Question

A person who is not a member of Parliament can be appointed as a Minister by the President for a maximum period of
1. 9 months
2. 3 months
3. 12 months
4. 6 months

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 6 months

The correct answer is 6 months.

• A person who is not a member of Parliament can be appointed as a minister. But, he should be able to become an MP within 6 months.
• He can either be a member of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

• The Lok Sabha/Lower House
  • It is composed of representatives of people chosen by direct election on the basis of Universal Adult Suffrage.
  • Maximum strength of the House is 552 members - 530 members to represent the States, 20 members to represent the Union Territories, and 2 members to be nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian Community.
  • At present, the strength of the House is 545. 
• The Rajya Sabha/Upper House
  • ​The Rajya Sabha is to consist of not more than 250 members - 238 members representing the States and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President.
  • Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
  • However, one third of the members retire every second year, and are replaced by newly elected members.
  • Each member is elected for a term of six years.