ROLE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHIEF MINISTER

 ROLE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CHIEF MINISTER

As a real executive authority, the Chief Minister is called the head of the government. He is

assisted by his council of ministers who are a part of state executive along with Governor and

Advocate-General of State. Similar to Prime Minister who is the head of the government at the

centre, the Chief Minister is the head of the government at the state level. He is the head of the state

government. While the governor is the nominal executive of the state government, the person who

becomes the chief minister is the real executive of the government. The real executive is called ‘de

facto’ executive that means, ‘in fact, whether by right or not. Just like the Prime Minister, provisions

of whose appointment are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution, Chief Minister’s appointment particulars are not mentioned in the Constitution. According to Article 164 in the Indian

Constitution, Governor appoints Chief Minister. However, the Governor cannot appoint any random

person as the Chief Minister but has to follow a provision. A leader of the party that has got the

majority share of votes in the assembly elections is appointed as the Chief Minister of the state.

Articles 163 to 164 of Our Constitution deal with the office of the Chief Minister. Article 163 (1)

says there shall be a Council of ministers Headed by the Chief Minister to Aid and Advice the

Governor in the exercise of his functions. He plays a key role in the Administration of the State

government.