Executive & Council of Ministers

Statement 1 is correct: Sending a report to the President recommending imposition of President’s Rule (Article 356) is a discretionary power of the Governor. The Governor can act independently if they believe the constitutional machinery in the state has failed. Statement 2 is incorrect: The appointment of Ministers is done by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, not at their discretion (Article 164). Statement 3 is correct: The Governor has the discretionary power to reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the President’s consideration (Article 200). Statement 4 is incorrect: The rules for the conduct of business of the State Government are made by the Governor on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 166), not at their discretion.

Statement 1 is correct: The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the preparation of the agenda for Cabinet meetings and circulation of papers related to Cabinet discussions. Statement 2 is correct: It provides secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees and ensures implementation of Cabinet decisions through coordination among ministries. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Cabinet Secretariat does not allocate financial resources — that function is performed by the Ministry of Finance through the Budget Division and related departments.

Statement 1 is correct: According to Article 77 of the Constitution of India, the President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 53 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Executive power of the Union. The executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President ( and not the Prime Minister) and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution.

The National Development Council (NDC) in India is comprised of the following members: * The Prime Minister (who chairs the council)
* Ministers of the Union Cabinet
* Chief Ministers of the States The Chairman, Finance Commission - while the Finance Commission plays a crucial role in recommending the devolution of financial resources from the central government to the states, the Chairman is not a member of the NDC. _Note: While the NDC was proposed to be abolished, it has not been formally dissolved, although its powers have largely been transferred to the NITI Aayog's Governing Council._

Statement 1 is not correct: The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to Lok Sabha, not parliament. Statement 2 is correct: The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation.

In the context of India's parliamentary government, the following principles are implied institutionally: Statement 1 is correct. Close Link Between Legislature and Executive: By requiring Cabinet members to be MPs, a close connection is established between the legislative and executive branches. This ensures the government is accountable to the legislature, which represents the people. Statement 2 is correct: Collective Responsibility The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Cabinet functions as a unified body. If the Parliament loses faith in the government through a no-confidence motion, the entire Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, is expected to resign. Statement 3 is incorrect: Cabinet is not headed by the Head of State. In India, the President is the Head of State, but the Prime Minister leads the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is the head of government and wields significant executive power.

Option 'A' is incorrect: The 7th Amendment permitted the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more states. This was implemented to streamline administration, particularly during the period of state reorganisation. Option 'B' is incorrect: The judges of the High Court are also appointed by the President, like the Judges of the Supreme Court. Option 'C' is correct: No procedure for the removal of the Governor is mentioned in the Constitution, as the Governor works under the pleasure of the President. Option 'D' is incorrect: The Chief Minister of a Union Territory is appointed by the President, not LG.