Difference Between Cabinet and Council of Ministers

Difference Between Cabinet and Council of Ministers: The Cabinet and the Council of Ministers in the Indian Constitution form the core of the executive branch, with the Prime Minister and the Council collectively responsible for the governance and administration of the country. The constitutional provisions ensure a balance of power and responsibility within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Indian government. The Cabinet and the Council of Ministers are two different bodies. The cabinet is a smaller body consisting of selected senior ministers, whereas the Council of Ministers is a larger body that consists of all the ministers of the government. The responsibilities of the cabinet include making important policy decisions and advising the head of the government. On the other hand, the Council of Ministers is responsible for representing various political parties and providing a forum for discussion, coordination, and advisory functions. These are only some basic differences between the two bodies.

In this article, you will read about what is the cabinet, what is the Council of Ministers, and the difference between them.

What is Cabinet?

A cabinet refers to a small body consisting of some senior ministers selected by the head of government. It plays a significant role in decision-making within the government or we can say, the cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in the Indian administrative system. The cabinet is formed by the President or the Prime Minister. The small group of selected ministers is responsible for making important policy decisions and advising the head of government. The cabinet consists of around 15 to 20 ministers chosen from within the ruling party or coalition. Therefore, the Cabinet can be understood as a part of the Council of Ministers.

What is the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers is a larger body consisting of around 60 to 70 ministers. All these ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers plays a significant role in the functioning of the government. It consists of three categories of ministers, including the ministers of state, deputy ministers, and cabinet ministers. The ministers of the council are responsible for making important policy decisions while also ensuring the proper implementation of laws and regulations. The roles and functions of the Council of Ministers are largely determined by the Cabinet.

What is the Difference Between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers?

Although the Cabinet is a part of the Council of Ministers, it has more powers vested with it. There are significant differences in the composition, functions, and responsibilities of the two bodies as mentioned below:

1. Composition

When it comes to the composition, the cabinet is a smaller body consisting of only around 15 to 20 ministers. These ministers are usually selected from within the ruling or coalition party by the President or the Prime Minister.

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers is a larger body consisting of around 60 to 70 ministers, including the Cabinet ministers and two other categories. These ministers are chosen by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

2. Importance in the Government

Being the highest decision-making authority, the Cabinet is considered the most important and influential body within the government. It consists of the most key ministers who are responsible for making important policy decisions. The decisions made by Cabinet ministers can have a significant impact on the functioning of the government.

The Council of Ministers also holds importance within the Indian government as it consists of all the central government ministers representing the collective voice of the government. It plays an important role in ensuring coordination among different ministries, promoting cooperation, and ensuring the proper implementation of government policies.

3. Decision-Making

Cabinets hold an important position within the Indian government when it comes to decision-making powers. Cabinet ministers play a crucial role in making the most important policy decisions. Along with this, they must advise the head of the government on important matters to help them make more informed decisions. The decisions made by the Cabinet hold more weight and influence the functioning of the government.

Although the Council of Ministers also participates the making policy decisions, their decisions hold comparatively less weight. Their decisions are usually consulatative.

4. Meetings

The frequency of cabinet meetings highly depends on the requirements of the government. Their meetings are generally held at regular intervals, usually every week or every fortnight. All the important policy issues are discussed in these meetings and crucial policy decisions are also made. Also, these meetings are important for keeping the President and Prime Ministers informed about the progress of various initiatives taken by the government.

The meetings of the Council of Ministers are held less frequently. These meetings are generally held on a need basis or to discuss matters that require collective decision-making by all the ministers.

Tabular Difference between Cabinet and Council of Ministers

You might have understood the major differences between the Cabinet and Council of Ministers until now. Let us now revise the same quickly with the help of a table:

Cabinet

Council of Ministers

It is a smaller body consisting of around 15-20 ministers. It is a part of the Council of Ministers. Cabinet Meetings generally occur more frequently, usually once every week or every fortnight. It directs the Council of Ministers as it makes policy decisions, which are binding on all Council Ministers. It is also the duty of the cabinet to supervise the implementation of its decision by the council of ministers. Though the Cabinet does not find any place in the original constitution text, it was added in Article 352 of the Indian constitution by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. The cabinet enforces the collective responsibility of the council of ministers to the lower house.

It is a larger body consisting of around 60-70 ministers. It includes three categories of ministers, including cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and deputy ministers. The council of ministers doesn’t meet frequently. The cabinet determines the functions of the Council of Ministers. The council of ministers must implement the decisions taken by the cabinet. It finds a place in the original text of the Constitution as it has been mentioned in detail in Articles 74 and 75. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the lower house of the parliament.

Conclusion – Cabinet vs Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers is a larger body when it comes to composition. However, more powers are vested with the Cabinet. While the cabinet makes important decisions, the council of ministers is responsible for implementing their decisions. It is important to note that both bodies hold significant importance within the government.

FAQs on Difference Between Cabinet and Council of Ministers

1. What is the Cabinet?

A cabinet refers to a small body consisting of some senior ministers selected by the head of government. It plays a significant role in decision-making within the government or we can say, the cabinet is the highest decision-making authority in the Indian administrative system

2. What is the council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers is a larger body consisting of around 60 to 70 ministers. All these ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

3. What is the role of the Cabinet?

The role of the cabinet ministers is to make and manage important policy decisions and advise the head of the government. They are also responsible for supervising the implementation of important decisions by the Council of Ministers.

4. Is the Council of Ministers a part of the Cabinet?

No, the Council of Ministers is not a part of the Cabinet, but it is the reverse. The Cabinet is a part of the Council of Ministers. Along with the cabinet ministers, the council of ministers includes two other categories of ministers.

5. Which article of the Indian constitution talks about the Cabinet?

Article 352 of the Indian constitution talks about the Cabinet. Although it was not originally there in the constitution text, it was added by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978.

6. Which is the highest decision-making authority within the Indian government?

The Cabinet is the highest decision-making authority within the government of India.