The concept of collective and individual responsibility of the Central Council of Ministers in India is fundamental to the functioning of the parliamentary system. These principles ensure accountability, coherence, and stability in the government.
Collective Responsibility:
Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution states: “The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People.”
Collective Decision-Making:
- The Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, makes decisions collectively. This means that all ministers share the responsibility for government policies and decisions.
Government as a Single Unit:
- The government is treated as a single unit, and all ministers are collectively accountable for the actions and policies of the government.
Vote of No-Confidence:
- If the Lok Sabha (House of the People) passes a vote of no-confidence against the government, the entire Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, is expected to resign. This is a manifestation of collective responsibility.
Resignation in Unison:
- In cases where the government faces criticism or loses majority support, ministers are expected to resign collectively. The resignation is not limited to the Prime Minister alone but extends to all ministers.
Individual Responsibility:
Article 75(2) of the Indian Constitution states: “The Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.”
Autonomy of Ministries:
- While collective responsibility prevails, individual ministers are responsible for the functioning of their respective ministries. Each minister is accountable for decisions and policies within their domain.
Accountability for Personal Actions:
- Ministers are individually accountable for their personal conduct and actions. If a minister is involved in wrongdoing or faces allegations, they may be asked to resign or can be dismissed by the President.
Performance and Efficiency:
- Individual ministers are responsible for the performance and efficiency of their ministries. If there are issues, criticism, or failures in a specific ministry, the minister in charge may be held individually responsible.
Resignation of Individual Ministers:
- In certain situations, an individual minister may resign due to personal reasons, ethical concerns, or disagreements with government policies, without affecting the entire Council of Ministers.
Balance Between Collective and Individual Responsibility:
Joint Decision-Making:
- While individual ministers have autonomy in their respective ministries, major policy decisions are usually taken collectively, ensuring consensus and unity in the government.
Ministerial Autonomy:
- Individual ministers have the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This autonomy is crucial for the efficient functioning of various government departments.
Role in Parliament:
Collective Responsibility in Parliament:
- In Parliament, the entire Council of Ministers is collectively responsible for defending government policies, answering questions, and participating in debates.
Individual Ministers in Parliament:
- Individual ministers also have specific roles in Parliament, presenting bills related to their ministries, responding to queries, and representing their ministries during parliamentary proceedings.
Conclusion: The principles of collective and individual responsibility strike a balance between unity in decision-making and individual autonomy. Collective responsibility ensures the stability of the government, while individual responsibility maintains accountability and efficiency within ministries. These principles contribute to the overall effectiveness of the parliamentary system in India.
