There are three categories of ministers:

1. Cabinet Ministers: The cabinet ministers are in charge of the most important government ministries such as Home Affairs, Finance, Planning, Agriculture etc. As members of the cabinet, they are involved in making decisions about the government’s policies. They are political heads of their respective ministries. 
   • Cabinet committees comprising members of the cabinet i.e. cabinet ministers perform similar functions in relation to the state government as performed by the Union cabinet at national level.
2. Minister of State: 
   • Minister of state with an independent charge heads the department or ministry allotted to them. They function with similar autonomy as enjoyed by the cabinet ministers.
   • Ministers of state are usually appointed to assist cabinet ministers. They may be given a charge of a department under the ministry by respective cabinet ministers.
3. Deputy Ministers: They are not given independent charge of any ministry or department. They serve as an administrative, political, and parliamentary aide to cabinet ministers and ministers of states.

Ministerial Responsibility in State Government

Responsibility of ministers for their actions in relation to the affairs of government ensures that they work to uphold the public interest and act according to democratic norms prescribed by the constitution. Our constitution envisages both the collective and individual responsibilities of the ministers which is explained below:

Collective Responsibility of Ministers in State Government

• It emanates from the provision of the constitution which mandates that “the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the legislative assembly of the state”. 
• It essentially means that the council of ministers stays in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the state legislative assembly. The state legislative assembly has the power to enforce collective responsibility of the council of ministers with the use of no-confidence motion.
• This principle ensures that the council of ministers is accountable for its actions to the representatives chosen directly by the voters of a state.

Individual responsibility of Ministers in State Government

• It is embodied in the constitutional provision which states that “the ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the governor”. 
• The CM, being head of the council of ministers, has the authority to recommend removal or demand resignation of any of the ministers whose conduct is becoming undesirable.
  • Example: The then CM of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, in 2015 recommended dismissal of eight ministers from the state council of ministers of Uttar Pradesh citing non-performance as the reason.
• If the Minister disagrees with a government decision and is not ready to defend it publicly he/she must resign from his/her position in the Council of Ministers.
  • Example: In 2022, T. S. Singh Deo resigned as Chhattisgarh Panchayati Raj Minister. He criticised his own government for failing to construct 8 lakh houses meant for rural poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. 
• This principle ensures that ministers in their individual capacity stick to the collective agenda of the government and align policies and decisions of their respective ministries to the broad policy framework of the government.

No legal responsibility of Ministers in State Government

• The Constitution does not have any provision for the system of legal responsibility in the states. 
• There is no requirement that a minister countersigns an order of the governor for a public act. 
• Further, courts are barred from enquiring into the nature of advice rendered by ministers to the governor.

Role and Functions of the Council of Ministers in State Government

The council of ministers at the state level is responsible for executing the policies and programs of the state government. It plays a vital role in the governance of the state. The following are the roles and functions of the council of ministers at the state level:

• Administration: The council of ministers is responsible for managing and directing the state administration. They recommend appointment of key officials to the governor for managing various departments and enforcing the policies of the state.
• Legislative Powers: Most of the bills voted on by the state legislature are government bills drafted by different ministries. The Ministers introduce, explain, and defend these bills before the State Legislature.
• Policy Making: The council of ministers is responsible for formulating policies and programs for the development and welfare of the people residing in the state. They are also responsible for implementing these policies and programs.
• Budget Making: Although the budget is prepared by the Finance ministry at the state level, various ministries and departments at the state level provide necessary inputs in the formulation of the budget.
• Financial Management: The council of ministers is responsible for managing the state’s finances and ensuring that the state’s resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.
• Representation: The council of ministers represents the state government in various forums and negotiations with other states and the central government.
• Law and Order: The council of ministers is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.