State Council of Ministers
- Article 163(1) of the Constitution of India provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions except when he is required by the Constitution to act in his discretion.
- The State Council of Ministers is formed in the same manner as the Union Council of Ministers is formed.
- The leader of the majority party or coalition of parties in the legislative assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the Governor.
- The other ministers in the Council of Ministers are appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
Term of Office of the Council of Ministers
- As per the Constitution, the Council of Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
- But, in reality, the Council of Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Chief Minister because the Governor acts on the advice of the Chief Minister.
- The Council of Ministers are individually responsible to the Chief Minister.
- The Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.
- That means, the Council of Ministers shall speak in one voice.