What percentage of the total number of members of Lok Sabha can be the total number of Union Council of Ministers ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 2: 15 percent. This is based on the constitutional provisions and legal framework governing the composition of the Union Council of Ministers in India.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (15 percent):**
   - According to Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the total number of ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Union Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha. This provision was introduced by the 91st Amendment Act of 2003 to ensure a more streamlined and efficient government by limiting the size of the Council of Ministers. Therefore, Option 2 is correct as it aligns with the constitutional mandate.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (10 percent):** This option is incorrect because the constitutional limit is set at 15 percent, not 10 percent. While a government could choose to have fewer ministers, the maximum permissible limit is 15 percent, making 10 percent an incorrect representation of the constitutional provision.
   - **Option 3 (20 percent):** This option is incorrect because it exceeds the constitutional limit. The 91st Amendment Act specifically restricts the size of the Union Council of Ministers to 15 percent of the Lok Sabha's total membership, making 20 percent an incorrect and unconstitutional figure.
   - **Option 4 (25 percent):** Similar to Option 3, this option is incorrect as it significantly exceeds the constitutional cap of 15 percent. Allowing 25 percent would contradict the legal framework established by the 91st Amendment, which aims to prevent excessively large cabinets.

In summary, Option 2 is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the constitutional limit on the size of the Union Council of Ministers, which is set at 15 percent of the total number of members of the Lok Sabha. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with this constitutional provision.