Council of Ministers (CoM)

The Council of Ministers comprises the Prime Minister at its head, followed by Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. 

The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, who also appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. 

The size and ranking of each minister are determined by the Prime Minister.

Articles 74 and 75 of the Indian Constitution deal with the Council of Ministers. 

Article 74 states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President. 

Article 75 mentions the appointment, tenure, responsibilities, and powers of the Council

The Council is responsible for aiding and advising the President in exercising his/her constitutional functions. 

The National Commission to review the working of the Constitution under the Chairmanship of Justice Venkatachaliah set up in February 2000, had suggested a ceiling of 10% of the total strength of Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly for the number of Ministers at the Centre/State level. 

Finally, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003, the total number of Ministers including PM/CM in the COM was limited to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assembly.

There is no minimum requirement at the Central level whereas even the smaller States should have a minimum of 12 Ministers.

For Union Territories of NCT of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the maximum limit is 10% of the total strength of its Assembly.