The Union Council of Ministers in India holds extensive powers, making it the real executive authority in the Indian political system. These powers include:
- Executive Powers: The Council of Ministers exercises the executive powers of the Union, vested in the President by the Constitution. These include formulating policies, ensuring their approval by Parliament, running administration, and coordinating departmental work. The Cabinet formulates both domestic and foreign policies, maintains law and order, and ensures national development.
- Legislative Powers: Although legislative power is constitutionally vested in Parliament, the Council of Ministers plays a dominant role. Ministers introduce most bills and manage nearly all government business in Parliament. The Cabinet also advises the President in summoning, proroguing, or dissolving Parliament.
- Financial Powers: The Cabinet prepares and presents the Union Budget, controls financial administration, and proposes taxes. It also introduces Money Bills in the Lok Sabha, which require the Cabinet’s consent to be altered by Parliament. Any disagreement with the Cabinet on financial matters is treated as a vote of no-confidence.
- Emergency Powers: The President exercises emergency powers under Articles 352 to 360 only on the advice of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is responsible for managing emergencies and advising the President accordingly.
- Appointment Powers: Higher appointments like Governors, Judges, Ambassadors, and Commission members are made by the President based on the Cabinet’s advice.
