note: Collective responsibility under Article 75, the Council of Minister is collectively responsible to Lok sabha for all their acts. It means that the cabinet decisions bind all cabinet Ministers and other Ministers even if they differed in the Cabinet meeting.