Question

Consider the following statements with respect to the powers and functions of the Chief Minister of a state:

1. The governor appoints only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister.

2. He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office.

3. He can recommend the dissolution of the legislative assembly to the governor at any time.

4. He is a member of the Inter-State Council and the Governing Council of NITI Aayog.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1, 3 and 4 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 1, 2, 3 and 4

The correct answer is 1, 2, 3 and 4.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF CHIEF MINISTER

• The governor appoints only those persons as ministers who are recommended by the Chief Minister. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• He allocates and reshuffles the portfolios among ministers.
• He can ask a minister to resign or advise the governor to dismiss him in case of difference of opinion.
• He presides over the meetings of the council of ministers and influences its decisions.
• He guides, directs, controls and coordinates the activities of all the ministers.
• He can bring about the collapse of the council of ministers by resigning from office. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

• He is the principal channel of communication between the governor and the council of ministers.
• It is the duty of the Chief Minister:
  • to communicate to the Governor of the state all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the state and proposals for legislation;
  • to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the state and proposals for legislation as the governor may call for; and
  • if the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the council of ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the council.
• He advises the governor with regard to the appointment of important officials like advocate general, chairman and members of the state public service commission, state election commissioner, and so on.
• He advises the governor with regard to the summoning and proroguing of the sessions of the state legislature.
• He can recommend the dissolution of the legislative assembly to the governor at any time. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• He announces the government policies on the floor of the house.

• He is the chairman of the State Planning Board.
• He acts as a vice-chairman of the concerned zonal council by rotation, holding office for a period of one year at a time.
• He is a member of the Inter-State Council and the National Development Council, both headed by the prime minister. Hence, statement 4 is correct.