UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 86: Polity and Governance
Which one of the following Constitutional Amendments states that the total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of members of the House of the People ?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The 91st Amendment (2003) put a ceiling on the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, of 15 per cent of the strength of the Lok Sabha (Article 75(1A)); for States it fixed 15 per cent of the Assembly, with a minimum of 12 ministers. It also tightened the anti-defection law by removing the exemption for splits.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The 90th Amendment dealt with Assam Assembly representation.
- (b) Right: the 91st Amendment capped the Council of Ministers at 15 per cent.
- (c) The 92nd Amendment added languages to the Eighth Schedule.
- (d) The 93rd Amendment dealt with reservation in educational institutions.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.