PM Modi and 71 Ministers Sworn In for Third Term; NDA Allies Get 11 Portfolios
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his third consecutive term in office.
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71 other members were sworn in as part of the Union Council of Ministers.
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The oath-taking ceremony took place on June 9 at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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NDA allies received 11 portfolios in the newly formed Union government.
- ●Prime Minister: Narendra Modi (third consecutive term)
- ●Total Ministers Sworn In: 72 (PM + 71 additional members)
- ●Date of Oath Ceremony: June 9
- ●Venue: Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan
- ●Portfolios Allocated to NDA Allies: 11
Union Council of Ministers
The Union Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is the real executive authority in India's parliamentary system. It aids and advises the President in the exercise of his functions (Article 74). Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and hold office during the pleasure of the President (Article 75). They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Simple Analogy: Imagine the President as the ceremonial head of a company (like a Chairman), while the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are the CEO and the management team who actually run the day-to-day operations and make key decisions.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Official residence of the President of India; serves as the venue for significant state ceremonies, including the oath-taking of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Article 74 of the Indian Constitution
Mandates a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head to aid and advise the President in the exercise of his functions.
Article 75 of the Indian Constitution
Deals with the appointment, tenure, responsibility, qualification, and oath of ministers. It establishes the principle of collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.
91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
Limited the size of the Council of Ministers (both Union and State) to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha (or State Legislative Assembly). For states, a minimum of 12 ministers is prescribed.
Exam Relevance
GS-II Indian Polity: Union Executive, Council of Ministers, Constitutional provisions, Amendments.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Constitutional bodies, Government structure.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Indian Polity.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Constitutional facts.
General Awareness: Indian Polity, Government structure.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister. 2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 only
With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognised as advocates, but corporate lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates. 2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and recognition of law colleges. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 only
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Discuss the constitutional framework governing the formation and functioning of the Union Council of Ministers, particularly highlighting the principle of collective responsibility and the impact of coalition politics.'
- ★SSC/Banking may ask: 'Who administers the oath of office to the Union Council of Ministers?' or 'What is the maximum permissible strength of the Union Council of Ministers as per the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act?'
Topic Frequency
High (a recurring and fundamental topic in Indian Polity).
Key Terms
The body of ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, that aids and advises the President.
A smaller, inner body within the Council of Ministers, comprising senior ministers holding important portfolios, acting as the chief policy-making body.
The principle that the entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning a vote of no-confidence against one minister is a vote against the entire Council.
A formal pledge taken by ministers to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and to faithfully discharge their duties.
Must Remember
- •Articles 74 and 75 are the foundational constitutional provisions.
- •The 91st Amendment Act, 2003, limits the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the Lok Sabha strength.
- •The President administers the oath of office and secrecy to the ministers.
- •The Constitution does not classify ministers into ranks like Cabinet, MoS, Deputy Minister; this is by convention.
Exam Tips
- •Understand the clear distinction between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
- •Memorize the key constitutional articles and the provisions of the 91st Amendment.
- •Focus on the roles and responsibilities of the Prime Minister, President, and the Council of Ministers.