Union Cabinet

Recently, the Prime Minister of India reshuffled and expanded his COM or the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister of India currently has 77 ministers, out of which more than half are newly elected. These ministers are ranked differently based on several factors. The cabinet is a smaller body in the council of ministers responsible for drafting policies. Although it is a system of government, it is referred to as the cabinet system of government. 

Historical Background of Union Cabinet 

Since the constitution of India was designed and framed as per the conventions of the British, it does not include the term “cabinet” anywhere. In article 74 in the Indian constitution, there is a mere mention of councils of ministers and no mention of cabinets. After the 44th constitutional amendment act, 1978, the term cabinet was introduced in the Indian constitution under article 352. It is not necessary that the members of the council of ministers need to be the members of the cabinet as well. 

Define Cabinet 

The cabinet can be described as the core of the councils of ministers. It acts under the name of the councils of ministers and performs all major functions. In administration and legislation, it is the most vital directing instrument of the government. There are 15-18 members in the cabinet who are the senior-most ministers in the council of ministers. They are expected to take effective decisions and work efficiently.

Role of Cabinet 

Following are the roles performed by the cabinet:

• The most prominent function of the cabinet is to control the parliament and govern the entire country. 

• Cabinet ministers form the major part of the cabinet, whereas the state ministers are allowed to attend the cabinet meeting only when the matter is regarding their state. 

• The cabinet is responsible for deciding major policy questions. The cabinet controls higher-ranking appointments, including the senior secretariat administrators and constitutional authorities. 

• The cabinet takes charge of national and international affairs and policies. 

• The cabinet is responsible for advising the president. 

Composition of Cabinet 

The Prime Minister of the country decides the cabinet’s composition. Since certain departments are extremely vital, their ministers are integral members. 

Appointment of Cabinet Ministers 

• The president of the country appoints the cabinet ministers.

• However, the president follows the recommendations of the Prime Minister. 

Qualification of Cabinet Ministers 

• The cabinet minister must be a part of any of the parliamentary houses. 

• If the person is not a member of any parliamentary house, he/she is appointed as the cabinet minister; either he/she will have to become a minister after six months or the parliament house within the six months. 

Disqualification of the Cabinet Minister 

• If the parliament member is disqualified due to defection, they will not be standing to become the next Prime Minister. However, if they again manage to get elected in the next parliamentary elections, they are eligible to become the country’s Prime Minister. 

Powers of Union Cabinet 

There are a number of powers that the union cabinet practices. These include:

• The cabinet performs the president’s executive powers, which the country’s Prime Minister heads. 

• It develops programs and policies to provide improved living conditions to its people. 

• Once the cabinet has developed all the policies, it is presented to parliament for final approval. 

• The cabinet formulates both domestic and foreign policies. 

• After the cabinet’s approval, the president can declare an external or internal national emergency. 

• If the parliament is not present in the session, the cabinet takes charge of the president’s ordinances. 

• It participates in the entire legislative process. 

• The cabinet controls the nation’s finances to a certain extent. 

Difference Between Cabinet and Council of Minister 

Conclusion 

The cabinet can be described as the core of the council of ministers. It acts under the name of the council of ministers and performs all major functions. In administration and legislation, it is the most vital directing instrument of the government.