Functions of the Council of Ministers The powers and the functions of the State Council of Ministers are given below:
1. Legislative Functions.
2. Executive Powers and Functions.
3. Financial Powers.
A brief description of above three categories of functions and powers of the State Council of Ministers are described in below paragraphs:
1. Legislative Functions:
(a) Most of the Bills put up in the State Legislature are official Bills-that is, the Bills moved by the Ministers.
The Ministers introduce, move and pilot the Bills through the State Legislature.
Hardly any Bill is passed without the open support of the Council of Ministers.
(b) Ordinances are issued by the Governor but he issues them only with the prior advice of the Council of Ministers.
(c) The Governor summons or prorogues sessions of the State Legislature in accordance with the decision of his Council of Ministers.
2. Executive Powers:
(a) The Council of Ministers formulates the executive policy of the State and a responsible for the running of the State Administration, which is divided into many departments.
A Minister heads a department and manages it with the help of Civil Servants.
(b) The Council of Ministers formulates a variety of policies to ensure overall development of the State.
The Council is answerable to the State Legislature for its plans and policies.
(c) The Council settles disputes, if any among various departments.
(d) The Council acts as the main co-ordinator in the administration of the State.
(e) All important appointments in the State are made by the Governor with the prior approval of the Council of Ministers.
3. Financial Powers: Generally, the Annual Budget is presented before the State Assembly by the Finance Minister. While formulating the budget proposals Council of Ministers determines what taxes to be levied and how the funds of the State Government are to be spent.
All decisions on the proposals are taken by the Council of Ministers and no tax can be repeated, reduced or levied without the approval of the Council of Ministers.
