The News Craving
Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory will have a maximum of ten ministers in its Council of Ministers, as per new rules governing its administration.
As per the law applicable in the UT the size of the Council of Ministers has not to be more than ten percent of the total members of the Legislative Assembly. With the Chief Minister as the head, this council will aid and advise the Lieutenant Governor in matters under the jurisdiction of the Assembly, except where the Lieutenant Governor is mandated to act in his discretion.
Key Provisions
- Council of Ministers: The number of ministers is capped at 10% of the total members of the Legislative Assembly.
- Discretion of Lieutenant Governor: The Lieutenant Governor may act independently in matters beyond the powers of the Assembly or in cases related to All India Services and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- Final Decision: If there is a question about the Lieutenant Governor’s discretion, his decision will be final and cannot be challenged.
Appointment of Ministers:
Ministers not holding a seat in the Assembly for six consecutive months will cease to be ministers.
The Chief Minister is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, while the other ministers are appointed based on the Chief Minister’s advice.
Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor and are collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.
The salaries and allowances of Ministers shall be such as the Legislative Assembly may from time to time by law determine, and until the Legislative Assembly so determines, shall be determined by the Lieutenant Governor.
